[Effect of measuring bone mineral density on calcium intake]

The diet in Japan has improved, but calcium intake has not increased for the past ten years, and it remains insufficient. To prevent osteoporosis, instruction in nutrition is directed at increasing calcium intake. We studied the effect of measuring bone mineral density on calcium intake in people receiving nutrition education. Intake of other nutrients was also measured. The subjects were 87 healthy women living in an agricultural region (Yamanashi Prefecture). They were members of a group formed to improve the diet of people in their area. For three days in October 1992 and in August 1994 food-weight records were obtained. A total of 76 of the 87 women chose to have their bone mineral density measured. The measurements before the first nutrition assessment in 1992. The intake of almost all nutrients tended to be greater in 1994 than in 1992. Calcium intake exceeded the minimum daily requirement (600mg). Calcium intake increased between 1992 and 1994 only in the subjects whose bone mineral density had been measured. Calcium intake decreased in the other subjects. Therefore, nutrition education programs aimed at preventing osteoporosis may be more effective if bone mineral density is measured. In addition, an appropriate balance of other nutrients can be maintained as the intake of calcium is increased.