Correlation between Macronutrient Intakes (Carbohydrate, Protein, Lipid) and Bone Mineral Density in the Elderly

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease that occurs in bone and is characterized by reduced bone mass and simultaneous damage to bone structure. Osteoporosis commonly occurs in the elderly because of the hormonal mechanism that plays a huge role in bone density. Micronutrients such as calcium and vitamin D have long been recognized as important in maintaining bone structure. Meanwhile, the effect of macronutrient intake on bone density remains unclear. Only a few studies have analyzed the correlation between macronutrient intakes and bone mineral density (BMD) in the elderly. Moreover, the primary data regarding the correlation has not been found in Indonesia. This study analyzed the correlation between macronutrient intakes (carbohydrate, protein, and lipid) and BMD in the elderly. This research is an observational analytical study with a cross-sectional design. Thirty-eight elderly women who met the inclusion criteria underwent an interview with 3 x 24-hour food recall, SQ-FFQ, and examination of bone density using the DXA method. Bivariate analysis using Pearson and Spearman tests was then carried out. Carbohydrate intakes and BMD have a significant negative correlation (p= 0.008), while the correlations of both lipid and protein intake with BMD are insignificant (p> 0.05). There is a significant correlation between carbohydrate intake and BMD in the elderly. On the other hand, there is no significant correlation between protein and lipid intake with BMD in the elderly.