Dietary inflammation may increase the risk of osteoporosis among Iranian postmenopausal women, according to new research linked to the Dietary inflammatory index (DII).
Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as playing a key role in various diseases, including osteoporosis, which affects millions globally. The prevalence of osteoporosis among Iranian postmenopausal women stands at 33.7 percent, making it imperative to explore risk factors, including diet.
The study, conducted by researchers from Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, analyzed 131 postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis and compared them to 131 healthy individuals. Using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), researchers measured bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. A validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was employed to assess the participants' dietary intake and calculate each individual’s DII score.
The results revealed significant correlations between pro-inflammatory diets and osteoporosis risk. Women with the highest DII scores exhibited more than double the odds of developing osteoporosis compared to those with lower scores. Specifically, the study showed the fully adjusted odds ratio for osteoporosis/osteopenia among those with the highest DII was 2.43, indicating substantial risk tied to dietary patterns.
This is particularly concerning as the lifestyle and dietary habits of postmenopausal women, influenced by their health status, could potentially escalate the incidence of osteoporosis. The researchers highlighted the importance of evaluating diet's inflammatory potential, asserting, “Avoiding inflammatory foods and consuming more anti-inflammatory foods may reduce the risk and prognosis of osteoporosis.”
The research sheds light on the changing paradigm surrounding osteoporosis, with traditional risk factors often focusing on hormonal and nutritional deficiencies being complemented by the relationship between chronic inflammation and dietary choices. Increasing intake of anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, could be pivotal for this demographic.
Given these findings, future interventions might focus on dietary education and awareness among postmenopausal women to optimize their bone health and mitigate osteoporosis risk factors through nutrition.