Low levels of dietary arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids improve bone mass in neonatal piglets, but higher levels provide no benefit

In piglets, feeding arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in a 5:1 ratio leads to elevated bone mass, but the optimal total quantity requires clarification. We studied bone mass and modeling of piglets that were randomized to receive 1 of 4 formulas for 15 d: control formula or the same formula with various levels of AA:DHA (0.5:0.1 g, 1.0:0.2 g or 2.0:0.4 g AA:DHA/100 g of fat). Measurements included: bone area (BA), mineral content (BMC), and density (BMD) of whole body, lumbar spine, and excised femurs; biomarkers of bone modeling were plasma osteocalcin and urinary cross-linked N-telopeptides of type 1 collagen (NTx), tibial ex vivo release of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and tissue fatty acids. Main effects were identified using ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni t tests. In supplemented piglets, relations among liver fatty acid proportions and bone mass were assessed using Pearson correlations. Whole body (P = 0.028) and lumbar spine (P = 0.043) BMD were higher in the group supplemented with 0.5:0.1 g AA:DHA/100 g of fat than in controls. Tissue AA and DHA increased in proportion to diet levels. Liver eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) correlated positively (r > or = 0.38, P < or = 0.05) with whole body and femur BMC and BMD and lumbar spine BMC. Liver AA:EPA ratio correlated negatively (r > or = -0.039, P < or = 0.05) with whole body, femur, and lumbar spine BMC plus whole body and femur BMD. Dietary 1.0:0.2 g AA:DHA/100 g reduced NTx relative to 2.0:0.4 g AA:DHA/100 g of fat (P = 0.039). The diets did not affect the other biochemical variables measured. Low levels of dietary AA:DHA (0.5:0.1 g/100 g of fat) elevate bone mass, but higher amounts are not beneficial.     

Bone mass in Chinese premenarcheal girls: the roles of body composition, calcium intake and physical activity

The association of growth and anthropometric characteristics and lifestyle factors with bone mass and second metacarpal radiogrammetry parameters was evaluated in 373 healthy Chinese premenarcheal girls aged 9-11 years. Bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) and bone area (BA) of distal forearm, proximal forearm and total body, bone mineral-free lean (BMFL) mass and fat mass were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Metacarpal bone periosteal and medullary diameters were measured. Dietary intakes were assessed by 7 d food record and physical activity (PA) by questionnaire. BMFL and fat mass together explained 6.3 and 51.6% of the variation in total body BMC and BMD, respectively. BMFL mass contributed to a substantial proportion of the variation in forearm BMC and BMD and periosteal diameter (10.4-41.0%). The corresponding BA explained 14.8-80.4% of the variation in BMC. Other minor but significant predictors of total body bone mass were Ca intake, height, age and PA score (BMD only), and of forearm bone mass were PA score, bone age, height and fat mass. Nevertheless, after adjusting for bone and body size and for age or bone age, subjects with Ca intake above the median (417 mg/d) had 1.8% greater total body BMC (P<0.001), and subjects with PA scores above the median had 2.4-2.5% greater distal and proximal forearm BMC (P<0.05) than those below. Vitamin D intake negatively associated with medullary diameter (partial R2 1.7%). The results indicate that premenarcheal girls should be encouraged to optimise nutrition and Ca intake and exercise regularly to achieve maximum peak bone mass.     

Isoflavone-rich soy protein isolate attenuates bone loss in the lumbar spine of perimenopausal women

BACKGROUND: No published studies have directly examined the effect of soy protein with isoflavones on bone or bone turnover in perimenopausal women. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the effects of 24 wk of consumption of soy protein isolate with isoflavones (80.4 mg/d) in attenuating bone loss during the menopausal transition. DESIGN: Perimenopausal subjects were randomly assigned, double blind, to treatment: isoflavone-rich soy (SPI+; n = 24), isoflavone-poor soy (SPI-; n = 24), or whey (control; n = 21) protein. At baseline and posttreatment, lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. At baseline, midtreatment, and posttreatment, urinary N:-telopeptides and serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) were measured. RESULTS: The percentage change in lumbar spine BMD and BMC, respectively, did not differ from zero in the SPI+ or SPI- groups, but loss occurred in the control group (-1.28%, P: = 0.0041; -1.73%, P: = 0.0037). By regression analysis, SPI+ treatment had a positive effect on change in BMD (5.6%; P: = 0.023) and BMC (10.1%; P: = 0.0032). Baseline BMD and BMC (P: < or = 0.0001) negatively affected the percentage change in their respective models; baseline body weight (P: = 0.0036) and bone-free lean weight (P: = 0.016) contributed positively to percentage change in BMD and BMC, respectively. Serum BAP posttreatment was negatively related to percentage change in BMD (P: = 0.0016) and BMC (P: = 0.019). Contrast coding using analyses of covariance with BMD or BMC as the outcome showed that isoflavones, not soy protein, exerted the effect. CONCLUSION: Soy isoflavones attenuated bone loss from the lumbar spine in perimenopausal women.     

Effect of habitual dietary calcium intake on calcium supplementation in 12-14-y-old girls

BACKGROUND: There is no agreement on how much calcium young girls need for optimal bone mineralization. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated whether the effect of calcium supplementation on whole-body bone mineral accretion depends on habitual calcium intake. DESIGN: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 1-y calcium intervention study of girls aged 12-14 y selected from a larger group according to habitual calcium intake: subgroup A (n = 60) habitually consumed 1000-1307 mg/d (40th-60th percentile), and subgroup B (n = 53) habitually consumed <713 mg/d (<20th percentile). The girls from each subgroup were randomly assigned to receive either 500 mg Ca/d or placebo. Whole-body bone mineral content (BMC), bone area (BA), bone mineral density (BMD), and BMC adjusted for BA, height, and weight (size-adjusted BMC) were measured at baseline and after 1 y. RESULTS: There was no significant effect modification of baseline habitual calcium intake on the relation between calcium supplementation and height, weight, BMC, size-adjusted BMC, BA, BMD, or alkaline phosphatase. Calcium supplementation had an effect on BMD (0.8%; P = 0.049) and tended to show signs of an effect on size-adjusted BMC (0.5%; P = 0.08). CONCLUSION: A modest effect of calcium supplementation on BMD was shown. However, the effect was independent of habitual calcium intake.     

Maternal Vitamin D Status and Gestational Weight Gain as Correlates of Neonatal Bone Mass in Healthy Term Breastfed Young Infants from Montreal,Canada

The implications of maternal gestational weight gain (GWG) and vitamin D status to neonatal bone health are unclear. We tested whether maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and GWG relate to neonatal bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD). Healthy term appropriate for gestational age breastfed neonates (n = 142) and their mothers were recruited 24–36 h after delivery and followed at 1.0 ± 0.5 month. At birth, obstetric data were collected and newborn serum 25(OH)D was measured. At 1 month, neonatal whole-body (WB) BMC, WB BMC relative to body weight (WB BMC/kg), lumbar spine BMC and BMD, maternal and neonatal 25(OH)D concentrations, and anthropometry were measured. Infant BMC and BMD between maternal 25(OH)D (<50, ≥50 nmol/L) and GWG (insufficient, adequate, and excessive) categories were compared. Maternal 25(OH)D was not related to infant whole-body BMC, BMC/kg, lumbar spine BMC, and BMD. Infants in the excessive maternal GWG category had greater (p = 0.0003) whole-body BMC and BMC/kg and lumbar spine BMC and BMD than inadequate GWG, and greater (p = 0.0063) whole-body BMC/kg and lumbar spine BMC and BMD than adequate GWG. These results suggest that maternal GWG, but not vitamin D status, modestly relates to bone mass in neonates.     

膳食钙摄入量与青春前期女童骨量关系的研究

目的:研究青春前期女童膳食钙摄入量与骨量的关系,为指导合理钙营养提供科学依据。方法:采用双能X线骨密度测量仪测量年龄在10±1岁的194名青春前期女童全身及多位点骨密度和骨矿物质含量,采用食物频数及3d膳食询问法调查膳食钙摄入量,问卷法调查体力活动。结果:日均钙摄入量与所测各位点骨矿物质含量及骨密度均呈显著正相关;日均钙摄入量平均从257mg增加到759mg,不同位点的骨矿物质含量和骨密度分别增加13%～22%和3.6%～16%。结论:增加青春前期女童膳食钙摄入量有助于获得较高骨量和骨密度。     

青春早期女童体力活动与骨量关系的研究

目的探讨体力活动与青春前期女童骨量的关系。方法采用双能X线骨密度测量仪测量年龄在（10±1）岁的194名青春早期女童全身、股骨颈、Ward三角区和L1-L4的骨密度（BMD）和骨矿物质含量（BMC）,采用问卷和跟踪记录调查女童的体力活动和膳食钙摄入。结果日均承重和日均总体力活动能耗与上述位点BMD和BMC均显著正相关,而非承重体力活动与BMD和BMC无显著相关。BMD和BMC随着承重体力活动能耗增高而增高,平均能耗从950kJ（227kcal／d）增加到1737kJ（415kcal／d）时,各位点BMC增加17．5％～29．0％,BMD增加8．8％-17．1％。结论青春前期女童适当增加体力活动量,尤其是承重体力活动量,有助于获得更多的骨量积累。     

Effect of calcium supplementation on bone mineral accretion in gambian children accustomed to a low-calcium diet

BACKGROUND: Rural Gambian children have poor growth, delayed puberty, a low bone mineral content, and a low calcium intake. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of a calcium supplement on bone mineral accretion in rural Gambian children. DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 160 children (80 boys, 80 girls) aged 8.3-11.9 y. Bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and BMC adjusted for bone width, body weight, and height (size-adjusted BMC) were measured at the midshaft and distal radius. Each child received either 1000 mg Ca/d (as calcium carbonate) or a placebo 5 d/wk for 12 mo. Supplementation increased calcium intake from 342 to 1056 mg/d (8.6 to 26.4 mmol/d). RESULTS: Calcium supplementation resulted in a higher BMC, BMD, and size-adjusted BMC (&xmacr; difference +/- SE): midshaft radius-BMC (3.0 +/- 1.4%; P = 0.034), BMD (4.5 +/- 0.9%; P 相似文献   

Calcium supplementation and bone mineral accretion in adolescent girls: an 18-mo randomized controlled trial with 2-y follow-up

BACKGROUND: A recent meta-analysis raised doubt as to whether calcium supplementation in children benefits spine and hip bone mineral density (BMD). OBJECTIVE: We used state-of-the-art measures of bone (fan-beam dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and 4 bone turnover markers) to determine whether girls with low habitual calcium intake benefited from supplementation with a soluble form of calcium (calcium citrate malate dissolved in a fruit drink). DESIGN: The trial was an 18-mo randomized trial of calcium supplementation (792 mg/d) with follow-up 2 y after supplement withdrawal. Subjects were 96 girls (mean age: 12 y) with low calcium intakes (mean: 636 mg/d). The main outcome measure was change in total-body, lumbar spine, and total hip bone mineral content (BMC) during supplementation and 2 y after supplement withdrawal. Changes in BMD and bone turnover markers were secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: The mean additional calcium intake in the supplemented group was 555 mg/d. Compared with the control group, the supplemented group showed significantly (P < 0.05) greater gains in BMC (except at the total hip site) over the 18-mo study. BMD change was significantly (P < 0.05) greater for all skeletal sites, and concentrations of bone resorption markers and parathyroid hormone were significantly (P < 0.01) lower in the supplemented group than in the control group after 18 mo. After 42 mo, gains in BMC and BMD and differences in bone resorption were no longer evident. CONCLUSIONS: Calcium supplementation enhances bone mineral accrual in teenage girls, but the effect is short-lived. The likely mechanism for the effect of the calcium is suppression of bone turnover, which is reversed upon supplement withdrawal.     

Calcium Intake, Vitamin D and Bone Health Status of Post-menopausal Chinese Women in Kuala Lumpur

Bone health status was investigated in 178 free-living Chinese post-menopausal women in Kuala Lumpur. Body mass index (BMI), body composition (using whole body DXA), calcium intake and serum 25-OH vitamin D status were measured along with biochemical markers of bone turnover, that is, pro-collagen Type 1 N-terminal peptide (P1NP), osteocalcin (OC) and C-telopeptide β cross link of Type 1 collagen (CTX- β). Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using DXA (Hologic, USA) at the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip. Results showed that osteopenia was present in 50% of the subjects at the spine and 57.9% at the femoral neck. Osteoporosis was diagnosed in 10% of the subjects at both the femoral neck and spine. A total of 29.3% of the subjects had high levels of CTX- β. Mean serum level of 25-OH vitamin D was 60.4+15.6 nmol/L and 50.6% of the subjects had hypovitaminosis D (defined as < 50 nmol/l). Mean total calcium intake of the subjects was 497 + 233 mg, of which only 14% met the RNI for calcium with the additional intake of calcium supplements. Body fat was also significantly correlated (r=0.181, p< 0.05) with BMD at the spine but not BMD at the femoral neck. Lean body mass was positively correlated with BMD at the spine (r=0.289, p< 0.001) and femoral neck (r=0.295, p< 0.001). CTX-β was negatively correlated with BMD at the spine (r= -0.235, p< 0.001), whereas P1NP (r=-0.215, p< 0.001) and osteocalcin (r=-0.265, p< 0.001) were both negatively correlated with BMD at the femoral neck. Generally, the study found that women with osteopenia had higher levels of bone turnover markers, less lean body mass and lower calcium intake than women with normal BMD. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the majority of free living Chinese post-menopausal women in Kuala Lumpur have low calcium intake, low 25-OH vitamin D status and low bone mass and elevated biochemical markers of bone turnover.     

甲状旁腺激素基因多态性与钙摄入量对青春期女童骨量增长的交互作用

目的:探讨甲状旁腺激素(PTH)基因多态性与钙摄入量对青春期女童骨量增长的交互作用。方法:选择228名9～11.5岁未月经初潮的健康女童进行2年追踪,用双能X线骨密度仪(DEXA)检测对象追踪前后全身、左侧近端股骨(包括股骨颈、大转子、粗隆间和华氏三角区)、L1～L4腰椎骨矿含量和骨密度,采用PCR-RFLP技术检测PTH基因BstBⅠ位点多态性。结果:BB基因型女童L1～L4腰椎骨矿含量增长率、左侧近端股骨、粗隆间和L1-L4腰椎骨密度增长率均高于含b等位基因女童(P=0.022～0.047)。BB基因型女童在高钙摄入(>950mg/d)时,粗隆间骨矿含量(ITBMC)增长率较中等和低钙摄入时分别高29.4%和35.0%,股骨颈骨密度(FNBMD)增长率分别高66.7%和46.2%。而含b等位基因女童的ITBMC和FNBMD增长率在不同钙摄入量之间没有显著性差异。结论:PTH基因BstBⅠ多态性与钙摄入量对青春期女童骨量增长存在交互作用,BB基因型女童高钙摄入可促进其骨量增长。     

Bone mineral density in adolescent females with recently diagnosed anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) can lead to osteoporosis and fractures. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated adolescent females with AN diagnosed within the previous 12 months to determine whether there is bone mass reduction and to investigate relationships between nutritional indices (weight, body mass index [BMI], lean mass, fat mass, and percentage fat) and total body (TB) and lumbar spine (LS) bone mineral densities (BMD) and content (BMC). METHOD: TB and LS BMD and BMC and body composition were measured in 24 adolescent females with AN. RESULTS: There was no significant reduction in TB or LS BMD. Regression analysis shows significant correlation (p < 0.001) between lean mass and TB BMD (r = +0.83), TB BMC (r = +0.92), LS BMD (r = +0.81), and LS BMC (r = +0.92). There was also a significant relationship between weight percentile and LS BMD z score (p < 0.005; r = +0.60). DISCUSSION: Adolescent females with early AN do not appear to have reduced bone mass. Lean mass is correlated to BMD and BMC.     

Pregnancy and lactation have no long-term deleterious effect on measures of bone mineral in healthy women: a twin study

BACKGROUND: The long-term effects of pregnancy and lactation on measures of bone mineral in women remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: We studied whether pregnancy or lactation has deleterious long-term effects on bone mineral in healthy women. DESIGN: We measured bone mineral density (BMD; g/cm(2)) in women aged > or = 18 y. Analyses were performed on 3 data sets: study 1, 83 female twin pairs (21 monozygous and 62 dizygous) aged (x +/- SD) 42.2 +/- 15.5 y who were discordant for ever having been pregnant beyond 20 wk; study 2, 498 twin pairs aged 42.3 +/- 15.0 y; and study 3, 1354 individual twins, their siblings, and family members. RESULTS: In study 1, there were no significant within-pair differences in unadjusted BMD or BMD adjusted for age, height, and fat mass at the lumbar spine or total-hip or in total-body bone mineral content (BMC; kg) (paired t tests). In study 2, there was no significant within-pair difference in measures of bone mineral or body composition related to the within-pair difference in number of pregnancies. In study 3, subjects with 1 or 2 (n = 455) and > or = 3 pregnancies (n = 473) had higher adjusted lumbar spine BMD (2.9% and 3.8%, respectively; P = 0.001) and total-body BMC (2.2% and 3.1%; P < 0.001) than did nulliparous women (n = 426). Parous women who breast-fed had higher adjusted total-body BMC (2.6%; P = 0.005), total-hip BMD (3.2%; P = 0.04), and lower fat mass (10.9%; P = 0.01) than did parous non-breast-feeders. CONCLUSION: We found no long-term detrimental effect of pregnancy or breast-feeding on bone mineral measures.     

大鼠骨矿物质含量与组织中钙水平的相关性研究

用ＳＤ１０００型单光子骨矿物测定仪研究了９８只１５周龄Ｗｉｓｔａｒ大鼠的股骨矿物质含量（ＢＭＣ）和骨密度（ＢＭＤ，ＢＭＣ／ＢＷ）与组织和血中钙含量的相关性。结果显示：雌、雄动物的身长、体重、骨宽度（ＢＷ）、ＢＭＣ、ＢＭＣ／体重、ＢＭＤ／体重及ＢＭＤ／身长均有显著性差异，活体ＢＭＤ与动物的钙总摄入量、身长、体重、及钙存留率显著相关（Ｐ＜０．０５）；ＢＭＣ与钙总摄入量、身长、体重、性别和肝脏钙含量显著相关（Ｐ＜０．０５）。多元回归分析表明：动物身长、体重、钙总摄入量和心脏钙含量与活体ＢＭＤ呈线性关系，动物身长和血浆钙含量与离体ＢＭＤ呈线性关系。活体测量结果ＢＭＣ、ＢＭＤ由于其与动物的生长发育、钙存留率及肌肉和血浆钙含量具有相关和直线关系，且简便易行、不需要处死动物，因而认为可以反映动物体内钙营养状况和骨质积累情况。     

Abstracts of Articles on Magnesium

Objective: We examined the relationship between self-reported calcium (Ca) intake and bone mineral content (BMC) in children and adolescents. We hypothesized that an expression of Ca adjusted for energy intake (EI), i.e., Ca density, would be a better predictor of BMC than unadjusted Ca because of underreporting of EI.

Methods: Data were obtained on dietary intakes (repeated 24-hour recalls) and BMC (by DEXA) in a cross-section of 227 children aged 8 to 17 years. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine the relationship between Ca, Ca density, and the dependent variables total body BMC and lumbar spine BMC. Covariates included were height, weight, bone area, maturity age, activity score and EI.

Results: Reported EI compared to estimated basal metabolic rate suggested underreporting of EI. Total body and lumbar spine BMC were significantly associated with EI, but not Ca or Ca density, in bivariate analyses. After controlling for size and maturity, multiple linear regression analysis revealed unadjusted Ca to be a predictor of BMC in males in the total body (p = 0.08) and lumbar spine (p = 0.01). Unadjusted Ca was not a predictor of BMC at either site in females. Ca density was not a better predictor of BMC at either site in males or females.

Conclusions: The relationship observed in male adolescents in this study between Ca intake and BMC is similar to that seen in clinical trials. Ca density did not enable us to see a relationship between Ca intake and BMC in females, which may reflect systematic reporting errors or that diet is not a limiting factor in this group of healthy adolescents.     

The relationship of dietary and lifestyle factors to bone mineral indexes in children

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors related to children's bone mineral indexes at age 8 years, and to assess bone mineral indexes in the same children at ages 6 and 8 years. DESIGN: Bone mineral content (BMC [g]) and bone mineral density (BMD; calculated as g/cm 2 ) were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in children and their mothers when the children were 8 years of age. A subset of children had an earlier DEXA assessment at age 6 years. Children's dietary intake, height, weight, and level of sedentary activity were assessed as part of a longitudinal study from ages 2 months to 8 years. SUBJECTS/SETTING: Fifty-two healthy white children (25 male, 27 female) and their mothers. Main outcome measures Children's total BMC and BMD at age 8 years. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Correlations and stepwise multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: Factors positively related to children's BMC at age 8 years included longitudinal intakes (ages 2 to 8 years) of protein, phosphorus, vitamin K, magnesium, zinc, energy, and iron; height; weight; and age ( P < or = .05). Factors positively related to children's BMD at age 8 years included longitudinal intakes of protein and magnesium ( P < or = .05). Female sex was negatively associated with BMC and BMD at age 8 years ( P < or = .05). Children's bone mineral indexes at ages 6 and 8 years were strongly correlated ( r =0.86, P < .0001 for BMC; r =0.92, P <.0001 for BMD). CONCLUSIONS: Because many nutrients are related to bone health, children should consume a varied and nutrient-dense diet.     

Calcium deficiency-induced secondary hyperparathyroidism and osteopenia are rapidly reversible with calcium supplementation in growing rabbit pups

The reversibility of osteopenia secondary to isolated Ca deficiency (CaDef) is still not clear. We studied the effect of severe CaDef on Ca homeostasis and bone accrual in a 'hypercalcaemic' animal, the rabbit, during the post-weaning period and its reversibility on Ca supplementation. Male Belgian 5-week-old rabbit pups were fed CaDef diet (0.026 % Ca) for 10 weeks. As compared with those fed with a normal chow diet (0.45 % Ca), CaDef pups developed significant hypocalcaemia (P < 0.05), hypocalciuria (urinary Ca 76 (SEM 12) v. 17 (SEM 1) mg/l; P < 0.005), hypophosphataemia (serum inorganic P 100 (SEM 6) v. 65 (SEM 4) mg/l; P < 0.005), secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) (serum intact parathyroid hormone human equivalent 18.2 (SEM 1.4) v. 125.0 (SEM 4.5) pg/ml; P < 0.001) and elevated serum calcitriol levels (34.0 (SEM 3.9) v. 91.0 (SEM 1.0) pg/ml; P < 0.005). Elevated urinary C-terminal telopeptide of class I collagen (P < 0.005) and total serum alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.005) suggested increased bone turnover. There was a significantly lower gain in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in the whole body and lumbar spine in vivo, and various sub-regions of the femur and tibia in vitro. Supplementation of adequate Ca (0.45 % Ca) after 15 weeks on the normal diet resulted in rapid catch-up growth, and resolution of SHPT. Rapid gain in various BMD and BMC parameters continued at 30 weeks of age, and both were comparable with those in rabbits on a normal diet. We conclude that Ca deficiency-induced SHPT and poor bone accrual in growing rabbit pups are rapidly reversible with Ca supplementation. The present study indicates that early intervention may be a more appropriate window period for human nutritional corrective measures.     

Dietary protein,phosphorus and potassium are beneficial to bone mineral density in adult men consuming adequate dietary calcium

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine relationships of calcium (Ca), protein (Pr), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) to measures of bone mineral density in adult men. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of 57 men ages 39 to 42 years who were participants in an ongoing study. Dietary assessment was conducted using the Block food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). BMD of total body (TB), hip and lumbar spine (LS) were measured with dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). RESULTS: Ca, Pr, P and K, as well as lean body mass (LBM), showed significant correlation with BMD at the total body, hip and lumbar spine. Stepwise forward regression selection method identified LBM, height and fat mass as significant predictors of TB-BMD, LBM and height as significant predictors of hip BMD, and LBM as a significant predictor of LS-BMD. As the nutrients tested correlated significantly with each other, only one nutrient was entered into the regression model at a time to accommodate the potential for multicollinearity. In regression analysis, adjusted for site-specific anthropometric variables and energy intake, K, Pr and P intake accounted for significant (p < 0.05) prediction of TB-BMD and LS-BMD values by 7% to 13%. No bone-related nutrient added significantly to the prediction of hip BMD. Ca intake was not significantly associated with BMD at any site in the adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis provides support that a moderate protein (1.2 g/kg) diet, plentiful in potassium (>100 mmol/day) and phosphorus (1741 +/- 535 mg) is beneficial for maintaining bone mineral density in adult men when Ca intake was adequate (1200 +/- 515 mg).     

Obesity during childhood and adolescence augments bone mass and bone dimensions

BACKGROUND: Studies of the effect of childhood obesity on bone accrual during growth have yielded conflicting results, largely related to the failure to adequately characterize the confounding effects of growth, maturation, and body composition. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of childhood obesity on skeletal mass and dimensions relative to height, body composition, and maturation in males and females. DESIGN: In 132 nonobese (body mass index < 85th percentile) and 103 obese (body mass index > or = 95th percentile) subjects aged 4-20 y, whole-body and vertebral bone mineral content (BMC) was determined by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and bone area, areal bone mineral density (BMD), and fat and lean masses were measured. Vertebral volumetric BMD was estimated as BMC/area(1.5). RESULTS: Obesity was associated with greater height-for-age, advanced maturation for age, and greater lean mass for height (all P < 0.001). Sex-specific multivariate regressions with adjustment for maturation showed that obesity was associated with greater vertebral areal BMD for height, greater volumetric BMD, and greater vertebral BMC for bone area (all P < 0.05). After adjustment for maturation and lean mass, obesity was associated with significantly greater whole-body bone area and BMC for age and for height (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast with the results of prior studies, obesity during childhood and adolescence was associated with increased vertebral bone density and increased whole-body bone dimensions and mass. These differences persisted after adjustment for obesity-related increases in height, maturation, and lean mass. Future studies are needed to determine the effect of these differences on fracture risk.     

Greater fruit and vegetable intake is associated with increased bone mass among postmenopausal Chinese women

Although studies in Caucasian populations have reported the beneficial effects of intakes of fruit and vegetables on bone mass, limited data are available in the Asian populations. We examined the association of the intake of fruits and vegetables with bone mineral density (BMD) in a population-based cross-sectional study of 670 postmenopausal Chinese women aged 48-63 years. Habitual dietary intakes were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. BMD at the whole body, lumbar spine and left hip were measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Univariate regression analyses showed that the total intake of fruits and vegetables was significantly associated with greater BMD at the whole body, lumbar spine (L1-L4), total hip, trochanter and intertrochanter. An independently positive association between fruit and vegetable intake and BMD at the whole body (P = 0.005), lumbar spine (P < 0.001) and total hip (P = 0.024) remained even after adjusting for age, years since menopause, body weight and height, dietary energy, protein and Ca, and physical activities. A daily increase of 100 g fruit and vegetable intake was associated with 0.0062 (95 % CI 0.0019, 0.0105) g/cm2, 0.0098 (95 % CI 0.0041, 0.0155) g/cm2 and 0.0060 (95 % CI 0.0011, 0.0109) g/cm2 increases in BMD at the whole body, lumbar spine and total hip, respectively. In conclusion, greater fruit and vegetable intake is independently associated with better BMD among postmenopausal Chinese women.