Impact of nutrient intake on bone mineral density and bone quality in patients with acromegaly

Nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining bone health and excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), in patients with acromegaly has been associated with disrupting bone remodeling and increased risk of vertebral fractures. The aim of this study was to assess the dietary quality of patients with acromegaly and its impact on bone density, quality and fractures.

This is a cross-sectional, observational, controlled study which included individuals with acromegaly (AG) and matched controls by sex and age (CG). Food intake was evaluated by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and dietary reference intakes (DRIs). Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone quality [trabecular bone score] (TBS) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the history of past fractures captured by a questionnaire.

Eighty-two individuals were included, 41 in the AG (58.5 % women, mean age 55.9 ± 11.8 years; mean body mass index (BMI) 31.14 ± 5.16) and 41 in the CG (58.5 % women, 56.8 ± 14.3 years and mean BMI was 25.5 ± 3.3). The mean age at diagnosis of acromegaly was 43.7 ± 13.0 years and 63.4 % of AG had a controlled disease. In both groups, insufficient intake, compared to DRIs, of essential nutrients (fiber, omega-3 and 6, vitamins A and E) and minerals (magnesium, potassium, and calcium) was observed. Compared to the CG, the AG showed a higher intake of carbohydrates, trans fats, and certain micronutrients compared to the CG, p < 0.05 for all, similar BMD values, higher number of fractures (AG 0.63 ± 1.11 vs. CG 0.14 ± 0.43; p = 0.001) and poorer TBS (men AG 1.10 ± 0.43 vs. CG1.43 ± 0.09; p = 0.006; women AG 1.03 ± 0.54 vs. CG 1.35 ± 0.14; p = 0,009). In the AG fractures were negatively associated to flavones and vitamin A, and positively associated to IGF-1 levels (p < 0.05 for all). BMD and TBS were positively associated with different bioactive compounds (flavone, anthocyanin, beta-carotene and vitamin C), macronutrients and vitamins with anti-inflammatory activity.

individuals with acromegaly had low bone quality and higher prevalence of fractures despite adequate BMD associated to Inadequate intake of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, combined with excessive consumption of trans fats and poor-quality carbohydrate.