Bone mineral density and mass by total-body dual-photon absorptiometry in normal white and Asian men.

Total body bone mineral density, total body bone mineral mass (TBBM), and bone mineral densities (BMD) in seven different regions of the body were measured in 238 normal men (154 Whites and 84 Asians), age 22-94, using dual-photon absorptiometry. Although Asian men had lower TBBM and BMD in all regions (p less than 0.05) except the arms, when multiple regression was done with body weight, height, and age, no significant differences were found between Asians and Whites for bone measurements. Thus lower bone mineral densities and bone mineral mass in Asian males compared to White males appear to be due to differences in height and weight rather than to ethnic differences. The two groups were combined to derive multiple regression equations for TBBM, total-body BMD, and regional BMD. Age, weight, and height were significant in the multiple regression equations for TBBM, ribs BMD, and legs BMD. Age and weight, but not height, were significant for total-body BMD, trunk BMD, spine BMD, arm BMD, and pelvis BMD. Weight, but neither height nor age, was significant for head BMD. These reference normal bone mineral density and bone mineral mass standards are appropriate for both Asian and White males when adjusted for weight, height, and age.