A pilot study on the correlation between dietary habits and osteoporosis in men living in the frigid regions of China

Abstract

Objective To analyze the risk of osteoporosis among middle-aged men in the cold regions of China (Heilongjiang Province) and provide theoretical support for the early identification of high-risk populations. Methods Bone mineral density (BMD) data were collected from male subjects aged 50-65 who met the inclusion criteria at the physical examination center of a hospital in Harbin between August to December 2022. General clinical data and dietary information were obtained through face-to-face interviews using a dietary questionnaire survey. Results The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia was 14.38% and 52.06%, respectively, while normal bone mass accounted for 33.56%. Significant differences were observed among groups in smoking habits, sunlight exposure, exercise levels, and dietary patterns at each bone mass level. The BMD of the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and hip showed a negative correlation with the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that smoking and a diet high in oil and salt were positively associated with the risk of osteoporosis. A pro-inflammatory diet was also positively correlated with osteoporosis risk, with individuals in this group being 7.723 times more likely to develop osteoporosis compared to those in the anti-inflammatory diet group. Conclusion The high prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia observed in this study highlighted that osteoporosis is a significant and pressing issue among middle-aged men. Smoking, limited sunlight exposure, reduced physical activity, diets high in oil and salt, and pro-inflammatory diets were identified as major risk factors for bone loss. These factors are closely linked to the geography, climate, and cultural practices of cold regions in China. Primary healthcare in this region should focus on the screening and prevention of osteoporosis in middle-aged men by promoting smoking cessation, increased sunlight exposure, adequate vitamin D supplementation, regular physical activity, and adherence to a healthy diet to maintain bone health.

Keywords

osteoporosis / middle-aged men / dietary patterns / bone mineral density / frigid regions / risk factors

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the working staff from the Department of Medical Examination Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, who provide help in data collection of this study; In additon to Prof. Ye Li and her teammates in terms of data processing, as well as technical support.

Research ethics

This study was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration and was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (KY2022-209).

Informed consent

All participants provided written informed consent prior to their inclusion in the study.

Author contributions

Conceptualization: Meng J; Statistical analysis: Miao X H, Xu C; Manuscript writing and revision: Zhang Y Q, Miao X H, Zeng Y; Experiment implementation and data collection: Miao X H, Guo M, Nie Y Z; Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Meng J, Jiang L H. All authors approved the final version of this manuscript.

Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools

No large language models, AI or machine learning tool was used for any part of the present study.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Research funding

No funding.

Data availability

All data used during the study are available from the corresponding author by request.

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