The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional intake of calcium and vitamin D in 43 female patients with osteoporosis, since these are key nutrients for bone health. Anthropometric measurements were performed on the included volunteers, they also had to fill out a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and 24-hour recall. We also acquired their T-score, an indication of the severity of osteoporosis, and number oftheir bone fractures from their physician. Mean intake of vitamin D with food was assessed at 72,3 (55,7) IU or 1,8 (1,4) µg, which is alarmingly low, much lower than the recommended daily value of 800 IU or 20 µg. Patients (n=32) who received dietary supplements containing vitamin D successfully increased their daily intake of vitamin D to 132 % of the recommended daily intake. Those who did not receive vitamin D supplementation achieved only 5,5 % of the recommended daily intake. Mean intake of calcium with food was assessed at 925 (428) mg and only 41,8 % of the patients obtained the recommended daily intake for calcium, which is 1000 mg. Dairy products contributed the most to the intake of calcium from food (624 (401) mg). Statistical analysis did not reveal any significant correlation between calcium intake (p=0,074) or vitamin D intake (p=0,10) and the rate of osteoporosis, evaluated with T-score. Nevertheless, the patients with serious osteoporosis had higher intakes of calcium than the patients with osteoporosis. This demonstrates the value of informing patients with osteoporosis about the appropriate nutrition for bone health.
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