Dietary Calcium Intake, Vitamin D Status, and Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women in Rural Pakistan

Abstract

The high prevalence of osteoporosis in Pakistan is of public-health concern. However, there is a paucity of information regarding nutrition and bone density in rural communities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dietary and lifestyle factors that impact bone health in Nahaqi. Data were collected from 140 postmenopausal women using an interviewer-administered 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire. Bone mineral density was estimated using the quantitative ultrasound index (QUI). Serum 25(OH)D was measured in fasting blood samples. The QUI scores revealed that 42% and 29% of the women had T-scores, indicative of osteopaenia and osteoporosis respectively. The mean calcium intake was 346 mg/d, which is less than 50% of the recommended daily intake. The QUI correlated with 25(OH)D after controlling for age (p=0.021, r=0.41, r2=0.168). Vitamin D deficiency and low intake of dietary calcium are two key factors contributing to poor bone health in this population.

Determinants of serum levels of vitamin D: a study of life-style, menopausal status, dietary intake, serum calcium, and PTH

“…There was no strong association between calcium intake and levels of 25OHD3 and this has been reported by others [77]. …”

Pakistani Women Knowledge, Beliefs and Attitudes towards Osteoporosis

“…Osteoporosis disease can be prevented and lessened by adopting specific healthy behaviors and by carrying out specific screening test that assist in diagnosis and its treatment [7,8]. Studies have suggested that osteoporosis can be prevented by taking adequate calcium intake and physical activity [9][10][11]. Lowe et al carried out a study in 2011 and found out that mean calcium intake among Pakistani population was less than 50% of the WHO recommended daily intake [11].…”

“…Studies have suggested that osteoporosis can be prevented by taking adequate calcium intake and physical activity [9][10][11]. Lowe et al carried out a study in 2011 and found out that mean calcium intake among Pakistani population was less than 50% of the WHO recommended daily intake [11]. One of the challenges faced by Pakistani population includes inadequate knowledge, these may be due to lack of guidelines, standards and low number of physicians specializing in osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment [12,13].…”

Calcium and Dairy Products Consumption and Association with Total Hip Bone Mineral Density in Women from Kosovo

“…Numerous studies have shown benefits of dairy food consumption on bone health, reporting positive relationship between calcium intake and bone mineral density (BMD) (8-13); however, there are studies who did not find any consistent evidence on bone health (14-16). …”