The Study of Life Styles, Dietary Habits and Nutrient Intakes of Korean Male College Students Related to the Bone Mineral Density

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of bone mineral density on life styles, dietary habits and nutrient intakes among the male college students. The subjects were divided into four groups; Q1 (calcaneus BMD or = 75 percentile, n = 116). And they were asked about general characteristics, life style, dietary habit, and nutrient intake using questionnaire and 24-hr recall method. They were measured the bone mineral density of calcaneus using quantitative ultrasound. The average age of the subjects of the study was 23.0 years and the average height, weight, and BMI were 174.7 cm, 69.0 kg, 22.5 kg/m2. The bone mineral density in calcaneus was 0.43 g/cm2 in Q1, 0.50 g/cm2 in Q2, 0.56 g/cm2 in Q3, and 0.69 g/cm2 in Q4 (p < 0.001). The results showed that Q1 tended to have irregular exercise compared to the other three groups. Compared with Q1 and Q2, the frequency of skipping breakfast was lower in Q3 and Q4. Also the results showed that the Q4 was significantly more often to drink coffee compared with the other three groups (p < 0.01). The mean daily energy intake was 2210.6 kcal (88.4% of RDA). The intake of energy, vitamin B2, calcium, and zinc did not meet the Korean RDA. Also the Q2 consumed significantly lower intakes of protein (p < 0.05) and plant protein (p < 0.05) compared to the Q3 and Q4. The Q1 and Q2 consumed significantly lower intakes of vitamin B2 (p < 0.01) compared to the Q3 and Q4. In conclusion, male student in lower bone mineral density appeared to have unhealthy life styles and dietary habits in terms of irregular exercise, high frequency of skipping breakfast and lower intakes of protein, vitamin B2 showing a strong need proper education on meal practices and exercise habits for the bone health.