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  1. Accuracy of comparing...
  2. Accuracy of comparing bone quality to chocolate bars for patient information purposes: observational study
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Accuracy of comparing bone quality to chocolate bars for patient information purposes: observational study

BMJ 2007; 335 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39413.798472.BE (Published 20 December 2007) Cite this as: BMJ 2007;335:1285
  1. Phil Jones, consultant physician1,
  2. Sarah Jones, research nurse1,
  3. Debbie Stone, osteoporosis specialist nurse1
  1. 1Bronglais General Hospital, Aberystwyth SY23 1ER
  1. Correspondence to: P Jones phil.jones{at}ceredigion-tr.wales.nhs.uk
  • Accepted 21 November 2007

Abstract

Objective To test whether standard information for patients using Crunchie and Aero chocolate bars to explain bone health and risk of fracture is robust.

Design Observational study.

Setting Domestic kitchen in rural west Wales.

Participants 10 Crunchie bars and 10 Aero bars.

Main outcome measure Fracture after falls from varying heights.

Results Both Crunchie and Aero bars exhibited the same T and Z scores for bone density. Crunchie bars had a lower chocolate mass index than the Aero bars. Crunchie bars are more liable to fracture.

Conclusions Using Crunchie and Aero chocolate bars to explain bone structure to patients may be visually attractive but oversimplifies the situation.

Footnotes

  • We thank Phil Stone for measuring the bars and Diane Hughes for carrying out the dual x ray absorptiometry.

  • Contributors: PJ, SJ, and DS recognised the need for research in this area and devised the protocol. DS recorded the data. PJ and SJ carried out the drop tests. PJ, DS, and SJ wrote the manuscript. PJ is guarantor.

  • Funding: Self funded.

  • Competing interests: None declared.

  • Ethical approval: Not required.

  • Provenance and peer review: Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

  • Accepted 21 November 2007
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