Nutrition and osteoporosis: a nutritional analysis of women in postmenopause

In a cross-sectional study the effects of several nutritional factors on the manifestations of osteoporosis were investigated in 23 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 70 years. Twelve women (group 1) with osteoporosis and eleven healthy control subjects (group 2) were instructed to keep a seven-day nutritional record. Body mass index (BMI) was recorded, and radiological and bone mineral density investigations were undertaken. The daily total energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, oxalic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, fluoride, zinc, copper, manganese, vitamin C, D, and K intake were analysed within the framework of a nutritional science program. No intergroup differences were observed with regard to total energy intake, nutritional components and BMI; however, age and years since the menopause differed significantly (p < 0.05). The results suggest that the manifestation of osteoporosis in women is influenced to a greater extent by age and years since the menopause than by the distribution of nutritional factors in a normal mixed diet. However, further studies are essential to evaluate the role of dietary composition on the manifestations of osteoporosis.