Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium intakes correlate with bone mineral content in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Qualitative and quantitative differences in the dietary habits of postmenopausal women were studied to assess their influence on bone health and osteoporosis. A total of 194 postmenopausal women were studied with forearm DEXA densitometry. 70 were osteoporotic and 124 served as controls. Women had been menopausal for 5-7 years, and had never been treated with hormone replacement or drug therapy. A 3-day dietary recall was completed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday after the examination: the results were processed by computer and daily calcium, phosphorus and magnesium intakes were related to bone mineral content (BMC). Data were compared with Student's t-test and significance was assessed at p < 0.05. Regression analysis was performed to correlate BMC and intake levels. The dietary intake of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium was significantly reduced in osteoporotic women and correlated with BMC. Calcium and magnesium intakes were lower than the recommended daily allowance even in normal women. The results suggest that nutritional factors are relevant to bone health in postmenopausal women, and dietary supplementation may be indicated for the prophylaxis of osteoporosis. Adequate nutritional recommendations and supplements should be given before the menopause, and dietary evaluation should be mandatory in treating postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Maternal diet during pregnancy is associated with bone mineral density in children: a longitudinal study

“…Recent studies have suggested that diets high in magnesium and potassium may be bene®cial for bone mass maintenance in elderly (Tucker et al, 1999), postmenopausal women (Tranquilli et al, 1994) and premenopausal women (New et al, 1997). The role of phosphorus is more controversial.…”

“…Excessive phosphorus from carbonated beverages may increase the risk of adolescent fractures (Wyshak & Frisch, 1994) as well as impair bone homeostasis (Calvo, 1994). However, phosphorus supplementation leads to short-term increases in growth in preterm neonates (Faerk et al, 2000) while phosphorus intake is positively associated with BMD in young women (Teegarden et al, 1998) and postmenopausal women (Tranquilli et al, 1994). There have been few reports relating fat intake to BMD.…”

Acute effect of high-calcium milk with or without additional magnesium, or calcium phosphate on parathyroid hormone and biochemical markers of bone resorption

“…This recommendation is supported by observations of increased bone mineral density (Abraham & Grewal 1990;Stendig-Lindberg et al, 1993), as well as relief of backpain and movement restrictions by Mg supplementation in osteoporotic patients (Driessens et al, 1990). Also, a number of dietary studies have consistently suggested that bone mineral density is greater in people with high intakes of Mg and potassium (Freudenheim et al, 1986;Angus et al, 1988;Tranquilli et al, 1994;New et al, 1997;Tucker et al, 1999). There is limited research into the impact of supplementary Mg on biochemical markers of bone turnover.…”

Cardiovascular Calcification and Bone: A Comparison of The Effects of Dietary and Serum Calcium, Phosphorous, Magnesium and Vitamin D

“…Dietary and serum, but not red cell, magnesium were generally lower among the elderly with osteoporosis 45,86,109 and among healthy older adults, magnesium intake was positively associated with BMD, BMC and bone mass 86,[110][111] , with an intake of >422.5mg/d vs <206.5 mg/d improving BMD 110 . A large multiethnic study found that this association may apply to older whites but not blacks 112 .…”

“…Results of adult human studies show mixed results for associations between total phosphorus intake and osteoporosis or fractures [84][85][86] , although inorganic phosphorus intake from colas induced a higher incidence of osteopenia and lower BMD among women only; since this was not seen with other soft drinks it is likely to be attributable to phosphoric acid 64 . Among healthy women, dietary and serum phosphorus were generally not associated with BMD or markers of bone formation or resorption 45,85,87 .…”