Nutritional and Biochemical Factors of Zinc and Calcium in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis in Tabriz-2007

Introduction: Osteoporosis as a public health problem affects the quality of life of many postmenopausal women. A high concentration of Zinc is found in bones. It works as a cofactor of some key enzymes essential in bone synthesis and reconstruction.Having considered the importance of Zinc and Calcium for healthy bones and also the prevalence of Zinc deficiency, this study was designed to determine the nutritional and biochemical factors of zinc and calcium in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 62 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis aged between45 and 89, referred to Sheikhoraees Rheumatologic Clinic in Tabriz .Nutritional intake was determined using a 3-day food recall as well as a food frequency questionnaire. Personal and clinical information was also collected through a questionnaire. Weights and heights were measured using the scale. Serum zinc concentration was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer and serum calcium concentration was determined by spectrophotometer. Data were then analyzed using analytical and descriptive statistical methods.

Results: The mean age of the sample was 58.85. The mean daily energy, zinc and calcium intake from the diet was 1876 kcal, 3.7 mg/day and 716.7 mg/day respectively. The average daily intake of RDA zinc from the diet was 47% and 59% for RDA calcium. The Mean zinc serum concentration  was significantly less than the normal levels (67.69±3.46µg/dl), but serum calcium concentration came out within the normal range (9.3±0.16 mg/dl).While there was no correlation between serum zinc and serum calcium,  zinc intake was positively correlated with calcium intake.

Conclusion: The results of the study showed a low nutritional and biochemical status of zinc and zinc serum concentration in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis which fell under the normal range. Calcium intake from diet was lower than the normal. Given the positive effect of zinc and calcium intake on maintaining healthy bones, we emphasize the role of education on the nutritional values of the food rich in zinc and calcium. This would help prevent decrease in bone density of women with osteoporosis