Relationship between nutrient intake and bone mineral density in 20∼30 year-old korean women

The achievement of maximal peak bone mineral density (BMD) in early life is one of the most important strategies for the prevention of osteoporosis, which is affected by nutritional status. However, it has been reported that young Korean women do not consume the optimal levels of nutrients because of the frequent practice of body weight reduction. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between nutrient intakes and BMD in young Korean women. Bone mineral density was measured at the lumbar spine by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Information on health status, lifestyle and physical activity was obtained by questionnaire. Dietary intake was ascertained from a 3-day dietary record. The study sample included 112 Korean women aged 20∼39 yr. In accordance with the energy intake of subjects, individuals who had an energy intake that was greater than 80% of the Korean Dietary Reference Intake (KDRI) were assigned to the control group (Control), while those who had an energy intake lower than 80% of the KDRI were assigned to the low intake group (LI). The intake of all nutrients in the LI group was significantly lower than that of the Control. Control subjects also showed nutrient intakes higher than the KDRI, except for Ca and folate. However, LI subjects showed intakes of energy, fiber, Ca, Fe, K, Zn, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and folate that were lower than the KDRI. The BMD of the lumbar spine in LI subjects was significantly lower than that of the Control subjects. These results suggested that lower nutrient intake has a negative impact on BMD in young women.