A research group led by Professor Koh Iwasaki (Center for Asian Traditional Medicine), Assistant professor Yasutake Monma (Graduate Medical Education Center), and Associate professor Kaijun Niu (Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise) found that dietary patterns were related to the risk of fracture in elderly Japanese.

 Fracture accidents in the elderly reduces their activity of daily life and also increases mortality. Because of that, well-maintenance of bone health in elders is related to their quality of life. One of ways to keep bones healthy is well-diet. Many nutrients, not only calcium and Vitamin D, but also phosphorus, Vitamin K, strontium and magnesium, contribute to bone health.

 In European countries or the United States, researchers reported that a diet with a high fruit and vegetable content appears to have a protective effect on bone mineral density. However, no study investigates the relationship between dietary patterns and fracture. Therefore, the research group examined it in elderly Japanese.

 The research group used self-administered food questionnaire for study population who are over 70 years old, live in the Tsurugaya area of Sendai, the largest city of Tohoku (North-eastern) district in Japan. 877 participants whose medical status, activities of daily living, and life style including dietary intake were assessed in 2002, were followed up for their incidence of fall related fracture by 2006. As a result of factor analysis, three dietary patterns appeared: vegetable pattern, meat pattern, and traditional Japanese pattern. The Vegetable pattern showed a significant trend for the risk of fall-related fracture. On the other hand, the Meat pattern showed a tendency to reduce the risk of fall-related fracture.

 It is interesting that the author of “Compedium of Materia Medica,” Li Shizhen (1518-1593) reported animal meat would strengthen bone and muscles. He also stated that light green leaves such as lettuce and cabbage were beneficial for bone health. The research results of this study may agree more with Li Shizhen than other recent studies.

More Information (Japanese)

[Contact]

Professor Koh Iwasaki

Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine

Center for Asian Traditional Medicine

TEL +81 22-717-7185

E-mail: QFG03604*nifty.com

Associate professorFuji Nagami

Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine

and School of Medicine

Public Relations Office

TEL +81 22-717-7891

E-mail: f-nagami*mail.tains.tohoku.ac.jp

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