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Race/ethnic differences in bone mineral density in men

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Abstract

Summary

The epidemiology of osteoporosis in male and minority populations is understudied. We compared BMD in 1,209 Black, Hispanic, and White men. Black men exhibited higher BMD than Hispanic or White men. Age-related BMD decreases were greatest among Hispanic men. Results may help explain variation in hip fracture rates by race/ethnicity.

Introduction

The epidemiology of osteoporosis in male and minority populations is understudied. To address this concern, we conducted a study of skeletal health in a diverse population of adult males.

Methods

A total of 367 Black, 401 Hispanic, and 451 White men aged 30–79 years were randomly sampled from Boston, MA. Bone densitometry (bone area (BA), bone mineral content (BMC), and bone mineral density (BMD)) at the whole body, hip, lumbar spine, and forearm was performed. Multiple regression analyses on 1,209 men with available data were used to describe race/ethnic group-specific means (height- and age-adjusted) and age trends (height-adjusted) in BMC, BA, and BMD. Results were weighted to represent the Boston male population aged 30–79 years.

Results

Black men had greater BMC and BMD than Hispanic or White men. Femoral neck BMD was 5.6% and 13.3% higher in Black men than in Hispanic and White men, respectively. Differences between Hispanic and White subjects were restricted to the hip. Age-related declines in BMC and BMD were significantly steeper among Hispanic than Black or White men.

Conclusions

Differences in BMC and BMD could explain variation in fracture rates among Black, Hispanic, and White men. The steeper age-related BMD decline in Hispanic men is of particular concern.

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Acknowledgements

The BACH/Bone study was supported by grant AG 20727 from the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The parent study (BACH) was supported by grant DK 56842 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Additional support from MO RR00533. The authors appreciate the statistical support of Gretchen Esche, M.S.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. New England Research Institutes, 9 Galen Street, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA

    A. B. Araujo, T. G. Travison & J. B. McKinlay

  2. Bone Metabolism Laboratory, USDA HNRCA at Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA

    S. S. Harris

  3. Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA

    M. F. Holick & A. K. Turner

Authors
  1. A. B. Araujo
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  2. T. G. Travison
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  3. S. S. Harris
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  4. M. F. Holick
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  5. A. K. Turner
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  6. J. B. McKinlay
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to A. B. Araujo.

Additional information

The BACH/Bone study was supported by grant AG 20727 from the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The parent study (BACH) was supported by grant DK 56842 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Additional support from MO RR00533.

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Araujo, A.B., Travison, T.G., Harris, S.S. et al. Race/ethnic differences in bone mineral density in men. Osteoporos Int 18, 943–953 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-006-0321-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-006-0321-9

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