Dairy- and supplement-based calcium intake in adulthood and vertebral dimensions in midlife—the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study

Abstract

Summary Among a representative sample of 1064 Northern Finns, we studied the association of dairy- and supplement-based calcium intake in adulthood with vertebral size in midlife. Inadequate calcium intake (< 800 mg/day) from age 31 to 46 predicted small vertebral size and thus decreased spinal resilience among women but not men. Introduction Small vertebral size predisposes individuals to fractures, which are common among aging populations. Although previous studies have associated calcium (Ca) intake with enhanced bone geometry in the appendicular skeleton, few reports have addressed the axial skeleton or the vertebrae in particular. We aimed to investigate the association of dairy- and supplement-based Ca intake in adulthood with vertebral cross-sectional area (CSA) in midlife. Methods A sample of 1064 individuals from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 had undergone lumbar magnetic resonance imaging at the age of 46, and provided self-reported data on diet and Ca intake (dairy consumption and use of Ca supplements) at the ages of 31 and 46. We assessed the association between Ca intake (both continuous and categorized according to local recommended daily intake) and vertebral CSA, using generalized estimating equation and linear regression models with adjustments for body mass index, diet, vitamin D intake, education, leisure-time physical activity, and smoking. Results Women with inadequate Ca intake (< 800 mg/day) over the follow-up had 3.8% smaller midlife vertebral CSA than women with adequate Ca intake ( p = 0.009). Ca intake among men showed no association with vertebral CSA. Conclusions Inadequate Ca intake (< 800 mg/day) from the age of 31 to 46 predicts small vertebral size and thus decreased spinal resilience among middle-aged women. Future studies should confirm these findings and investigate the factors underlying the association of low Ca intake in women but not in men with smaller vertebral size. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00198-019-04843-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Role of Vertebral Morphometry in the Pathogenesis of Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

“…For example, Ruyssen-Witrand et al (2007) reported in their systematic review study that the smaller vertebral size seems to be at a higher risk of vertebral fracture [ 42 ]. In addition, inadequate Ca intake and a high level of physical activities may affect the vertebral body size among women [ 43 , 44 ]. Oura and colleagues have recently reported that higher BMI is strongly associated with vertebral CSA [ 45 ].…”

The determinants and longitudinal changes in vitamin D status in middle-age: a Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 study

“…The participants’ dietary intake of VitD at the age of 46 was evaluated based on a food frequency questionnaire assessing frequency of food consumption during the preceding 6 months, as previously described in detail [ 38 , 39 ]. Briefly, the National Food Composition Database in Finland, which is maintained by the National Institute for Health and Welfare [ 12 ], was used to evaluate VitD consumption from dairy products, spreadable fats, and fish.…”

“…Sour milk, 3. Other dairy products (e.g., yoghurt, other fermented milk products, ice cream)?” All dairy products except cheese were estimated to contain 1 µg of VitD per 100 g [ 12 , 17 , 38 , 40 ]. The VitD content in fat spreads varies according to spread types: butter and organic butter contain 0 µg/g of VitD, vegetable oil spreads and plant-based sterol and stanol margarines 0.2 µg/g, and vegetable oil mixtures 0.1 µg/g.…”

“…If fish was eaten almost daily, the VitD dose was approximated to be 13.4 µg/d; if twice a week, 3.8 µg/d; and if once a week, 1.9 µg/d. Less than that was estimated to be 0 µg of VitD [ 12 , 38 ].…”

Baseline anthropometric indices predict change in vertebral size in early adulthood – A 10-year follow-up MRI study

“…Together with several material, microarchitectural and geometrical properties, vertebral cross-sectional area (CSA) has an independent effect on vertebral strength [1,2]. Recently, cross-sectional evidence has accumulated that lifestyle factors such as physical activity [3], nutrition [4], dieting [5], and body composition [6] are associated with vertebral CSA and can therefore potentially be further applied in the prevention of vertebral fractures.…”