Relationships between usual nutrient intake and bone-mineral content of women 35-65 years of age: Longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis

In a 4-yr clinical trial, effect on single-photon absorptiometric measurements of arm bones of usual intake of energy and 14 nutrients plus vitamin-mineral supplements was studied in 99 women, aged 35-65, randomly assigned to placebo (NS) or calcium-supplemented (1.5 g) (S) groups. Cross-sectional analysis of initial bone measurements showed vitamin C (r = 0.313, p < 0.05) and niacin (r = 0.353, p < 0.01) correlated with ulna in postmenopausal subjects (n = 67). Longitudinal analysis of bone-change rates postmenopausal subjects (NS + S) showed higher calcium intakes associated with lower loss rates of humerus bone-mineral content (BMC) (r = 0.360, p < 0.01). In postmenopausal NS but not S subjects, energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and folate correlated significantly with change in radius BMC; high levels of intake correlated with slower loss (p < 0.05). Several nutrients besides calcium are related to bone loss in women.