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Nutrient intakes and bone mineral density of post-menopausal women residing in Northern Ireland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 August 2011

M. M. Slevin ,
P. Allsopp ,
M. P. Bonham ,
P. J. Magee ,
J. M. W. Wallace ,
J. J. Strain  and
E. M. McSorley
M. M. Slevin
Affiliation:
Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA
P. Allsopp
Affiliation:
Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA
M. P. Bonham
Affiliation:
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
P. J. Magee
Affiliation:
Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA
J. M. W. Wallace
Affiliation:
Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA
J. J. Strain
Affiliation:
Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA
E. M. McSorley
Affiliation:
Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA
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Abstract

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Proceedings of the Nutrition Society , Volume 70 , Issue OCE3: Joint Irish Section and American Society for Nutrition Meeting, 15–17 June 2011, 70th anniversary: ‘Vitamins in early development and healthy ageing: impact on infectious and chronic disease’ , 2011 , E83
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2011

Genetic factors explain about 80% of bone strength(Reference Pocock, Eisman and Hopper1), however, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism are also affected by a number of environmental, hormonal and modifiable lifestyle factors, of which diet has been shown to play a prominent role(Reference Salminen, Sääf and Johansson2). Oestrogen depletion that occurs during the menopause has a negative effect on BMD, putting post-menopausal women at a greater risk of low BMD or osteoporosis(Reference Massé, Dosy and Tranchant3). The aim of this study was to compare intakes of macro- and micronutrients associated with bone health, between women with osteopenia and those with a normal BMD.

Post-menopausal women (n 300) (45–75 years) were recruited between October 2008 and June 2009. Nutrient intakes were estimated for 291 women from 4-d food diaries. BMD was measured in the first to fourth lumbar vertebrae (L1–L4) and left proximal femur by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Osteopenic women had significantly lower estimated dietary intakes of Ca, P and protein than those with normal BMD, with intakes of Ca below the UK reference nutrient intakes (RNI)(4) (Table 1). Spearman's rank analysis revealed a positive correlation between protein intake (g/d) and femoral BMD (r=0.02, P=0.041), albeit no relationship between dietary Ca or P and BMD was found. Both groups had median intakes of Mg and vitamin D below the RNI.

* RNI PM♀ Source: Dietary Reference Values for food Energy and Nutrients for the UK 1991.

† Significant difference between groups with normal and osteopenic BMD values as determined by Mann–Whitney U-test (P<0.05).

‡ For the population aged 65 or more only and for those aged 4–65 years who are at risk for inadequate UVB sunshine exposure.

§1 mg P: 1 mg Ca.

Osteopenia is defined as a BMD between 1 and 2.5 sd below that of young adults (T-score −1 to −2.5).

Osteopenia was associated with lower intakes of bone related nutrients among post-menopausal women in Northern Ireland. Vitamin D intake was low in both groups; suboptimal vitamin D intakes have been reported before in post-menopausal women in Ireland(Reference Hill, O'Brien and Lamberg-Allardt5) and is an area for concern. Dietary advice to older women to optimise intakes of Ca, vitamin D and trace elements may have a beneficial effect on bone health.

References

1.Pocock, NA, Eisman, JA, Hopper, JL et al. (1987) J Clin Invest 80, 706–710.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
2.Salminen, H, Sääf, M, Johansson, SE et al. (2006) Eur J Clin Nutr 60, 486–493.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
3.Massé, PG, Dosy, J, Tranchant, CC et al. (2004) J Hum Nutr Dietet 17, 121–132.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4.Department of Health (1991) Dietary Reference Values for Food Energy and Nutrients for the UK, Report of the Panel on Dietary Reference Values of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy. London: TSO.Google Scholar
5.Hill, TR, O'Brien, MM, Lamberg-Allardt, C et al. (2006) Am J Clin Nutr 88, 1535–1542.Google Scholar
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