Assessing Calcium Intake in Perimenopausal Women from Anand City

Abstract

Calcium is an essential nutrient required for numerous biological functions and its dietary deficiency leads to osteoporosis, besides playing a significant role in the pathogenesis of other diseases. The data regarding dietary intake of calcium-rich ingredients in day to day life among perimenopausal women in Anand city is limited. Well performed and pretested questionnaire was used to evaluate the intake of calcium-rich ingredients. Maximum women were housewives and followed the Hindu religion. Majority belonged to an upper lower class category on the basis of Kuppuswamy’s scale. Majority of the women did not exercise regularly. The frequency of consumption of calcium-rich food items such as milk, curd and buttermilk was higher, while probiotics, soya products, ragi and milk products were not consumed on a frequent basis. Green leafy vegetables and bajra were consumed seasonally. This study indicates the need for intervention regarding the importance of calcium and its rich sources, as well as the importance of exercise for the prevention of osteoporosis.

Keywords: Calcium, questionnaire, food frequency, osteoporosis

Cite this Article

Minal Chauhan, Patel VH, Rema S. Assessing Calcium Intake in Perimenopausal Women from Anand City. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions. 2018; 8(Issue 3 Special): 12s-20s.