Bone Density of Young Indian Adults and Effect of Exercise, Calcium Intake and Socioeconomic Status on Peak Bone Mass

Objective: To collect data of bone mineral density of young Indian adults and to assess the effect of exercise, calcium intake and socioeconomic status on bone mineral density in them. Method: This was a cross sectional design in which T-score data of 152 athletes and 150 sedentary young Indian adults of age 18-30 yrs was collected. Record of their per capita income and three days meal pattern, to assess calcium intake, was also collected. Result: This study depicts that sedentary young Indian adults fail to acquire adequate peak bone mass and become osteopenic as early as age 25, especially females while athletes achieve much higher values of bone mineral density as compared to their Caucasian counterparts. Per capita income >1000rs./mth results in lower bone mineral density, affecting sedentary ones more than the athletes. Calcium intake >500mg/day negatively affects bone mineral density. However, levels above this value do not have any direct relationship with positive effect on bone mineral density. Conclusion: Indian young adults achieve much less peak bone mass as compared to their western counterparts. That is why the prevalence of osteoporosis is much higher amongst Indians. Though, Indians are not genetically predisposed to have low peak bone mass. Rather, it is the lack general health awareness reflected through lack of exercise and low socio economic status (secondarily affecting the dietary calcium), which results in poor bone health among young Indian adults. These young individuals can attain peak bone mass higher than their western counterparts with regular exercise program.