Washington, Aug 25 : In a new study, Finnish researchers have found that adults born with very low birth weight have lower bone mineral density.

Led by Dr. Petteri Hovi, from the National Institute for Health and Welfare Helsinki, Finland, the researchers evaluated skeletal health in 144 adults (ages ranging from 18 to 27 years) who were born preterm with very low birth weight.

The researchers found that, as adults, the individuals had significantly lower bone mineral density than do their term-born peers.

They suggest that this finding translates into increased risk for osteoporosis in adulthood for these individuals.

The study has been published in the open-access medical journal, PLoS Medicine. (ANI)