Abstract
Background: Racial/ethnic difference in bone mineral density (BMD) exists. The underlying mechanism is unclear and needs investigation. Purpose: To determine BMD and its relation to environmental exposure in recent African immigrants. Methods: BMD in recent sub-Saharan Sudanese immigrants (55 men and 88 premenopausaf women) in the United States was measured. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model was performed, with total body, spine and hip BMD as dependent variables; and sex, age, body weight, the length of stay in the United States, and milk intake as independent variables. Results: BMD Z score in the spine but not total body or hip in the Sudanese immigrants was significantly lower compared with the normative values of African Americans and Caucasians. Total body and hip BMD was positively correlated (p