Positive Health Online

Abstract

ILICH and colleagues, University of Connecticut, School of Allied Health, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA, ernst@uconn.edu, have studied bone and nutrients in elderly women.

Background

Nutrition is an important factor in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between various nutrients and bone mass in elderly women.

Methodology

This was a cross-sectional study of 136 healthy postmenopausal women. Bone mineral density and body composition were measured by dual X-ray absorption. Parathyroid hormone and vitamin D, as possible confounders, were determined in serum samples. Diet including all supplements was assessed by 3-day dietary record. Past physical activity and present walking were examined as well. Simple and multiple regression models were created to asses the relationship between nutrients and bone density.

Results

Independent influences of calcium, energy, and protein was shown by this study. Magnesium, Zinc, and vitamin C were significantly related to bone density in multiple regression models.

Conclusion

The study shows a significant association between several critical nutrients: calcium, energy, protein, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C. Conclusions about the effects of a single nutrient must be drawn with caution as interactions and co-linearities with other nutrients must be taken into account. Understanding relationships among nutrients is an important step towards identifying preventive measures for bone loss and osteoporosis.

References

Ilich JZ, Brownbill RA, Tamborini L. Bone and nutrition in elderly women: protein, energy, and calcium as main determinants of bone mineral density. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 57 (4): 554-565, Apr 2003.