The Relationship between Nutrient Patterns and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

In women, the menopausal transition is characterized by acid-base imbalance, estrogen deficiency and rapid bone loss. Research into nutritional factors that influence bone health is therefore necessary. In this study, the relationship between nutrient patterns and nutrients important for bone health with bone mineral density (BMD) was explored. In this cross-sectional analysis, 101 participants aged between 54 and 81 years were eligible. Body composition and BMD analyses were performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Nutrient data were extracted from a 3-day diet diary (3-DDD) using Foodworks 9 and metabolic equivalent (MET-minutes) was calculated from a self-reported New Zealand physical activity questionnaire (NZPAQ). Significant positive correlations were found between intakes of calcium (p = 0.003, r = 0.294), protein (p = 0.013, r = 0.246), riboflavin (p = 0.020, r = 0.232), niacin equivalent (p = 0.010, r = 0.256) and spine BMD. A nutrient pattern high in riboflavin, phosphorus and calcium was significantly positively correlated with spine (p < 0.05, r = 0.197) and femoral neck BMD (p < 0.05, r = 0.213), while the nutrient pattern high in vitamin E, α-tocopherol, β-carotene and omega 6 fatty acids was negatively correlated with hip (p < 0.05, r = −0.215) and trochanter BMD (p < 0.05, r = −0.251). These findings support the hypothesis that a nutrient pattern high in the intake of vitamin E, α-tocopherol and omega 6 fatty acids appears to be detrimental for bone health in postmenopausal women.

Nutrient and Dietary Patterns in Relation to the Pathogenesis of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis—A Literature Review

“…In this review, we discussed various studies on the relationship between nutrient and dietary patterns and BMD/BMC, bone biomarkers and fractures in postmenopausal women. Studies on the nutrient patterns and BMD, although conducted in different communities and settings, indicate the importance of phosphorus, riboflavin, potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin D, protein, fiber, vitamin K and folate from fruits and vegetables as well as milk intake [ 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

Bone Mineral Density in Premenopausal Women Is Associated with the Dietary Intake of α-Tocopherol: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Additionally, Fujita et al demonstrated that α-TP promoted osteoclast fusion and multinucleation in vitro and that excessive α-TP intake in rodents induced increased bone absorption and decreased bone mass irrespective of antioxidative effects [38], although the dose used in the animal study greatly exceeded the recommended daily intake of VE for humans. Moreover, it was recently reported that a dietary pattern rich in VE, fats, and fatty acids was negatively associated with BMD in postmenopausal women [39]. On the contrary, Ikegami et al showed that excessive VE intake was not responsible for bone loss in ovariectomized female mice, regardless of dietary fat content [40].…”

Osteoclast Multinucleation: Review of Current Literature

“…In humans, the effect of vitamin E on bone health is likewise controversial. Zhang et al identified a negative association between serum α-tocopherol concentration and bone mineral density in an elderly US population [ 200 ], and Ilesanmi-Oyelere et al reported that a diet rich in vitamin E and fats was associated with lower bone mineral density in postmenopausal women [ 201 ]. On the other hand, Odai et al’s cross-sectional study showed that dietary intake of vitamin E was associated with higher bone mineral density in premenopausal women but had no effect in postmenopausal women [ 202 ].…”