Effect of diet and lifestyle on the bone mineral density of postmenopausal women of Mumbai

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a common public health problem affecting one in four women or one in eight men older than 50 years. The aim of the study was to categorize the percentage of women who are having normal BMD, osteoporosis and osteoporotic and to evaluate the relation between anthropometric profile, calcium intake (dietary and supplemental) and life style pattern with BMD. An observational study of 50 post-menopausal women was carried out using an interview schedule to collect information regarding diet, lifestyle and anthropometry. DEXA scan reports of the AP Lumbar spine (L1-L2), femoral neck left and femoral neck right sites were used to assess bone health. ANOVA and Pearson chi-square test were used and correlation was considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. The percentage of women with normal BMD, osteopenia and osteoporosis were 39.6%, 49.6% and 10.8% respectively. Higher percentage of Women with low BMI were osteoporotic. There was a significant positive correlation between BMD and frequency of intake of calcium rich foods (green gram dal, ragi, coconut dry, gingelly seed and milk) and a negative correlation of BMD with coffee intake. There was a positive correlation between the intake of calcium supplement and BMD of femoral neck left. In the present study it was observed that intake of calcium rich food and calcium supplement can have a positive effect on BMD of post-menopausal women. On the other hand lower BMI and coffee intake may have negative effects on BMD. Thus, dietary and life style patterns of post-menopausal women may significantly influence BMD.