Increased incidence of fractures in middle-aged and elderly men with low intakes of phosphorus and zinc with

The aim of the study was to determine dietary risk factors for fracture in men aged 46-68 years. Six thousand five hundred and seventy-six men were ra ndomly invited using the Municipal Registry to a diet and health study. The diet was assessed using a combined 7-day menu book for hot meals, beverage s and dietary supplements and a quantitative food frequency questionnaire f or other foods. The fracture incidence was 103/10000 person-years during a mean follow-up of 2.4 years. Zinc and phosphorus intake were associated wit h fracture risk and showed a threshold effect. The zinc intake in the lowes t decentile, 10 mg daily, was associated with almost a doubled risk of frac ture compared with the fourth and fifth quintiles (RR = 0.47, 95% confidenc e interval, 27-82) of zinc intake adjusted for energy, previous fractures, lifestyle factors and co-morbidity. Energy-adjusted phosphorus intake in th e lowest quintile, mean level 1357 mg, was associated with an increased fra cture risk compared with subjects in the second quintile. Smoking, martial status and physical activity were independently associated with fracture ri sk. Calcium, retinol and vitamin D showed no associations with fracture ris k. We conclude that inadequate intakes of zinc and phosphorus are important risk factors for fracture.