Lumbar spine peak bone mass and bone turnover in men and women: a longitudinal study.

Unlabelled: Peak bone mass is an important determinant of bone mass in later life, but the age of peak bone mass is still unclear. We found that bone size and density increase and bone turnover decreases until age 25. It may be possible to influence bone accrual into the third decade.

Introduction: Peak bone mass is a major determinant of bone mass in later life. Bone growth and maturation is site-specific, and the age of peak bone mass is still unclear. It is important to know the age to which bone accrual continues so strategies to maximise bone mass can be targeted appropriately. This study aims to ascertain the age of lumbar spine peak bone mass.

Methods: We measured lumbar spine BMC, estimated volume and BMAD by DXA and biochemical markers of bone turnover in 116 healthy males and females ages 11 to 40, followed up at an interval of five to nine years.

Results: The majority of peak bone mass was attained by the mid-twenties. Increases in BMC in adolescents and young adults were mostly due to increases in bone size. Bone turnover markers decreased through adolescence and the third decade and the decreasing rate of change in bone turnover corresponded with the decreasing rate of change in lumbar spine measurements.

Conclusions: Skeletal maturation and bone mineral accrual at the lumbar spine continues into the third decade.