Effects of Dietary Acidity on Cortical Bone Remodeling: A Histomorphometric Assessment

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Abstract

This project investigated the implication that dietary acidity contributes to the etiology of osteopenia in human populations. The impact of acid loads on cortical bone activity was evaluated using an animal experiment and a retrospective study of two archaeological human groups (Inuits and Pueblo agriculturists) known to differ in protein and associated acid intake. Swine were chosen as the model because, like humans, these animals are omnivores, have similar digestive systems, renal physiology, and bone microstructure. Cortical bone histomorphometric responses in the sow mid-diaphyseal femur were assessed with double label fluorochrome markers. The histomorphometry failed to confirm a depletion of bone mineral in response to acid loads. Significant dietary effects were not detected for periosteal, intracortical, or endosteal mineralizing surface and mineral apposition rate. The sow data do not support the hypothesis that macro-minerals are released from cortical bone formation in the femoral mid-diaphysis to contribute to the maintenance of acid-base balance at acid loads of 2 mEq/kg/day. In concordance with the animal model, interpopulation differences in protein and associated intake do not adequately account for variation in bone remodeling patterns between archaeological Inuits who consumed high protein, high acid diets, and Pueblo agriculturists whose diet was low in protein but high in carbohydrates. Histomorphometric comparison of the anterior mid-diaphyseal femoral remodeling in the two populations showed differences among middle aged and old females only. Significant interpopulation differences between males or young females were not detected. It is proposed that the effects of pregnancy and lactation in association with the probable fluctuations in food availability and specific variables associated with the Inuit diet best account for the observed variation. The relative importance of dietary acidity as a significant component in the etiology of cortical bone osteopenia leading to increased fracture risk among modern and archaeological populations should be reduced.

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Cited By (1)

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1998	Robling AG. Histomorphometric Assessment of Mechanical Loading History from Human Skeletal Remains: The Relation Between Micromorphology and Macromorphology At the Femoral Midshaft [PhD thesis]. University of Missouri; December 1998.