Bone Density Scales: Measuring your Bone and Overall Health

• Part 1. What is Bone Density?
• Part 2. What Should be my Bone Mass for my Age?
• Part 3. Can Smart Scales Measure Bone Density?
• Part 4. Top 3 Accurate Bone Density Percentage Scales

What is Bone Density?

According to the National Cancer Institute, bone density is the measurement of the mineral contents in against the amount of bone. This measurement is usually used in diagnosing osteoporosis, to check if treatment is working, and to check how brittle your bones are.

In short, it measures how strong your bones are. The stronger your bones, the better it is for our overall health. Bone Density Scales rate Bone density between -4 to +4. The bigger the number the better your bone mass. Here's a quick way to interpret these numbers:

It provides a comprehensive list of your body weight metrics. Many of these scales provide more information than just your body weight. Each one is different, but all of them are designed to provide you with information that is useful to your goals. These includes:
• < 2.5: You have Osteoporosis and your bones can be easily fractured.
• -2.5 to - 1: You have Osteopenia or are considered to have Low Bone Density.
• > -1: You are considered to have a normal bone density as compared to an average 30-year-old.

What Should be my Bone Mass for my Age?

As we enter different life stages, our body also changes. Our bones and bone density also follow these changes and reach peak health at around 30 years old. After that, it usually is a gradual decline in our health and bone mass.

Different stages in our lives require an optimal amount of calcium intake for good bone mass to ensure that our bodies function well. We should have a look at our bone mass with the help of a Bone Density Percentage Scale or Bone Density Scales to determine our bone health. With the results, you can then make plans to address your bone health. Let's take a look at the different nutritional requirements at the different life stages for bone health.

Infancy to 9 years old

• This life stage requires 200 mg up to 1,000 mg of calcium each day, depending on the age of the child.
• At age 4 to 9, this is about the same as two cups of yogurt or having a glass of milk.

For ages between 10 and 20 years old

• At this stage in life, we need at least 1,300 mg of calcium per day.
• This is about the same as two cups of milk, or a cup of yogurt, or a cup of orange juice with added calcium.

For 20 years of age up to 30

• To continue to achieve peak bone mass at this age, we need at least 1,000 mg of calcium per day.
• On top of that, adults will need to exercise and do weight-bearing activities for a minimum of 30 minutes to promote bone health. This is recommended at least 4 times a week.

For 30 years of age up to 50

• After reaching peak bone mass, your body will reach a point where it begins to lose bone mass. After the age of 40, our body's capability to replace old bones with newer ones becomes less efficient.
• This life stage requires enough exercise and 1,000 mg of calcium and 1,000 IU of Vitamin D every day to minimize bone loss.

For 50 years of age and up

• Men beyond this age usually require the same amount of Calcium intake, 1,000 mg per day.
• Women on the other hand may enter or have entered menopause and needs an increase in their daily intake of calcium to 1,200 mg.
• At age 70 and above, both men and women require at least 1,200 mg of calcium per day and 800 IU of Vitamin D.

Can Smart Scales Measure Bone Density?

As we have just discussed, Bone Density or Bone Mass is important. We should keep an eye on it and make sure we have healthy bones to avoid anything untoward to happen. However, we probably don't have the time or the patience to consistently go to the doctor and have ourselves tested for bone density.

Here enter the Smart Scales of today. These new generation bathroom scales give us a good understanding of the status of our bone health. However, we remind you that it is always best to consult your doctor for a better understanding of your bone health and how to achieve peak bone mass. Below are the Top 3 Smart Scales available in the market.

Top 3 Accurate Bone Density Percentage Scales

Features:

• Has a big 4.6" LCD Display which shows 8 most common body measurements
• Measures 16 body metrics, including bone density
• Measures Body Weight Accurately up to 396 LB / 180 Kg
• Supports up to 10 Users
• Includes Baby Mode and Athlete Mode
• Data is tracked by the free app and can also work with other Fitness Apps.

Pros:

• Among the many smart scales available, this has the most number of body measurements included. If you are hungry for information, then you get it with this scale.
• The design is beautiful, sleek and very easy to use.
• It is easy to use as the design is centered around helping you achieve your goals.
• It can connect to other fitness apps, such as Apple Health, Google Fit, Samsung Health and Fitbit.
• With the 8 most common measurements shown in the LCD, it's easy to have a glance at your body stats.
• Great accuracy rating to +/-0.2lb(0.1kg)

Cons:

• The biggest downside to this scale is its price. It is one of the more expensive ones in the market. But with all the features it packs, it is still worth every penny.

Price:$89.95

Ugramo Fit Pro - Smart Body Digital Scale

• With Heart Rate and Heart Index Detective
• 16 Body Data: Weight, Body Fat, BMI, Balance, etc.
• Large VA Screen to See Main Data Directly
• 4 Sensor with ITO Panel

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Features:

• An easy on the eye graphical display of 2.4" x 1.6" (128 x 64 pixels)
• 5 Clinically Tested Body measurements including Bone Mass
• Can connect with 100+ partners
• Connects both with Bluetooth and Wifi Connectivity
• Recognizes up to 8 users
• Includes Nutrition tracking to further help in reaching your weight goals
• High accuracy of up to 0.2 lbs
• It has position control shown in the display to guide you to the best position on the scale for the most accurate readings
• It also includes a rare feature called Gravity Compensation. This ensures that wherever you are in the globe, you get a consistent reading.

Pros:

• With its clinically tested measurements, this smart scale is one with the highest accuracy.
• Well-designed App with great visuals for easy use.
• The display shows useful stats.
• Sleek stylish design.
• Has pregnancy mode
• Long battery life (up to 18 months)
• Good accessibility with its capability to connect using WIFI or Bluetooth.

Cons:

• It has a limited number of body measurements as compared to its competitors.
• With the display only showing one measurement, you will have to have access to your smartphone to get all the other results.

Price: $69.99

Features:

• Includes 17 Body Measurements, including Body Mass and Hydration
• +/- 3% accuracy of DEXA (x-ray) Scan
• Has Pregnancy Mode and Baby Mode
• Supports up to 8 users
• Supports up to 400 lbs (181 kg)
• Syncs with other know fitness Apps like Apple Health and Google Health Apps
• Connects using Bluetooth

Pros:

• It is one of the most accurate digital scale in its class.
• This scale was designed with moms-to-be in mind, making it a great companion during and after pregnancy.
• The App is designed well and has many features that help you in achieving your fitness goals.
• Good and fun design made for the entire family.
• It has one of the most body measurements included on a digital smart scale.

Cons:

• Its price point can easily be out of budget for most when looking for smart scales.

Price: $119

Conclusion

Bone density or bone mass is an important body measurement we should look at. Unfortunately, it is not something you can readily measure and will require a gadget like Bone Density Scales. Luckily, with the rise of the new generation of digital smart scales, this measurement is often included. This makes it easy to check our overall health with all the body measurements being tracked.

Among the three scales discussed, the Fittrack Beebo Family Smart Scale would probably be the best since it is the most accurate and offers the most features. This is especially true for moms-to-be who are looking for a way to have a good understanding of the changes in their body, but this is also the most expensive. If you're not a mom-to-be or not planning to be one soon, the Ugramo Fit Pro is well balanced in terms of all its features and the price point.