At what age does peak bone mass typically occur?

• A. 60-70
• B. 18-25
• C. 30-35
• D. 40-50

Answer: (C)

Peak bone mass is the maximum bone mineral density a person achieves, reflecting a period when bone formation outpaces resorption. This peak is reached in early adulthood, typically by the end of the third decade of life, around age 30. The reason this range is the best fit is that bone accrual continues through adolescence and into the early adulthood years, leveling off in the late 20s to early 30s. After this window, bone remodeling continues and density can gradually decline with aging, especially after menopause in women. So the age range that best represents when peak bone mass is reached is around 30–35 years.