Introduction: Peak bone mass is modulated by intrinsic (genetic) and extrinsic factors, such as diet, physical activity, stimulants and medications. Approximately 80-85% of peak bone mass is achieved during puberty.
Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze selected risk factors for osteoporosis, specifically diet and physical activity, in 10- to 15-year-old girls.
Material and methods: The study included 461 girls from Eastern Poland (Lublin Province). Diet of the study subjects was determined with a 24-h dietary recall survey. Dietary intake of energy and selected nutrients was calculated using Dieta 5.0 software. The analysis included intake of energy, protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, vitamins A, D and C. Physical activity of the study subjects was assessed by means of a diagnostic survey. Statistical analysis included determining mean dietary intakes of analyzed nutrients, as well as their deviations from the intakes recommended for a given age group (10-12 and 13-15 years of age). Associations between diet and physical activity levels were tested with multivariate models of logistic regression, and their statistical significance was verified with Wald test.
Results: The study documented insufficient intake of energy, excessive intake of protein and sodium, as well as calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D deficiency. Most surveyed girls declared moderate level of physical activity.
Conclusions: Dietary inadequacies observed in the studied girls may lead to inappropriate bone mineralization and as a result, contribute to development of osteoporosis in future. No evident relationships were found between diet and physical activity level.