Nutritional factors that influence change in bone density and stress fracture risk among young female cross-country runners.
OBJECTIVE
To identify nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns associated with stress fracture risk and changes in bone density among young female distance runners.


METHODS
Two-year, prospective cohort study. Observational data were collected in the course of a multicenter randomized trial of the effect of oral contraceptives on bone health.


METHODS
One hundred and twenty-five female competitive distance runners ages 18-26 years.


METHODS
Dietary variables were assessed with a food frequency questionnaire.


METHODS
Bone mineral density and content (BMD/BMC) of the spine, hip, and total body were measured annually by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Stress fractures were recorded on monthly calendars, and had to be confirmed by radiograph, bone scan, or magnetic resonance imaging.


RESULTS
Seventeen participants had at least one stress fracture during follow-up. Higher intakes of calcium, skim milk, and dairy products were associated with lower rates of stress fracture. Each additional cup of skim milk consumed per day was associated with a 62% reduction in stress fracture incidence (P < .05); and a dietary pattern of high dairy and low fat intake was associated with a 68% reduction (P < .05). Higher intakes of skim milk, dairy foods, calcium, animal protein, and potassium were associated with significant (P < .05) gains in whole-body BMD and BMC. Higher intakes of calcium, vitamin D, skim milk, dairy foods, potassium, and a dietary pattern of high dairy and low fat were associated with significant gains in hip BMD.


CONCLUSIONS
In young female runners, low-fat dairy products and the major nutrients in milk (calcium, vitamin D, and protein) were associated with greater bone gains and a lower stress fracture rate. Potassium intake was also associated with greater gains in hip and whole-body BMD.
Nieves
Jeri W
JW
Clinical Research Center, Helen Hayes Hospital, Route 9W, West Haverstraw, NY 10993, USA. jwn5@columbia.edu
Melsop
Kathryn
K
Curtis
Meredith
M
Kelsey
Jennifer L
JL
Bachrach
Laura K
LK
Greendale
Gail
G
Sowers
Mary Fran
MF
Sainani
Kristin L
KL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015519:Bone Density; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D015775:Fractures, Stress / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012307:Risk Factors; D012420:Running / Q000293:injuries*; D055815:Young Adult
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral