NUTRITION AND OSTEOPOROSIS - AN ANALYSIS OF DIETARY-INTAKE IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

In a cross-sectional study the effects of several nutritional factors on the manifestations of osteoporosis were investigated in 23 postmeno pausal women aged 50 to 70 years. Twelve women (group 1) with osteopor osis and eleven healthy control subjects (group 2) were instructed to keep a seven-day nutritional record. Body mass index (BMI) was recorde d, and radiological and bone mineral density investigations were under taken. The daily total energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, oxal ic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, fluoride, zinc, coppe r, manganese, vitamin C, D, and K intake were analysed within the fram ework of a nutritional science program. No intergroup differences were observed with regard to total energy intake, nutritional components a nd BMI; however, age and years since the menopause differed signifiant ly (p < 0.05). The results suggest that the manifestation of osteoporo sis in women is influenced to a greater extent by age and years since the menopause than by the distribution of nutritional factors in a nor mal mixed diet. However, further studies are essential to evaluate the role of dietary composition on the manifestations of osteoporosis.