The range of bone density in normal British women.

A study to determine the range of bone density in British females was carried out on a group of 165 normal women. The results showed an increase in mineral content with peak values occurring in the fourth decade (mean 1.06 g/cm2; 95% confidence limits 0.783-1.343) and subsequent decline with increasing age. There was no significant effect from any risk factor but strict exclusion criteria were applied. The results from each age group were compared with those from the USA and showed a difference in the timing of peak bone density (third decade for the USA). Age-matched, clinically well-defined normal controls should be used for comparison with groups of patients in future studies.