Peak Bone Mass in Young Women

Increasing peak bone mineral density (BMD) or content (BMC) in young women may help to reduce the incidence of osteoporosis. Identifying the age when peak bone content or density is attained is essential to develop strategies aimed at optimizing peak BMD and BMC. Total body bone mineral density (TBBMD) and content (TBBMC) were measured by a dual X-ray absorptiometer in healthy females (n = 247, aged 11-32 years). TBBMD and TBBMC were modeled separately as a nonlinear function of age. By age 22.1 +/- 2.5 years, 99% of peak BMD is attained, and by age 26.2 +/- 3.7 years, 99% of peak BMC is attained. Nonlinear relationships between weight and TBBMD or TBBMC were also modeled. In this model, the influence of several parameters, including age, weight, and height, on BMC and BMD were simultaneously assessed. A model with age and weight described the best fit for TBBMD, whereas age, weight, and height described the best fit for total body TBBMC.