[Frequency and some risk factors of decreased bone mineralization in a group of university students]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of occurrence of decreased bone mineralization in the group of university students and qualification of dependence between this abnormality and dietary factors and nutritional status.

110 subjects (63 females and 47 males) aged 21-26 years from Medical University of Lodz participated in this study. All persons were recognized as healthy, without any disturbances in skeletal and muscle systems reported in anamnesis. Bone mineralization was evaluated by ultrasound examination of the calcaneal bone with Achilles Solo plus apparatus. Speed of Sound (SOS), Broadband Ultrasound Attenuation (BUA) and Stiffness index were analysed. 24-hour recall of dietary intake was collected and the analysis was performed using FOOD 3.1 nutritional programme. Anthropometrical measurements were estimated (weight, height, Body Mass Index) and the body composition was analysed (percent of body fat [BF%], fat mass [FM], fat-free mass [FFM]) using near-infrared spectrophotometry with FUTREX 5000 A/ZL.

The decreased bone mineralization was observed in 12.6% of women and in 10.6% of men. The mean values of parameters of ultrasound examination were statistically lower in the group with decreased bone mineralization; in women lower than in men. 27.7% males and 6.4% females had grade 1 overweight, 2.1% men and 17.4% women--grade 1 thinness. Diets of persons' with reduced ultrasound parameters had lower content of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, vitamin D and C, simultaneously having higher content of protein and sodium. Students with decreased bone mineralization had higher BMI, higher BF% and lower FFM.

Persons with decreased bone mineralization had a diet with an unbalanced intake of nutrients influencing the process of shaping the peak bone mass and an incorrect nutritional status.