Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femur (femoral neck, Ward's triangle, and trochanter) was measured in 37 healthy, white mother-daughter pairs by dual-photon absorptiometry. Mothers and daughters were aged 52 +/- 7 and 25 +/- 4 y (mean +/- SD), respectively. Three-day dietary intakes were evaluated. Significant correlations between mother-daughter pairs for BMD of all lumbar and femoral areas [except for L2 (r = 0.26, P = 0.054)] indicated familial resemblances in bone mineralization. Total calcium intake was significantly correlated with three BMD values for the daughters (L2, femoral neck, and trochanter) but not for the mothers. When mothers were classified as pre- (n = 20) or postmenopausal (n = 17), correlation coefficients for BMD were higher for premenopausal mothers and their daughters and lower for postmenopausal mothers and their daughters, except for the trochanter. The results suggest that the nature of inheritance of bone mass of women may have at least two components, one influencing the level of peak bone mass and one related to bone loss at menopause.

The study investigated whether differences exist between postmenopausal Caucasian vegetarian and omnivorous women regarding trabecular and cortical bone density measured with single- and dual-photon absorptiometry. Anthropometric measurements, blood and urine samples, and food intakes of the twenty-eight matched pairs were also compared. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated no significant differences in bone measurements between vegetarians and omnivores at any sites except the skull. The vegetarians' serum globulin and total protein measured higher. Urine calcium and creatinine were similar between the groups. The vegetarians consumed greater quantities of carbohydrate, fiber, magnesium, ascorbic acid, copper, and energy as percent carbohydrate, and lower quantities of protein, niacin, alcohol, vitamin B-12, cholesterol, and energy as percent protein. Despite several differences in dietary intakes, the results indicate that neither cortical nor trabecular bone density in these postmenopausal women was affected by a lactoovovegetarian diet.

This study was undertaken to examine the effect of estrogen replacement therapy alone and estrogen replacement therapy plus variable-resistance weight training on the bone mineral content of surgically menopausal women. A total of 20 surgically menopausal women were randomized and treated with either 0.625 mg conjugated estrogen daily or the same dose of estrogen plus a closely monitored exercise program involving the use of Nautilus muscle strengthening/endurance equipment. After 1 year's observation, the bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine determined by dual-photon absorptiometry increased in the exercising subjects by 8.3 +/- 5.3% (p = 0.004), 95% confidence limits (CL) 3.9-12.8%; the group with estrogen replacement therapy alone maintained their BMD: 1.5 +/- 12.4% (p = 0.36; 95% CL = -6.9-9.8%). The total body BMD of the exercising group increased by 2.1 +/- 1.5% (p = 0.003; 95% CL = 0.8-3.3%); the nonexercising women had a nonsignificant 0.6 +/- 2.9% change (p = 0.30; 95% CL = -1.4-2.5%). A significant increase of 4.1 +/- 4.3% (p = 0.01; 95% CL = 0.8-7.4%) in the radial midshaft BMD of the exercising group was found; the estrogen alone group recorded a nonsignificant change of -0.3 +/- 3.1% (p = 0.33; 95% CL = -1.7-2.4%). The results of this study suggest that variable-resistance training in estrogen-replete women adds bone to both the axial and appendicular skeleton.

Feaster, chairman of the supervisory committee, for undertaking that position, directing my academic program, and giving his time and expertise whenever needed. Very deep appreciation is also expressed to Dr. Morris Notelovitz, who served as co-chairman of the supervisory committee and directed the research with unfailing interest and support. These two individuals made possible the undertaking and completion of a very important goal.

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