Menopause is a stage of hormonal imbalance in women which, in addition to other physiopathological consequences, poses a risk of deficiency of key micronutrients such as magnesium and vitamin D. A study was made of the influence of a magnesium intervention upon vitamin D status in a postmenopausal population from the province of Granada (Spain). Fifty-two healthy postmenopausal women between 44–76 years of age were included. Two randomized groups—placebo and magnesium (500 mg/day)—were treated during eight weeks. Nutrient intake was assessed using questionnaires based on 72-h recall. Vitamin D was analyzed by liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry. Baseline vitamin D proved deficient in over 80% of the subjects. The administration of magnesium resulted in significantly increased vitamin D levels in the intervention group versus the controls (p < 0.05). Magnesium supplementation improved vitamin D status in the studied postmenopausal women.

Vitamin D is a micronutrient that plays a key role in phosphocalcic metabolism. The postmenopausal population presents a risk of deficiency in this vitamin due to hormonal alterations which, in the case of obesity, would be exacerbated. The objective was to assess the status of vitamin D in a postmenopausal population and determine the relationship of 25-hydroxivitamin D [25(OH)D] and its metabolites with anthropometric parameters. The study included 78 healthy postmenopausal women aged from 44 to 76. The nutrient intake assessment was carried out using the 24 h reminder (R24h). 25(OH)D was analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). A total of 80% and 68% of the women studied did not reach sufficient values of 25(OH)D and 25-hydroxivitamin D 3 [25(OH)D 3 ], respectively, which was inversely correlated with Body Mass Index (BMI) (r = −0.25, p = 0.04), hip perimeter (r = −0.26 and r = −0.24, all p < 0.05), arm circumference (r = −0.29, p = 0.01) and fat mass (r = −0.28 and r = −0.26, all p < 0.05). 25(OH)D 3 is the metabolite that contributed most to this association. In conclusion, 25(OH)D 3 levels are related to anthropometric parameters in the postmenopausal women in this study, confirming insufficient status in the majority of the population. Approach strategies are necessary to correct and avoid this risk in order to ensure future quality of life.

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Background and aims: An adequate prooxidant–antioxidant balance—which may be influenced by body composition and biochemical status—is essential to maintain human health, especially in circumstances under which the antioxidant defense decreases, such as menopause. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between body composition and biochemical parameters with antioxidant status in a healthy cohort of postmenopausal women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in a cohort of 78 postmenopausal women aged 44–76 years. The body composition profile was assessed through bioelectrical impedance. The determination of the total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity was conducted by the colorimetric method, and glutathione peroxidase activity was determined by the enzymatic immunological method. The vitamin D levels were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The mineral status was assessed through flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The rest of the biochemical parameters were assessed through an immunoassay. Results: The total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant gap were negatively influenced by body composition (all p ≤ 0.049) and positively related to protein metabolism parameters (all p ≤ 0.048), whereas circulating levels of different micronutrients (all p ≤ 0.048) and enzymes (all p ≤ 0.047) appeared to play an important role in the glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. Conclusion: In conclusion, the menopause-related antioxidant status changes may be influenced by key body composition and biochemical profiles. To confirm this statement, further trials aiming to evaluate the body composition and biochemical intervention-induced changes upon antioxidant defense are needed.