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Bone mineral density

Bone mineral density (BMD) is a measurement of the concentration in bone of minerals (mostly calcium and phosphate) that are vital for strong bones. A high bone mineral density indicates above-average amounts of calcium and phosphates in the bones, while a below-normal bone mineral density can indicate a loss of bone mass, possibly from osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH
- Internal Medicine
Last Updated October 4, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: October 04, 2006
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