Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the dietary and lifestyle factors related to bone the mineral density (BMD) of postmenopausal women with decreased BMD. The subjects (N = 163) were recruited from women who visited a orthopedic clinic for BMD check up. A trained dietition interviewed subjects individually to obtain data about dietary behavior, consumption frequency of foods known as main dietary source of calcium and potassium, and clinical symptoms. The risk factors were identified by correlation and multiple regression analysis of variables. The mean age of the subjects was 66.8 years. Most of them showed low levels of education and monthly income. The mean age of menarche and menopause were 17.2 and 48 year, respectively. The mean menopause duration was 18.7 year. Most of the consumption of calcium was centered to vegetable foods. Education level were positively correlated (r = 0.272, p < 0.05) with BMD whereas age, menarch age, menopause duration, number of children were negatively correlated (r = -0.355, r = -0.240, r = -0.283, r = -0.193, respectively, p < 0.05) with BMD. The consumption of soybean, radish were positively correlated (r = 0.187, r = 0.158, respectively, p < 0.05) with BMD. Potassium intake with rice showed significantly negative correlation with BMD (r = -0.189, p < 0.05), but calcium intake with brown seaweeds, bean sprouts were positively correlated (r = 0.247, r = 0.254 respectively, p < 0.05) with BMD. Protein intake with roasted pork was also positively correlated (r = 0.216, p < 0.05) with BMD. Multiple regression analysis showed that the most prominent negative predictor influencing the BMD was age. Minor negative factors influencing the BMI were age of menarche, potassium intake from rice. But the significantly positively factors influencing the BMD were consumption of radish and soybean intake, education, and protein intake with roasted pork. In conclusion brown seaweeds, radish or soybeans can be promoted as cheap foods replacing milk and milk products for menopausal women with low income.

• Keywords: BMD; ostepenia; osteoporosis; calcium; food frequency; women