Relationship Between Bone Mineral Contents, Calcium Intake and Physical Activity in the Japanese Elderly

Abstract

Relationship between bone mineral contents and calcium intake and physical activity was investigated. Subjects were 85 healthy residents (39 men and 46 women) living in a geriatric home. The average age was 77.8 years. As indicator of bone mineral contents, bone density and cortical width of the metacarpal bone on an X-ray film were measured with a microdensitometer. Average daily calcium intake was calculated after weighing residual volume of meals. Amount of physical activity was investigated by an interview. The rsults were: 1) Calcium intake and bone density were correlated in men and women after controling age and cortical width was correlated in men. 2) Bone density was correlated with the intake of cow milk and was highest in those who drank milk every day. 3) Bone density was higher in those who maintained physical activities. These findings are important in care and guidance to the elderly.