Examination of relationships among dietary factors and bone mineral density in adolescents (810.8)

Abstract

Recent studies have noted a decrease in dairy intake and an increase in soda intake within the adolescent age group. Such studies have indicated trends in adolescent beverage intake may be detrimental to bone health. The purpose of this research was to examine relationships among dietary factors and bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescents using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009‐2010 data for 1176 participants aged 12‐19 years of age. Adolescent mean dairy intake had a statistically significant positive correlation (small effect size) to mean femur BMD (rs= 0.076, p<0.01). Adolescent mean dairy intake had a statistically significant positive correlation (large effect size) to mean calcium intake (rs= 0.888, p<0.01). There was a statistically significant difference in mean calcium intake between genders, t(1171.26) =5.82, p<0.01, with males having a higher mean intake (942±5.63 mg) than females (650±3.32 mg). There was a statistically significant difference in mean dairy intake between genders, t(1173.71)= 8.92, p<0.01, with males having a higher intake (2.07±0.27 cps) than females (1.42±0.19 cps). The analyses suggest dairy consumption should be encouraged within the adolescent population to promote optimal bone health.