A Study on Nutrient Intakes and Serum Levels of Copper, Zinc and Manganese in Korean Postmenopausal Women with Different Bone Mineral Density

Choi, Yun Hee; Sung, Chung Ja

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among nutrient intakes, BMD, serum copper, zinc and manganese contents in Korean postmenopausal women residing in Seoul and Kyunggi-do. Nutrient intakes analyses and anthropometric measurements were performed for 64 postmenopausal women. Also, fasting blood samples were collected. The BMDs of the lumbar spine (L2-L4) and femoral neck were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Subjects were classified into three groups: osteoporosis (T-score < or = -2.5, n = 20) , osteopenia (-2.5 < T-score < or = -1, n = 24), and normal (T-score > -1, n = 20). The results are summarized as follows: the mean age, height and weight were 62.1 yrs, 153.8 cm, and 56.1 kg, respectively, with no significant difference among three groups. On the other hand, the mean BMI (23.7 g/m2) of normal group was significantly higher than those of other two groups. The mean energy intake was 1,395.3 kcal (77.5% of Dietary referance intakes for koreans (KDRIs)). The average daily intakes of vitamin B2, calcium and zinc did not reach KDRIs. The mean intakes of iron, copper, zinc and manganese were 10.9 mg, 1.6 mg, 7.8 mg and 5.1 mg respectively, with no significant difference among three groups. The mean serum levels of copper, zinc and manganese were 96.4 mg/dl, 91.5 mg/dl and 39.5 ng/dl, respectively with no significant differences among three groups. The BMD of lumbar spine showed a significantly negative correlation intakes of animal protein, fat and iron intakes after adjusting for age, BMI. However, the BMD of lumbar spine was not significantly correlated with animal iron intakes after adjusting for animal protein, and fat intakes, indicating animal food intake is a possible confounding factor. Proper intakes of vitamin B 2 , vitamin C are required to protect osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. These results suggest that excessive animal food intakes may have adverse effect on bone mineral density. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of serum minerals in BMD.