Effect of Nutrition and Body Composition on Bone Density After Liver Transplantation

K. M. Khan, S. Mulia, R. Kaul, S. Raatz

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Abstract

We investigated the relationship between nutrition, body composition, and bone mineral density (BMD) in young adults after liver transplantation. Method: A cross-sectional study involving bone densitometry, anthropometry, and detailed food and lifestyle questionnaires. Results: Of 37 patients recruited, 26 were male. The mean age was 38.8 (±12.3) years, and the posttransplant period was 7.5 (±5.1) years (range 1.3-16.4). A significant proportion of patients (23 [62%]) were overweight (BMI 25-29.9) or obese (BMI ≥30). A total of 20 (54%) patients were osteopenic, and four (11%) had osteoporosis (lumbar spine or total body BMD). Lean mass showed a statistically significant correlation with lumbar spine and total body BMD in men and women, the most significant being bone mineral content, r = 0.66, P = .01. The correlation was stronger in females (r = 0.81, P < .01) than in males (r = 0.56, P < .01). The average daily intake of vitamin D, total protein, and phosphorus was greater than 100% of the American Dietary Reference recommendations, calcium was 90%, and magnesium 56%. There was no significant relationship between any nutritional parameter and BMD nor history of fractures, steroid use, or length of time from transplantation. Conclusion: Osteopenia determined by lumbar spine BMD underestimates poor BMD in our population of young adults after liver transplant. Maintaining muscle mass may be helpful in preserving BMD. The effect of a limited intake of magnesium needs further investigation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3292-3294
Number of pages3
JournalTransplantation Proceedings
Volume39
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2007

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