Quantitative Ultrasound and Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry as Indicators of Bone Mineral Density in Young Women and Nutritional Factors Affecting It

Abstract

Young adulthood is an important stage in the accrual of bone mass. Young women are often unaware of the need, and how to optimize modifiable risk factors, particularly intake of nutrients associated with good bone health. In this study, an accessible way to estimate osteoporosis risk, quantitative ultrasound (QUS), is compared to the gold-standard technique dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in a group of 54 healthy young women (18–26 years) from Manawatu, New Zealand, and the relationship with nutrient intake is investigated. Broadband ultrasound attenuation and speed of sound (BUA, SOS) were assessed by QUS calcaneal scans and bone mineral concentration/density (BMC/BMD) were determined by DXA scans of the lumbar spine and hip (total and femoral neck). Dietary intake of energy, protein, and calcium was estimated using three-day food diaries and questionnaires. DXA mean Z-scores (>−2.0) for the hip (0.19) and spine (0.2) and QUS mean Z-scores (>−1.0) (0.41) were within the expected ranges. DXA (BMD) and QUS (BUA, SOS) measurements were strongly correlated. Median intakes of protein and calcium were 83.7 g/day and 784 mg/day, respectively. Protein intake was adequate and, whilst median calcium intake was higher than national average, it was below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). No significant relationship was found between dietary intake of calcium or protein and BMD or BMC. To conclude, QUS may provide a reasonable indicator of osteoporosis risk in young women but may not be an appropriate diagnostic tool. Increased calcium intake is recommended for this group, regardless of BMD.

The relationship between erectile dysfunction and osteoporosis: a population-based study in Southern China

“…(4) Data on osteoporosis were obtained by ultrasound bone densitometer, as X-rays were harmful to the health of participants and were not part of this study. Ultrasound bone densitometer revealed a strong correlation compared to X-rays [31] and has been used mainly used to assess BMD in large epidemiology survey [32][33][34] . (5) No androgen tests were performed in this study, and we could not identify the prevalence of osteoporosis with the levels of androgen.…”

Parathyroid hormone in Sri Lankan pregnant women: Vitamin D and other determinants

“…A likely explanation is the low accuracy of QUS compared to other methods. Recent evidence supports that QUS is a reasonable indicator of bone loss in non-pregnant young women [36]. It is safe, less expensive, and easy to use.…”

Reply to “Sample Size Calculation. Comment on Quantitative Ultrasound and Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry as Indicators of Bone Mineral Density in Young Women and Nutritional Factors Affecting It, Nutrients, 2019, 11, 2336”

“…We would like to thank Moran and Sanchez Fernandez [1] for their interest in our work and their comments on our recent publication [2]. We would like to address their concerns regarding our calculation of sample size.…”