Studies of osteoporosis in urban residents of Sao Paulo, Brazil, using isotope related techniques

Brazilians as other communities are also predisposed to osteoporosis; even though the condition of diet may vary, the exposure to sun light all year long may introduce a factor of variability in the frequency and presentation of bone metabolic disturbances. Studies have already shown decreased incidence of hip fracture in the Brazilian elders. Normal variation of bone mineral density has already been determined in selected groups of individuals in large cities, but without any reference to diet or exposure to sun. The aim of this study is to evaluate bone mineral density as well as define the peak of bone mass in a normal urban population from 5 to 50 year old (90 females and 90 males), correlating these data with nutritional intake, sun exposure and physical activity. As a complement to this project, bone biopsies will be taken from normal individuals who died in automobile accidents and elements like Ca, Zn, K, Na, Sr, Fe, Cl will be evaluated. (author)