Nuclear Techniques Support the Diagnosis of Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia in Mauritius's Elderly

Dual-energy X ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanners are considered the gold standard for measuring bone mineral density and osteoporosis risk and body fat distribution. Isotopic techniques, such as deuterium dilution, also support the accurate measurement of fat-free mass, which includes muscles. Once this is known, fat mass can be calculated as the difference between total body weight and fat-free mass.

Yet, until recently, only a few centres in Mauritius could perform DXA, “leading to many cases of osteoporosis going undetected until fractures happened,” said Sadhna Hunma, Head of Biochemistry Services at the Central Health Laboratory in Mauritius. Further, sarcopenia diagnoses, which require assessments of muscle mass and muscle function tests, had not been part of routine geriatric assessments.

In 2022, scientists from Mauritius’ Central Biochemistry Laboratory set out to enhance the country’s capacity to tackle these two diseases with the help of the IAEA’s technical cooperation and human health programmes. A combination of nuclear techniques including deuterium dilution and DXA helped to bridge data and knowledge gaps.

Through a national technical cooperation project, the IAEA supplied all the necessary equipment for the analyses, including a DXA system and deuterium supplies. The Agency also facilitated in-country expert training, external scientific visits and fellowships in laboratories in India, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“From hands-on training in operating DXA machines to clinical practicals, local scientists were able to strengthen their knowledge and skills for the diagnosis and prevention of sarcopenia and osteoporosis” said Shaukat Abdulrazak, Director for Africa at the IAEA Department of Technical Cooperation.

As a result, they collected data on body composition, bone mineral density and other biomarkers from 229 Mauritians aged between 60 and 75 between May 2023 and October 2024. The findings revealed, among others, a significant gender disparity in sarcopenia and osteoporosis prevalence among men and women, indicating the need for more tailored strategies for the prevention of these diseases. On a positive note, severe sarcopenia was very low and mild osteoporosis was comparable in both genders.

“The IAEA support brought a new diagnostic capability to the country, moving beyond basic anthropometric measures to more precise assessments of muscle and bone health,” Hunma said. “We can now translate these insights into action through integrated policies that empower healthcare providers, inform citizens, and facilitate further research,” she added.  

In addition, the data can support the creation of a robust framework for the early detection, prevention, and management of osteoporosis and sarcopenia in the country. “This can help reduce disability among older Mauritians, improving their quality of life and enabling them to remain active and independent for longer,” Hunma said.