Sign in Subscribe
Vegetables

Fruit and Vegetable Consumption May Be Protective for Bone Health in Adolescent Girls

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study suggests that consuming high amounts of fruit may be associated with higher bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescent girls, particularly in the heel bone. The study, part of the Northern Ireland Young Hearts Project, examined the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and BMD in a representative sample of 12- and 15-year-old girls and boys. The findings indicate that high fruit intake may be important for bone health in girls, but further research is needed to confirm these observations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a significant association between high fruit intake and higher heel BMD in 12-year-old girls, with a beta coefficient of 0.037 (95% CI: 0.017, 0.056).
  • No other associations were observed between fruit and vegetable consumption and BMD in the nondominant forearm or dominant heel.
  • The study used a representative sample of 1345 subjects, including 12- and 15-year-old boys and girls, to examine the relationship between dietary habits and bone health.
  • The findings suggest that high fruit intake may be important for bone health in adolescent girls, particularly during adolescence, when bone mass is substantially increasing prior to skeletal consolidation.
  • The study used multiple linear regression to adjust for potential confounding factors, including physical activity, lifestyle, and socioeconomic status.

Statistics:

  • The study included 1345 subjects (12-year-old boys, n = 324; 12-year-old girls, n = 378; 15-year-old boys, n = 274; 15-year-old girls, n = 369).
  • BMD of the nondominant forearm (distal radius) and dominant heel (os calcis) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 1002 subjects.
  • The mean age of the subjects was 13 years (range: 11-15 years).
  • The study found significant associations between high fruit intake and higher heel BMD in 12-year-old girls, with a beta coefficient of 0.037 (95% CI: 0.017, 0.056).

Sources:

  • C. McGartland, P. Robson, L. Murray, et al. Fruit and vegetable consumption and bone mineral density: the Northern Ireland Young Hearts Project. Am J Clin Nutr; 80(1019-1023 (October 2004).

Read more