Quantitative ultrasound of bone and calcium intake in suburban males in Sri Lanka

Background: While only 30% of all hip fractures occurred in Asia in 1990, more than 50% will occur by the year 2050. We investigated the relationship between the Stiffness Index (SI), assessed with quantitative ultrasound, and calcium intake in a cross‐sectional survey of suburban males of different ages. Methods: From 496 people who were invited, 274 participated (55%). A single operator performed quantitative ultrasound measurements at the right calcaneus using Lunar Achilles. We derived the Sri Lankan T‐score values for SI. Calcium intake was measured using semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire to measure the previous 7 days intake. Results: There was gradual decrease in mean SI from the age of 30 years. Eighty percent of the men between 21–40 years had normal T‐scores. This percentage value fell to high 60s in men between 41–70 years. After 71 years, 35% had normal T‐scores and 30% had T‐scores less than –2.5. The mean calcium intake was 197 mg/day (95% CI 187–287 mg). Conclusions: This is the first population‐based study done in Sri Lanka regarding calcium intake and SI in males. Although few men had low T‐scores according to SI after 40 years, bone health of elderly (after 71 years) is at risk levels. The overall prevalence of low SI was negligible (4%) even with low calcium intake. Age is the only factor that influenced SI.