Abstract:
Osteoporosis is a public health problem
worldwide, with consequences of increasing risk of
fragility fractures, disability and premature mortality. This study sought to establish the link
between nutrition and bone health in young South African women. This cross-sectional study
involved 28 South African females aged 18 to 22 years. Total muscle mass, bone mass, fat mass,
spine and femur were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Participants also
completed a food intake questionnaire.
Nutritional indicators were isolated. Collected data was
captured and analyzed by means of statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS). Spearman’s
correlation method was used to determine the correlations between the selected nutrients and
bone density measurements. Positive low-moderate correlations (r=0.4) were found between
phytate and total body mass and between phytate and total bone mass. A positive low-moderate
correlation (r=0.4) was also found between vitamin K and T-score (lumbar spine). No
statistically significant correlations were found between other nutrients and bone density
measurements. The fact that this study was unable to illustrate an association between bone
mineral density (BMD) and some of these nutrients should not be considered that these nutrients
are less significant to bone and general health. Bone mineral status is only one aspect of health in
which these nutrients may have long-term beneficial consequences.
