Abstract
Introduction:
the adequate intake of nutrients involved in bone metabolism can prevent and even reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Objective:
verify the intake of total calories, protein and calcium in women diagnosed with osteopenia and osteoporosis after menopause.
Method:
a study of 25 women diagnosed with osteopenia (n=17) or osteoporosis (n=8) in the postmenopausal period, who were members of the Prática de Exercícios Físicos na Osteoporose (Practice of Physical Exercise Against Osteoporosis) (PEFO) study group of the Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (the Federal Technology University of Paraná) (UTFPR). The study was divided into two data collection phases: assessment of body composition and bone mineral density by Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) and the recording of food consumption over the previous 72 hours by means of a structured interview.
Results:
there was a difference between the reference values and the average values found for caloric, protein and calcium intake. There were higher values for protein, while calcium intake was low. The osteoporosis group (mean 59.24+80.07, p<0.05) ingested significantly more protein than the osteopenia group (mean 15.14+16.53, p<0.05). The results showed a significant negative correlation between protein intake and hip BMD (r=-0.416, p<0.05).
Conclusion:
adequate intake of protein should be recognized as a protective factor for osteoporosis and considered by nutritionists, as well as being widely featured in public health campaigns.
Keywords:
Osteoporosis; Menopause; Nutrition
