Bone density and implementation of recommendations for dairy products consumption and physical activity in women: a...

Diet and lifestyle are key factors of osteoporosis prevention, and their synergistic interaction can significantly affect the condition of the skeletal system in women.

The aim of the study was to assess bone density and its relation with the implementation of recommendations regarding the consumption of dairy products and physical activity in young women.

The study included 27 Caucasian women female participants aged 22-44 years (menstruate, non-menopausal). Dual energy X-ray beam absorptiometry (DEXA - Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry; Lunar Prodigy camera) was used to assess bone density and indices as BMD (Bone Mineral Density), T-score and Z-score at the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and the femoral neck. Dairy intake was determined using the food frequency method for 4 subgroups: milk, fermented dairy drinks, rennet cheese and cottage cheese. The following criteria were used to assess compliance with the recommendations: for dairy intake at least 2 times per day, for physical activity at least 3 times per week.

Recommendations for dairy intake or physical activity were followed by 33% and 74% of the women, respectively, both recommendations were followed by 26% of the women. Women meeting both recommendations had the highest median total BMD of 1.25 g/cm² (Q25-Q75: 1.20-1.34) and T-score of 1.70 (1.20-2.60). In women meeting only one recommendation, total BMD was 1.18 g/cm² (1.13-1.23) and T-score was 1.00 (0.50-1.50). The lowest values were found in women not meeting any of those recommendations, with total BMD of 1.14 g/cm² (1.07-1.19) and T-score of 0.60 (0.10-1.10).

Implementing both recommendations, namely for dairy intake and physical activity seems to be more effective for bone mineral density than following just one recommendation. In contrast, infrequent consumption of dairy products and low physical activity are associated with the risk of reduced bone mineral density in young women.