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Influence of dietetic and anthropometric factors and of the type of sport practised on bone density in different groups of women

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this work was to analyse the influence of dietetic and anthropometric data, as well as the sport practised, on the bone density of different groups of sportswomen.

Subjects and methods: Dietetic, anthropometric and bone density data were collected from 74 women who practised different sports (15 skiers, 26 basketball players and 33 ballet dancers), and compared to those of 90 women who led sedentary lifestyles.

Results: The sportswomen had higher bone mineral contents and bone densities than controls. However, the dancers showed similar spinal and hip values as those of controls, and lower forearm values. Low body weight and body mass index, and insufficient energy intake–characteristic of the dancers–were associated with poorer bone mineralisation status. Increased energy, protein, vitamin D, calcium, zinc and magnesium intakes were associated with greater bone density and mineral content at different sites.

Conclusions: The worst bone density status was that of the dancers, who, as a group, displayed characteristics that have negative impacts in this respect (low energy intakes and low body weight). Dancers should therefore take steps to avoid suffering fractures and skeleto-muscular lesions which could negatively influence their health and physical performance. The greater consumption of milk products and calcium and better Ca/P ratio seen in the dancers could help this group to avoid bone deterioration.

Sponsorship: This research was supported by the Ministerio de Trabajo y Asuntos Sociales, Instituto de la Mujer, III Plan de Investigación Científica y Desarrollo Tecnológico.

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Contributors: ME Quintas was involved in the coordination of the project, in data analysis and interpretation of the results. RM Ortega was involved in coordination and study design. AM López-Sobaler and G Garrido contributed to the analysis of the data. AM Requejo was research coordinator. The paper was written by ME Quintas with contribution from RM Ortega.

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Correspondence to A M López-Sobaler.

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Quintas, M., Ortega, R., López-Sobaler, A. et al. Influence of dietetic and anthropometric factors and of the type of sport practised on bone density in different groups of women. Eur J Clin Nutr 57 (Suppl 1), S58–S62 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601817

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