POSITIVE IMPACT OF FREQUENT MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCTS CONSUMPTION ON BONE MINERAL DENSITY OF OVER 50-AGED MACEDONIAN WOMEN

Abstract

A segment of our research was focused on examining the impact of the frequency of milk and dairy products’ (MDP) consumption on bone mineral density (BMD) of Macedonian female population. BMD was measured by DEXA-densitometer in 210 females at the Public Institution “Borka Taleski” in Prilep and a Questionnaire about their dietary habits was performed. Females were categorized into 3 groups according to MDP consumption: those who consume MDP on a daily base; 3 - 5times/week; or 1 - 2 times/ week, and those who did not consume MDP were a reference category. Data analysis was performed by multiple regression analysis (R), while the significance was determined by p<0.05. The results indicated that daily consumption of milk and dairy products was most beneficial for BMD of the females, then 3 - 5 times/ week, and the worst impact on BMD was present in females of 1 - 2 times/ week MDP consumption. Females on a daily MDP consumption had in average 0.17 g/cm² significantly higher BMD as compared to non consumers. Females of 3 - 5 times / week MDP consumption had an average 0.08 g/cm² significantly higher BMD as compared to non consumers. Females of 1 - 2 times/ week MDP consumption had 0.02 g /cm² insignificantly lower BMD as compared to non consumers. The results strongly suggest that daily and /or 3 - 5 times/ week MDP consumption had a significant positive effect on BMD of females and can be considered as a natural benefactor in osteoporosis prevention.