[Eating habits and life styles in a Portuguese population--protective and risk factors for osteoporosis].

Background: Physical activity, calcium intake, coffee, alcohol and tobacco consumption can influence OP risk. These factors can be modifiable and, in some cases, their control may contribute for the OP prevention.

Objectives: To identify and to evaluate associations between modifiable risk or protective factors of OP, age and sex in Portuguese healthy subjects. To assess the knowledge about osteoporosis in the studied population stratified by age and sex.

Methods: Cross-sectional study of randomly selected healthy subjects aged 18 to 29 years or more than 50 years. Information was obtained on demographic, clinical, lifestyle and behavioural characteristics using a standard protocol. Alcohol and tobacco consumption, calcium intake, physical activity and knowledge about osteoporosis were quantified.

Results: 301 subjects, 199 females and 102 males were evaluated. They have been separated in four groups stratified by sex and age. All the individuals presented calcium intake below the recommended levels and, except for the group of young males, physical activity was very low. Tobacco consumption was higher in the young female group and had been initiated earlier. Alcohol consumption was higher in male individuals with more than 49 years, being wine the predominant drink, while younger preferred beer. Women older than 49 years presented reduced calcium intake and physical activity.

Discussion: Risk factors for OP have been identified in age groups prone to develop OP The differences found in the evaluated parameters between age and sex groups must be considered in campaigns for OP prevention, promoting calcium intake, physical activity and the fight against tobacco consumption.