A pilot study of body composition and bone mineral density in healthy men from Argentina

A precise assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition can be performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Values of body composition for males would be useful to evaluate the occurrence of alterations in body composition in a number of diseases. The objectives of this study were to establish BMD and body composition values in healthy men and to analyze age-related changes. BMD and body composition of total body and subareas were determined in 116 healthy men (aged 20-79 yr) using DXA. Comparison between 20-29- and 70-79-yr-old men showed that older subjects were shorter (p < 0.03), and had a higher body mass index (p < 0.01). Fat mass increased (+46.7%; p < 0.001) especially in the trunk. Lean mass (LM) decreased (-9.4%; p < 0.05) mainly in the arms and legs. Bone mineral content (BMC) and BMD decreased (-15.3% [p < 0.001], -6.3% [p < 0.05], respectively). Correlation was observed between BMC and LM (r = 0.7, p < 0.01). Values of BMD and body composition in healthy men were obtained. A relation was observed between bone mass and body composition, suggesting that the age-related decrease in LM may be associated to bone mass loss. Further studies should be conducted to elucidate the role of body composition in the occurrence of osteoporosis in men.