NUTRITION AND SUBSEQUENT HIP FRACTURE RISK AMONG A NATIONAL COHORT OFWHITE WOMEN

This study investigated three aspects of general nutritional status (d ietary intake, biochemical markers, and anthropometric measurements) i n relation to subsequent hip fracture risk by using prospective data f rom the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I) epidemiologic follow-up studies. A cohort of 2,513 white women 45 years and over who participated in the NHANES I survey in 1971-1975 we re subsequently followed in the three follow-up studies in 1982-1984, 1986, and 1987, respectively. Multiple nutritional variables were meas ured at baseline, and 130 incident hip fractures were identified by ho spital records or by death certificates during the follow-up period. C ox regression analyses showed that baseline dietary energy intake; ser um albumin; and weight, body mass index, skinfold, and arm muscle area were significantly acid inversely related to subsequent hip fracture risk (relative risks for a 1-standard deviation increment in these var iables ranged from 0.68 to 0.83). The authors suggest that poor nutrit ional status, evident in inadequate dietary intake, reduced serum albu min, and decreased body mass and soft tissues, increases the risk for subsequent hip fracture. The study also showed that age and previous f racture history were significant risk factors; however, self-reported physical activity, parity, and alcohol use were not significantly rela ted to subsequent hip fracture.