[Study on the relationship between intake of nutrients and bone density in middle-aged and old people].

Objective: To study the relationship between intake of nutrients and bone density in the middle-aged and the old people.

Methods: Dietary investigation was conducted and bone densities of lumbar 2-4, tuberositas of femur and the neck of femur were measured in 200 healthy subjects who received physical check-up in our hospital. Subjects were distributed into 6 groups including young or middle-aged, pre-old and old groups of men and women. Comparison was conducted within those groups.

Results: The average intake of protein, carbohydrate and energy per day in old men-group were (71.4 +/- 11.7) g, (294.2 +/- 54.7) g and (2196.9 +/- 311.3) kcal, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in young or middle-aged groups, and the average amounts of protein, carbohydrate and energy intake per day in old men-group were (91.7 +/- 19.5) g, (81.8 +/- 85.2) g and (2716.0 +/- 451.7) kcal, respectively. The average intake of calcium in women-old group was (362.0 +/- 167.1) mg, the lowest in the groups. The incidence of abnormal bone densities of lumbar 2-4, the tuberositas of femur and the neck of femur in old men group was significantly higher than those in young or middle-aged men groups (P < 0.05) and the pre-old men group. There were significantly different incidence rates of abnormal bone densities between the 3 women groups (P < 0.05), especially between young or middle-aged groups and in the old women-group (P < 0.0001). The incidences of abnormal bone density in pre-old men group and old men group were significantly lower than those in-pre-old and old women groups.

Conclusion: The decrease of calcium intake seemed to be one of the factors leading to abnormity of bone density in old women. While the increase of calcium intake served as one of the nutritional factors affecting the bones.