Assessment of Nutrients Associated with the Risk of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a chronic bone disease characterized by the loss in bone density and modification in bone structure. These changes will increase bone fragility and the risk of fracture particularly among postmenopausal women. The purpose of this study is to explore the possible association between nutrient intake and the risk of suffering from osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who have recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis. A case-control study was designed to determine nutrients intake, as well as dietary and lifestyle patterns. One hundred patients who were newly diagnosed with osteoporosis, and 100 osteoporosis-free controls Jordanian postmenopausal women were enrolled in this study. The ratio of case to controls is 1:1. Several macro and micronutrients were identified as having a protective effect on the risk of osteoporosis. The intake of carbohydrates, vitamin B6 and phosphorus was associated with lower risk of osteoporosis in all quartiles. Moreover, Fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc are protective in the third and fourth quartiles. A significant protective effect of fats, monounsaturated fats, and vitamins C consumption was detected in the fourth quartile. The present results suggest that a poor diet and a lack of a healthy lifestyle do have significant effects on the development of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.