Reference Number: 278
Year: 2017
Link: Link to original paper
Health: Mental Health | Stress
Inclusions: Dairy>Milk
Summary
The current study aimed to investigate the association between mental health status and bone mineral density (BMD) using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2008-2010. We enrolled 15,876 South Korean participants (4,010 postmenopausal females, 4,836 premenopausal females, and 7,016 males, all aged 20 years or older). BMD was measured using dual-energy radiography absorptiometry at the femoral neck (NK), lumbar spine (LSP), and total femur (TFM). Mental health status data were obtained from a self-report questionnaire that assessed psychological stress, depressed mood, and suicidal ideation. Psychological stress was negatively correlated with BMD in the LSP, NK, and TFM for the male group. Depressed mood was associated with lower BMD in the LSP, NK and TFM for the premenopausal female group, and in the LSP for the male group. Suicidal ideation was associated with lower BMD in the NK and TFM for the male group. Mental health problems were associated with lower BMD, especially in premenopausal females and males. Future investigations should focus on the shared pathophysiology between mental health problems and BMD, and the interrelationship between increased BMD and recovery from mental health problems.
What does this mean for a Baker?
Although this study has no practical applications to baking, it is still a very interesting study which provides an insight into the link between mental health conditions and having a low bone density. It is still unclear as to how these two factors are linked biologically but knowing about this link may help to offer applications to the treatment of mental health conditions.