Abstract:

Aim: The aim of the study was to find out the effect of nutrition status and physical activity level on body composition and bone mineral density. Methods: Anthropometric measurements, food intakes and physical activities were assessed for three consecutive days in total of 120 healthy adolescents aged 13-15 years. Afterwards 40 adolescents were matched for gender and according to their habitual sportive activities. Bone mineral densities have underwent by DEXA body analysis in the lumbar spine at the L1-L4 level. Results: Daily intake of calcium, phosphorous and copper are insufficients in adolescents. Percentage of body fat was higher in girls than boys (p<0.001). Mean bone mineral density was 0.88±0.02 g/cm2 for boys and 0.98±0.03 g/cm2 for girls at lumbar L1-L4 (p<0.05). Positive correlations were found between bone mineral density and age, weight, height, skinfold thickness, body fat mass (p<0.05). Calcium, tiamin, copper and zinc intake in diet was significantly associated with bone mineral density (p<0.05). The bone mineral densities of adolescents who deal with sport are more than the ones who don’t deal with sport (p<0.001). When PAR values increase, bone mineral density increase too and percentage of body fat decreased (p<0.05). Conclusions: To prevent obesity and osteoporosis in adult periods, healthy nutrition and sportive activity habits should be achieved in adolescents.

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