Calcium from plant sources and osteoporosis of postmenopausal Korean women

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the hypothesis that calcium from vegetable sources was associated with osteoporosis risk and bone mineral density in postmenopausal Korean women with osteoporosis and age‐matched controls (n=144). The results of multivariate‐adjusted regression analyses indicated that intake of calcium, plant calcium, potassium, vitamin A, carotene, vitamin B1, niacin, vitamin E, vitamin C, and vegetables were associated with significantly reduced the risk of osteoporosis after adjusting for age, body mass index, hormone replacement therapy, and energy intake. In addition, intake of vegetables alone, as well as calcium, plant calcium, potassium, and antioxidant vitamins (vitamin C, vitamin E, ƒÒ‐carotene) that are abundant in vegetables were significantly and positively associated with bone mineral density. However, in this population of low dairy consumers, intake of animal calcium and dairy products was not related to risk of osteoporosis and bone mineral density. Our results suggest that high dietary intake of calcium, especially plant calcium reduces the risk of osteoporosis and increased bone mineral density in postmenopausal Korean women. Vegetables may be an important source of calcium, and may also provide vitamins and minerals that exert additional beneficial effects on bone. This work was supported by the KRF.