Objective: To assess the impact of dietary trends/habits on Bone Mineral Density through various life stages of women.

Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional research design was used. One hundred & eighty subjects were subjected as a sample population of this particular research. This study sample population was further divided into three groups based on age 19-44, 45-55, 56-70 year. Data were collected through self-explanatory questionnaire. Each patient BMI was calculated. Complete blood count (CBC) and Serum Calcium Level (SCL), lab tests of each patient was performed.

Results: on-significant differences in bone mineral density of women in age from 19 – 70 year i.e. adulthood to post-meno-pause were seen. However, reduction in the bone mineral can be evidently witnessed among the three groups describing a reduction in bone mineral density to be associated with progression of age. Least bone mineral density was noticed in wom-en in age between 55 – 70 year as compared to women in age between 19-44.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that there is no significant relationship between different age groups of women and BMD. Diet has a strong role to play in the BMD of patients. The major dietary component that can play a significant role in bone structure building and bone health maintenance include proteins and a greater amount of micronutrients particu-larly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D.

Keywords: Bone Mineral Density

Osteoporosis is a bone disorder characterized by poor bone quality and concentration, and a higher risk of fracture due to skeleton weakness, most of the hip, wrist, and spine [1]. Osteoporosis is usually mentioned as a 'silent disease' because it does not reveal any symptoms until a fracture happens. Morbidity and disability are the main reasons for osteoporotic fractures in older people [2]. In 2000, there were around 9 million osteoporotic fractures discovered globally whereas the distribution of population with osteoporotic fracture had been reported with around 2000 million cases among women since [3].

Diet is a modifiable factor and has an important role in bone health insurance and maintenance. The major dietary component that can play a significant role in bone structure building and bone health maintenance include proteins and a greater amount of micronutrients particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D [4]. It has been widely reported that calcium and vitamin D have significant importance in bone health, and supplements having these nutrients are broadly recommended by the physicians, nutritionists and other health practioners [5].

The research-based findings emphasize healthier diet intake to have remarkable relation with both longitudinal and cross-sectional change in bone mineral density (BMD). Many factors are involved in the growth and loss of bone mass including age, gender, ethnicity, heredity, lifestyles (physical activity, smoking, and alcohol intake) and nutritional status (calcium, protein and vitamin D intake [6]. Approximately, 1000 to 1200 mg/day calcium is suggested for older people at higher risk of osteoporosis [7].

Diet plays an important role in the treatment of osteoporosis. Many types of fat are positively associated with bone health, such as polyunsaturated fatty acid considered beneficial in the management of osteoporosis Fruit and vegetable intake may protect against premenopausal bone loss [8].

To assess the impact of dietary trends/habits on BMD through various life stages of women.

The descriptive, cross-sectional study design was conducted for the present study.

Female patients from 19-70 year were the target group. One hundred & eighty indoor/outdoor female patient of Ibn-e-seina (Teaching hospital) Multan were enrolled in the study [26].

Convenient sampling technique is used for data collection.

The tool used for the present study was a self-administered questionnaire. The weight machine was used for measuring weight. The measuring tape was used for measuring height. Body mass index was calculated as the weight divided by the height squared (kg/m2). A self-reported questionnaire was used to acquire information on known risk factors for bone health, including health-related lifestyles (smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity), reproductive history for women and medical history in general. After completion of the questionnaire, a face-to-face interview was performed to clarify incomplete or ambiguous responses. CBC and SCL test were performed upon all subjects to get baseline data.

The study tool was reviewed and validated by experts in public health and statistician. The questionnaire was then pilot tested amongst a group of the patient (n = 20). This process ensured that the questionnaire was understandable and concise. Reliability of the tool was computed using Cronbach's. The results of the pilot study showed an internal consistency of 0.726 which showed that the tool was reliable for data collection.

Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics by computing frequencies, mean and standard deviation and has been presented in the form of tables.

The findings begin with a description of the respondent profile based on the total of 180 questionnaires returned.

The data presented in Table 1.1 present non-significant differences in bone mineral density of women in age from 19 – 70 year i.e. adulthood to post-menopause. Least to no difference in bone mineral density was noticed in three age groups i.e. 19 – 44Y, 45 -55Y and 55 – 70Y

However, reduction in the bone mineral can be witnessed among the three groups describing a reduction in bone mineral density to be associated with progression of age. Least bone mineral density was noticed in women in age between 55 – 70year as compared to women in age between 19-44.

Diet has been referred to be a hallmark in either improved or bad nutritional status of communities belonging to different genders, age, regions, and ethnicity [9]. Poor bone mineral density leading to the osteoporotic condition has a very strong correlation with diet. Fruits consumption with dairy products and various vegetables was also found to be positively associated with improved bone mineral density [10].

Osteoporosis is a bone disorder characterized by poor bone quality and concentration, and a higher risk of fracture due to skeleton weakness, most of the hip, wrist, and spine [1-11]. Osteoporosis is usually mentioned as a 'silent disease' because it does not reveal any symptoms until a fracture happens [12]. Prevalence of osteoporosis and occurrence of osteoporosis-related fractures are becoming main social and medical worries in both developed and developing countries as the population grows older [13].

Diet is a modifiable factor and has an important role in bone health insurance and maintenance [14, 19]. The major dietary component that can play a significant role in bone structure building and bone health maintenance include proteins and a greater amount of micronutrients particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D [15]. It has been widely reported that calcium and vitamin D have significant importance in bone health, and supplements having these nutrients are broadly recommended by the physicians, nutritionists and other health practitioner [16-18].

The study indicated dietary menus with adequate dairy, meat, fruits, vegetables, and chocolates to add a positive change in bone mineral density of the studies population [20]. Consumption of dairy products added toward improved bone mineral density whereas incorporation of other foods like fruits, chocolate, and vegetables was also found to be moderate to weakly associate with building bone mineral profile [21-22]. Negative correlation indicating the inverse impact on dairy-based meals was witnessed from confectionary, fast foods and even meat-based recipes consumption [23].

Bone mineral density represents the bone strength of individuals. It is said to be linked with intake of calcium and vitamin D. Regular and sufficient intake of these nutrients must be ensured, especially during pregnancy or lactation, either through diet or supplements to avoid any losses in bone strength. For maintaining bone strength, the dietary pattern of individuals plays an important role [24]. The use of cola beverages must be minimized because of their severe harmful impacts on bone strength. Moreover, a healthy diet, including dairy products, fruits and vegetables, and other protein-rich sources must be adapted as a protective factor for bone health. In contrast, regular consumption of fast food, red meat, and caffeine-rich commodities should be prevented. Smoking and alcohol consumption are negatively linked with BMD, so such must be avoided as well [25].

This study reports a positive relationship with dietary habits and BMD at various ages of the life span of women. Dietary patterns can't exclusively be considered a factor which affects BMD in women of different ages. A healthy lifestyle is also critical for BMD. Regular physical exercise helps to enhance the deposition of calcium making the bones stronger. A sedentary lifestyle must not be adapted to prevent any issues as far as bone strength is concerned. Furthermore, optimum exposure to sunlight is also important for females as the majority of them tend to stay indoors due to cultural norms in the region.

The authors are thankful to the administration of the participating hospital for their facilitation and cooperation to conduct this study.