Al. Tranquilli et al., CALCIUM, PHOSPHORUS AND MAGNESIUM INTAKES CORRELATE WITH BONE-MINERALCONTENT IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN, Gynecological endocrinology, 8(1), 1994, pp. 55-58
Qualitative and quantitative differences in the dietary habits of post
menopausal women were studied to assess their influence on bone health
and osteoporosis. A total of 194 postmenopausal women were studied wi
th forearm DEXA densitometry. 70 were osteoporotic and 124 served as c
ontrols. Women had been menopausal for 5-7 years, and had never been t
reated with hormone replacement or drug therapy. A 3-day dietary recal
l was completed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday after the examination: t
he results were processed by computer and daily calcium, phosphorus an
d magnesium intakes were related to bone mineral content (BMC). Data w
ere compared with Student's t-test and significance was assessed at p
< 0.05. Regression analysis was performed to correlate BMC and intake
levels. The dietary intake Of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium was si
gnificantly reduced in osteoporotic women and correlated with BMC. Cal
cium and magnesium intakes were lower than the recommended daily allow
ance even in normal women. The results suggest that nutritional factor
s are relevant to bone health in postmenopausal women, and dietary sup
plementation may be indicated for the prophylaxis of osteoporosis. Ade
quate nutritional recommendations and supplements should be given befo
re the menopause, and dietary evaluation should be mandatory in treati
ng postmenopausal osteoporosis.