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The relationship between calcium, protein, and bone loss in early postmenopausal women

We investigated the relationship between calcium and protein intake and
bone loss over a one-year period in 99 early postmenopausal women (1-36 months)
aged 51.3 �� 0.31 years. Bone mineral density (g/cm��) of the left hip (total hip,
femoral neck, greater trochanter) and lumbar spine (L1-L4) as well as body
composition were assessed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Dietary intake
of calcium and protein was assessed using a 100-item Block Food Frequency
Questionnaire. A physical activity questionnaire was also completed by the
subjects to estimate energy expenditure. Paired t-tests revealed that there were no
significant differences between baseline and month 12 physical characteristics
except for percent fat which increased from 31.99 �� 0.60% to 32.44 �� 0.61%
(p=.009). At month 12, bone mineral density decreased significantly at the femoral
neck (-0.97 �� 0.31%) and total hip (-0.55 �� 0.24%). The average calcium, protein
and calcium to protein ratio intake for the group was 1129.88 �� 46.22mg/day, 57.88
�� 1.93g/day and 20.10 �� 0.71m/g, respectively. Partial correlation analyses
showed no significant relationships between change in bone mineral density and
average intakes for calcium, protein, or the calcium to protein ratio. After adjusting
for hormone replacement status, lean body mass and months post menopause,
analysis of covariance revealed that there were no significant differences between
groups when intakes of calcium, protein and the calcium to protein ratio were
separated into "above recommended" and "below recommended" categories (above
or below 1000/1500mg/day, 50g/day, 20:1 mg/g/day, respectively). Our results
suggest that consuming adequate amounts of calcium and protein does not appear
to significantly slow bone loss after 12 months in early postmenopausal women. / Graduation date: 2003

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/32046
Date11 June 2002
CreatorsComeau, Nicole M.
ContributorsWhite, Karen N.
Source SetsOregon State University
Languageen_US
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis/Dissertation

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