Bone mineral density and calcium intake in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Bone mineral density (BMD) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and calcium intake by alimentary survey were assessed in 138 postmenopausal women referred during 2001 to a Bone Densitometry Unit. Women were not taking medications known to affect BMD. Sample data (mean (plus or minus) SD): Age 57.3 (plus or minus) 8.8 yr; time since menopause 10.4 (plus or minus) 9.9 yr (median 9.0); body mass index 26.5 (plus or minus) 4.5 kg/m2. Current mean calcium intake (CMCI) median was just 400 mg/day (range 0 to 2,200). Lumbar spine BMD = 1.038 (plus or minus) 0.184 g/cm2 (n = 136); femoral neck BMD = 0.864 (plus or minus) 0.122 g/cm 2 (n = 106). No significant linear correlation between CMCI and BMD was found. BMD was linearly correlated with body weight. According to WHO criteria, only 37.7% of patients had BMD within the desirable range at both sites; 43.5% were osteopenic and 18.8% osteoporotic. These results underline the need of a public health policy addressed to osteoporosis prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.