Bone Mineral Density Study in Postmenopausal Taiwanese Vegetarian Women

• Main Author: 邱正芬
• Other Authors: 藍守仁
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 1997
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/95837060020858563426

博士 === 高雄醫學大學 === 醫學研究所 === 85 === Osteoporosis is an important public health problem, as exemplified by more than million fractures in the world each year. The direct and indirect costs of osteoporosis are estimated to be $10 billion annually. Since the elderly are at greatest risk for osteoporotic fractures, the progressive aging of the world''s population predicts a substantial increase in the global burden of osteoporosis. One recent study estimates that there will be 4.5 million hip fractures worldwide in the year 2050. We have conducted a study to examine bone density among postmenopausal women and to relate the measurements of bone density to the subject characteristics including age, life-style factors, nutrients intake, medical history, vegetarian practice and biochemical markers. A total of 258 postmenopausal Taiwanese vegetarian women participated in the study. Lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) were measured used dual-photon absorptimetry. 1. Long term vegetarian diet and bone mineral density in postmenopausal Taiwanese women. Among the independent variables examined, age inversely and body mass index positively correlated with both the lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD measurements. They were also significant predictors of the osteopenia status. Energy intake from protein was a significant correlate of lumbar spine BMD only. Other nutrients, including calcium and energy intake from non-protein sources did not correlate significantly with the two bone density parameters. Long- term practitioners of vegan vegetarian were found to be at a higher risk of exceeding lumbar spine fracture threshold (adjusted odds ratios=2.48, 95% confidence interval=l.03- 5.96) and of being classified as having osteopenia of the femoral neck (adjusted odds ratios=3.94, 95% confidence interval=l.21-12.82). Identification of effective nutrition supplements may be necessary to improve bone mineral density levels and to reduce the risks of osteoporosis among long-term female vegetarians. 2. Determinants of biochemical markers and bone mineral density in postmenopausal Taiwanese vegetarian women. Biochemical markers included urinary calcium, serum calcium, serum alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and 25(OH)Vit D3. Serum alkaime phosphatase and osteocalcin coirelated with both lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD measurements. Alkaline phosphatase was found to be at a higher risk for osteopenia of the lumbar spine(adjusted odds ratios=1.03, 95% confidence interval=l.01-1.05). Osteocalcin was found to be at a higher risk for osteopenia of the lumbar spine and femoral neck ( adjusted odds ratios= 1.11, 95% confidence interval=l.03-1.20) and (adjusted odds ratios=1.17, 95% confidence interval=1.01-1.31). 25(OH) Vit D3 did not correlate significantly with two bone density parameters. These markers, alone or in combination, may emerge as useful in risk prediction, choice of therapy, and monitoring the efficacy of therapy. In conclusion, recent studies of vegetarian diets and their effects on morbidity and mortality were decreased. In Taiwan, the majority of vegetarians adhere strictly to a vegan diet and excludes calcium intake. These women may need to consider nutrient supplements to compensate for the lack of calcium intakes to avoid the onset of osteoporosis.