Effects of a DASH diet-based Nutritional Intervention Program on Bone Health of Elderly Women

Osteoporosis is a major health problem for older women. To prevent and treat osteoporosis, dietary strategies for calcium and Vitamin D is critical.We investigate the effects of Korean DASH diet education with calcium/vitamin D supplementation on self-efficacy, diet knowledge and compliance, nutrient intakes, bone markers and density in elderly women. A randomized, controlled trial was conducted for 12 weeks. Experimental group(n=26) received diet education and calcium(1200mg)/vitamin D(800 IU) supplementation and control group(n=22), conventional counseling. Diet knowledge(p=.002) and compliance(p<.001) were higher in experimental group than counterparts. Self-efficacy did not change significantly. Osteocalcin, bone density and nutrient intakes showed no significant differences in both groups, but calcium was consumed more in subjects with better comprehensive nutrition intake. Experimental group showed lower CTx(p=.030) than control group. Korean DASH diet education with calcium/vitamin D supplementation was effective in improving diet compliance and decreasing bone resorption among elderly women.