Bone mineral content in postmenopausal women: comparison of omnivores and vegetarians.
This cross-sectional study of bone mineral content (BMC)/bone width (BW) (BMC/BW, cortical radius) was conducted in elderly, free-living Methodist omnivores (n = 146) and Seventh-day Adventist vegetarians (n = 144) in southern California. The purpose was to investigate relationships between BMC/BW and dietary factors (primarily vegetarianism and intakes of protein and calcium) and use of prescribed drugs. BMC was measured by single-photon absorptiometry. Dietary intakes during current and early periods of life were assessed by 24-h dietary recall and frequency methods. Information about drug use was obtained by interview. BMC/BW was not different in omnivores vs vegetarians. There were no significant relationships or trends between current or early dietary intakes and BMC/BW in either group. In multiple-regression analysis, age, weight, and use of estrogen and thiazide diuretics were predictive of 31% of the variability in BMC/BW in the total group.
Nutritional Sciences Division, School of Public Health, UCLA 90024.
I F
IF
Hunt
N J
NJ
Murphy
C
C
Henderson
V A
VA
Clark
R M
RM
Jacobs
P K
PK
Johnston
A H
AH
Coulson
D000886:Anthropometry; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000032:analysis*; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004032:Diet; D014676:Diet, Vegetarian; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis*; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D008903:Minerals