Female skeletal health and socioeconomic status in medieval Norway (11th–16th centuries AD): Analysis of bone mineral density and stature

Little is known about the possible impact of socioeconomic status on bone health in Medieval Norway. We measured mineral density skeletal remains 101 females from five medieval burial sites Eastern Norway representing distinct groups by comparing results Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry and osteological analysis. Young adult high were taller than parish population (5.3 cm, p = 0.01), although their femoral neck did not differ significantly between two (p 0.127). found that had a higher occurrence osteopenia osteoporosis old adulthood 0.003), with an estimated disease risk 0.53 versus 0.16 high-status group, possibly related to lower attained maximum density. discuss environmental genetic factors light relevant research literature life offer explanation for significant stature among osteopenia/osteoporosis population. This work adds our knowledge young loss relation female