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A population-based study of the relationship between salt intake, bone resorption and bone mass
G Jones1, T Beard, V Parameswaran
1Menzies Centre for Population Health Research, GPO Box 252-23, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|August 1, 1997
Summary
High salt intake, measured by urinary sodium, is linked to bone resorption markers in adults. This suggests salt may be a risk factor for osteoporosis, though direct bone mass links require further study.
Area of Science:
- Bone Metabolism and Osteoporosis Research
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Urine Biomarker Analysis
Background:
- Dietary salt intake is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the relationship between salt, bone health, and osteoporosis is crucial for preventative strategies.
- Urinary sodium excretion is a reliable indicator of habitual salt consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between urinary sodium, urinary calcium, and urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPYR) as a marker of bone resorption.
- To explore the relationship between these urinary markers and overall bone mass in a healthy population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted using a population-based sample of 154 healthy adults in Hobart.
- Data collection involved urinary measurements of sodium, calcium, and DPYR.
- Bone mass was assessed using bone mineral content and bone mineral density measurements.
Main Results:
- Urinary sodium showed moderate correlations with both urinary DPYR and urinary calcium in both sexes.
- Multivariate analysis indicated that urinary sodium, bone area, age, and sex explained 22% of the variation in DPYR.
- While univariate analysis showed strong associations between urinary sodium, DPYR, and bone density, these disappeared after adjusting for confounders like body weight.
Conclusions:
- Salt intake is associated with markers of bone resorption in both males and females.
- High salt intake may be a risk factor for osteoporosis, despite no clear association with a single measure of bone mass.
- Further longitudinal or interventional studies with repeated urinary sodium measures are needed to clarify the impact of salt on bone mass and fractures.