Nutritional associations with bone loss during the menopausal transition: evidence of a beneficial effect of calcium, alcohol, and fruit and vegetable nutrients and of a detrimental effect of fatty acids.
BACKGROUND
The menopausal transition is characterized by rapid bone loss. Few data exist on the role of nutrition.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to ascertain which dietary factors influence perimenopausal skeletal loss.


METHODS
A longitudinal study was conducted of 891 women aged 45-55 y at baseline and 50-59 y at follow-up 5-7 y later. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar spine and femoral neck (FN). Nutrient intakes were assessed after the baseline visit and 5 y later, by using the same food-frequency questionnaire.


RESULTS
After adjustment for energy intake and other confounders, higher intakes of calcium were correlated with change in FN BMD (ie, reduced loss) (r = 0.073, P < 0.05), and the intake of modest amounts of alcohol was associated with less lumbar spine bone loss (P < 0.01 for quartile of alcohol intake). Greater FN BMD loss was associated with increased intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (r = -0.110, P < 0.01), monounsaturated fatty acids (r = -0.069, P < 0.05), retinol (r = -0.067; P < 0.05), and vitamin E (r = -0.110; P < 0.01). The latter 2 nutrients were highly correlated with polyunsaturated fatty acids. For premenopausal women, calcium and nutrients found in fruit and vegetables (vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium) were associated with FN BMD, and calcium, vitamin C, and magnesium were associated with change in FN BMD.


CONCLUSIONS
Although menopausal status and hormone replacement therapy use dominate women's bone health, diet may influence early postmenopausal bone loss. Fruit and vegetable intake may protect against premenopausal bone loss.
Macdonald
Helen M
HM
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom. h.macdonald@abdn.ac.uk
New
Susan A
SA
Golden
Michael H N
MH
Campbell
Marion K
MK
Reid
David M
DM
D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004032:Diet; D000431:Ethanol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014675:Vegetables
D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D005227:Fatty Acids; D000431:Ethanol