Assessment of Nutritional Status of Women Suffering from Thyroid Dysfunction and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis and thyroid disorders are common diseases in the elderly. The aim of the present study was to assess the nutritional status of women suffering from thyroid dysfunction and osteoporosis. This work was carried out on a number of 70 women (40 hyperthyroidism and 30 hypothyroidism). They were 50-60 years old. All patients were selected from the (El-Hussein, Sayed Galal and El Zaharaa) hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. Data were collected by interviewing patients. Anthropometric measurements were performed for all patients. Nutritional assessments were collected using questionnaire and 24-hr recall method for 3 days as well as food frequency questionnaire. There sults revealed that patient's weight with hypothyroidism was higher than patients with hyperthyroidism. Although, the mean values of energy, macronutrients, minerals and vitamins for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism were not significantly different, except vitamin A which was significantly high.Our study also revealed that the mean values of energy and macronutrients intake were greater than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of the tested patients. On the contrary, the minerals (copper, magnesium and calcium) in take of all women under investigation showed low values compared with the RDA.The intake of phosphorus and zinc is close to RDA. However, their intake of iron exceeded the RDA levels.Vitamins A, C, B1 and B2were lower than the RDA levels. The mean values of thyroid hormones and calcium concentration in the blood are within the normal range,although there were significant differences in the blood concentration of thyroid hormones between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. This study recommends nutrition education program for the women suffering from thyroid dysfunction and osteoporosis. Also, proper dietary habits should start early and continue through life.