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Food Variety Score and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Mediate the Relationship Between Masticatory Function and
Ruliu Xiong1, Xingmao Zhou1,2,3, Chengji Liu1
1Zhongshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, China.
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|March 31, 2026
Summary
Better chewing function, measured by Functional Tooth Units (FTUs), is linked to lower osteoporosis risk. This association is partly explained by improved diet variety and nutritional status, suggesting oral health supports bone health.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Oral Health
- Bone Health
Background:
- The relationship between chewing ability and osteoporosis is suggested but not well-established.
- This research investigates the connection between Functional Tooth Units (FTUs) and osteoporosis risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between masticatory function, quantified by FTUs, and the prevalence of osteoporosis in U.S. adults.
- To explore potential mediating roles of nutritional factors in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 9,425 U.S. adults aged 50+ from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
- Weighted multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were used to assess the FTU-osteoporosis association.
- Subgroup, sensitivity, and mediation analyses were conducted to confirm robustness and explore pathways.
Main Results:
- Higher FTUs were inversely associated with osteoporosis prevalence (OR=0.93, p=0.004).
- A dose-response relationship was observed, with the highest FTU tertile showing a 46% lower osteoporosis risk (OR=0.54, p<0.001).
- Food Variety Score (FVS) and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) mediated the association.
Conclusions:
- Adequate masticatory function (higher FTUs) is significantly associated with reduced osteoporosis risk.
- Improved food variety and nutritional status partially explain this link.
- Preserving oral health may be a strategy for osteoporosis prevention.
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