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Background
Filipinos in New Zealand have steadily grown in number over recent decades, and the majority undergo a dietary acculturation process – the dietary adaptation of individuals in their host country. In the Philippines, the nutrient with the highest inadequacy in the diet is calcium, which is primarily contributed by fish and indigenous vegetables that are not readily available in New Zealand.
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dietary acculturation on the calcium intake of Filipino women recently immigrated to New Zealand, and to explore the primary factors affecting their bone health.
Results
The median calcium intake in healthy pre-menopausal Filipino women in New Zealand following immigration [418 (260, 620) mg/d], was significantly lower (p = 0.02) than the intake in the Philippines [506 (358, 823) mg/d]. Mean T-scores total hip (−0.82 ± 0.94) and lumbar spine (−0.82 ± 0.95) were within normal range (−1.0–1.0).
The significant predictor of bone mineral density was gross lean mass.
Current and previous dietary calcium intake, physical activity and serum 25(OH)D were not significant predictors of bone mineral density.
However, we detected a high prevalence (69%) of serum 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L (mild–moderate deficiency).
Conclusions
The findings illustrate the potential detrimental consequences of dietary acculturation on the essential nutrient intake of immigrants to New Zealand.
This also provides an opportunity to correct previous dietary inadequacies by exposing the participants to corresponding nutrient-dense foods from New Zealand.