Abstract
A total of 216 women of natural menopause over 40 years were interviewed to find the relationships among general environmental fctors, anthropometric measurements, daily nutrient intake, and BMD. The average age of the subjects was 54.0 years. Average ages of menarche and menopause were 16.7 years and 47.7 years, respectively. In general, energy and nutrients intake of the subjects were relatively low compared to the Korean recommended dietary allowances(RDA). Specifically, intakes of energy, protein, clcium, iron, and vitamin A were lower than Korean RDA, BMD levels of lumbar spin (LS), femoral neck(FN), ward's triangle(WT), and trochanter(TC) were significantly decreased wit age in descending order of LS, FN, TC, and WT BMD, accordingly. BMD levels of FN and TC of the subjects were higher compared to those of the same age but BMD levels of LS and WT were lower than those of the same age from the general population. For factors related to BMD levels, hight, weight, BMI, and hip circumference had positive correlations with BMD. On the other hand, menarche, and WHR had negative correlations with BMD. Protein, lipid, iron, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and niacin intake among factors related nutrient intakes were positively correlated with BMD levels. Based on the stepwise regression analysis, the factors and vitamin B1 intakes. Overall, BMD was decreased with age as can be expected. For those being tall, moderately weighed, and smaller waist circumference, BMD levels were high when the relationships of body characteristics and BMD levels were considered. The higher BMD levels were found for those with high intake of protein and vitamin B1. From the findings, it is suggested that the women after menopause keep the optimum body weight and good eating habits. Specially intakes of good quality protein, vitamin B1 seemed to be important.