Abstract
In women, the menopausal transition is characterized by acid-base imbalance, estrogen deficiency and rapid bone loss. Research into nutritional factors that influence bone health is therefore necessary. In this study, the relationship between nutrient patterns and nutrients important for bone health with bone mineral density (BMD) was explored. In this cross-sectional analysis, 101 participants aged between 54 and 81 years were eligible. Body composition and BMD analyses were performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Nutrient data were extracted from a 3-day diet diary (3-DDD) using Foodworks 9 and metabolic equivalent (MET-minutes) was calculated from a self-reported New Zealand physical activity questionnaire (NZPAQ). Significant positive correlations were found between intakes of calcium (p = 0.003, r = 0.294), protein (p = 0.013, r = 0.246), riboflavin (p = 0.020, r = 0.232), niacin equivalent (p = 0.010, r = 0.256) and spine BMD. A nutrient pattern high in riboflavin, phosphorus and calcium was significantly positively correlated with spine (p < 0.05, r = 0.197) and femoral neck BMD (p < 0.05, r = 0.213), while the nutrient pattern high in vitamin E, α-tocopherol, β-carotene and omega 6 fatty acids was negatively correlated with hip (p < 0.05, r = −0.215) and trochanter BMD (p < 0.05, r = −0.251). These findings support the hypothesis that a nutrient pattern high in the intake of vitamin E, α-tocopherol and omega 6 fatty acids appears to be detrimental for bone health in postmenopausal women.
Highlights
Diet and nutrition are shown to be useful and modifiable tools for the management and possibly the prevention of metabolic bone disorders such as osteoporosis
This study indicates that a nutrient pattern higher in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, protein and the B vitamins (NP1) was positively correlated with whole body and skeletal sites bone mineral density (BMD) while a nutrient pattern higher in fats, vitamin E and fatty acids (NP2) was negatively correlated with BMD at all sites
Riboflavin and niacin intakes were still significantly positively related with spine BMD even after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI) and MET-minute
Summary
Diet and nutrition are shown to be useful and modifiable tools for the management and possibly the prevention of metabolic bone disorders such as osteoporosis. This is especially true if good nutrition and a healthy balanced diet is introduced early in life, and followed through to adulthood [1,2]. Few studies have investigated the impact of nutrient patterns on bone density [1,2]. Investigating a single nutrient can be beneficial, research into a combination of nutrients in foods may help individuals with differing environment, culture, food habits and preferences putting into consideration the synergistic, additive and antagonistic effects of these nutrients when consumed together.
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