Vegetable and fruit consumption and its association with bone turnover biomarkers in older adults

Abstract

Purpose Fruits and vegetables (FVs) are a good source of substances that contributed to bone health. However, the relation of FVs consumption with inflammation and bone biomarkers is inconsistent. Thus, this paper aims to assess the association of FVs intake with inflammation and bone biomarkers in older adults. Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional study was performed on 178 older adults in Tehran, with a mean age of 67.04. Biochemical measurements including serum osteocalcin, high sensitivity c-reactive protein, 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH) D, parathormone and urine terminal telopeptide of Type I collagen (u-CTx) was done. The intake of FVs was calculated using a validated quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Findings Pearson correlation coefficients showed a positive relation between serum osteocalcin and total vegetables (r = 0.167, p = 0.026), juices group (r = 0.155, p = 0.035), starchy vegetables (r = 0.205, p = 0.006) and other vegetable group (r = 0.161, p = 0.032) even after controlling of potential confounders. Analysis of covariance showed that total vegetable were significantly associated with serum osteocalcin (p = 0.041) and PTH levels (p = 0.028). Additionally, no evidence of a significant relationship between total fruit intake and test variables was observed. However, subgroup analyses demonstrated a significant association between citrus fruits and serum 25(OH) D (p = 0.017). A significant relation between starchy vegetable and urine CTx-I was reported (p = 0.016). Moreover, other vegetable subgroup was strongly associated with serum osteocalcin (p = 0.003). Originality/value The results of this paper may provide insight for clinical interventions and also important to make policy for prevention or easing bone disorders and general inflammation related to fruit and vegetable intake.