Effects of Physical Properties and Eating Habits on Bone Mass in Female Students

Abstract

The effects of the eating habits and physical properties of female students,and the effects of the eating habits of their mothers,on their bone mass were studied.The bone mass of 50 female students aged 18-21 yrs.was measured by ultrasound methods.Current dietary intake was measured based on a quantitative dietary record for 3 days.The present and past eating habits of the students(primary school-high school)and of their mothers at present were assessed by a questionnaire regarding their food preferences and intake frequency.The subjects were divided into three groups based on their bone mass,which is significantly different from each other.The three groups separated by bone mass were significantly different from each other with respect to the preference and intake frequency of milk and milk products in past and present,and the intake frequency of small fish in the past.The difference between the three groups based on the current intake of energy and nutrients,physical characteristics including their body weight and body mass index(BMI),exercise habits,age of menarche and duration from menarche was not significant. These results suggested that the preference and intake frequency of milk and milk products and the intake frequency of small fish in the past are important for obtaining a higher bone mass by female students.