The Osteoporotic Effect of Maras Powder (Turkish Smokeless Tobacco) Consumption in Healthy Males

[Purpose] This study analyzed the effect of Maras powder on bone mineral density. [Subjects and Methods] One hundred and eighty-three healthy male subjects (93 Maras powder users, 90 nonusers) were included in the study. The information on demographics, health history, alcohol and tobacco use and medication use were obtained by an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Subjects who had any pathology that might affect bone mineral density, were excluded from the study. Mesurements of bone mineral density were obtained by phalangeal radiographic absorbtiometry of the nondominant hand. The bone mineral density values (g/cm(2)) of Maras powder users were compared with those of nonusers. [Results] The mean duration of Maras powder use was 26 13 years, and the mean age of Maras powder users was 59 +/- 11years. The mean age of nonusers was 58 +/- 11years. The mean phalangeal bone mineral density in Maras powder users (0.32 +/- 0.03 g/cm(2), range 0.22-0.39 g/cm(2)) was significantly lower than that in the nonusers (0.34 +/- 0.03 g/cm(2), range 0.25-0.43 g/cm(2), p=0.00). [Conclusion] Bone mineral density is lower in the Maras powder users than in the nonusers. Maras powder appears to be a potential risk factor for low bone mineral density in populations where its use is prevalent.