Relationship between skipping breakfast and bone mineral density in young Japanese women.
BACK GROUND AND AIMS: It is well known that insufficient nutrient intake leads to poor bone status. To find a simple evaluation method for prevention of nutrition intake disorder, a cross-sectional study with 275 healthy Japanese female students aged 19-25 was conducted.


METHODS
Anthropometric parameters, bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar and total hip, bone metabolic markers and physical activity were measured in study participants and the frequency of skipping meals (breakfast, lunch, supper), and absolute values for nutrient intakes were assessed using a Diet History Questionnaire.


RESULTS
The frequency of skipping breakfast significantly correlate to total energy intake (ρ= -0.276, p<0.001). BMI, total intake of energy, intake of protein, intake of phosphate, and energy expenditure positively correlated significantly to BMD at lumbar and total hip (p<0.05) using simple linear regression. BMI (regression coefficient (b))=0.088, p<0.001), bone alkaline phosphatase (b= -0.050, p=0.012), total energy expenditure (b=0.019, p<0.001), and frequency of skipping breakfast (b= -0.018, p=0.048) were independent risk factors for lower total hip BMD by multiple regression analysis. The total hip BMD in participants who skipped breakfast three or more times was significantly lower than in those who did not skip breakfast (p=0.007).


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, managing the frequency of skipping breakfast and reducing it to <3 times per week may be beneficial for the maintenance of bone health in younger women.
Clinical Medicine Research Center, International University of Health and Welfare, Women's Health Center, Sanno Medical Center, 8-5-35 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan. ohta-h@feel.ocn.ne.jp.
Tatsuhiko
T
Kuroda
Yoshiko
Y
Onoe
Remi
R
Yoshikata
Hiroaki
H
Ohta
D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology*; D062408:Breakfast / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010710:Phosphates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D010710:Phosphates