Are birth characteristics related to bone quality measures in young adults? The HUNT study, Norway
Authors' conclusion
Birth characteristics are associated with both bone strength and geometry in young adulthood. These associations are partly independent of BMD, highlighting the value of DXA-derived bone quality measures in assessing skeletal health.
Study context
- Population
- Young adults aged 20–54 years (60% women) from the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT3 and HUNT4), Norway
- Participants
- 2,680 adults
- Exposure
- Birth characteristics and DXA-derived bone quality in young adults
- Outcome
- DXA-derived bone quality measures: cross-sectional area (CSA), cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI), buckling ratio, hip axis length
Methodological detailslinked with Medical Birth Registry of Norway, linear regression
- Linked with Medical Birth Registry of Norway
- Linear regression
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
CSA and CSMI per SD increase in birth weight and length
CSA increase per SD birth weight
4.33 mm²
CSA increase per SD birth length
4.29 mm²
CSMI increase per SD birth weight
0.74 mm4
CSMI increase per SD birth length
0.45 mm4
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
CSA and CSMI per SD, after bone mineral density (BMD) adjustment (attenuated)
- Birth weight: CSA
- 1.90 mm²
- Birth weight: CSMI
- 0.55 mm4
- Birth length: CSA
- 2.13 mm²
- Birth length: CSMI
- 0.58 mm4
Buckling ratio and hip axis length
- Weaker and less consistent associations with birth characteristics; association of birth weight and SGA with buckling ratio somewhat strengthened after BMD adjustment
Original publication
Are birth characteristics related to bone quality measures in young adults? The HUNT study, Norway. Osteoporos Int. Published 18 March 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →