Bone mineral content among Inuit – a systematic review of data

Inuit are a distinct ethnic group living in an environment likely to influence calcium metabolism and skeletal health. Bone mineral content (BMC) is a marker of skeletal health and fracture risk. Age is a dominant risk factor for osteoporosis, emphasising the importance of skeletal health in the ageing Inuit populations. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of data on BMC among Inuit. We performed a systematic search for data on BMC among Inuit guided by an experienced librarian. The search identified 211 studies, of which six provided data on BMC among Inuit living in Alaska or Canada. In men/women, BMC peaked around the age of 25 years in distal radius at 1.55/1.07 g/cm2 and in distal ulna at 0.81/0.54 g/cm2. Diaphysis of ulna, humerus, and tibia peaked around 10 years later. The 23% to 30% sex differences in BMC were similar across studies. Age related changes were parallel to other populations. In conclusion, BMC in Inuit is presented for easy viewing and comparison. BMC was similar between Inuit populations, and sex and age-related differences were comparable to other populations. New scientific studies should update data, include spine and hip, describe bone structure, and consider fracture risk beyond BMC.