Assesment of the relationship between nutritional status, body composition and some biochemical parameters of postmenopausal women

Demirtaş, E.M., Assesment of the Relationship between Nutritional Status, Body Composition and Some Biochemical Parameters of Postmenopausal Women, Hacettepe University Institute of Health Sciences Community Nutrition Program Master Thesis, Ankara, 2018. The study was conducted on 90 postmenopousal women aged between 45-60 years and as control group 30 women with regular menstruation aged between 18-40 years. The purpose of the study was to determine the nutritional status of postmenopausal women and to assess the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and serum lipid levels and, body fat mass. General characteristics and some nutritional behaviours of the participants were determined by a questionnaire. In order to determine their nutritional status, food-frequency questionnaire and 3-days dietary records were administered. Also, the physical activity level of the participants has been determined. Anthropometric measurements and some biochemical parameters has been assessed. Body composition has been analysed. In postmenopausal group, BMI, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio and waist/height ratio were significantly higher than control group (p<0,05). Body fat content and fat percentage was significantly higher, lean body mass was significantly lower in postmenopausal group (p<0,05). Total cholesterol and LDL-C levels were significantly higher, HDL-C levels was significantly lower in postmenopausal group (p<0,05). Vitamin D deficiency was observed in %54,4 of the postmenopausal group and in %83,3 of the control group. In control group, low BMI, waist/hip ratio and waist/height ratio were found associated with high serum vitamin D levels (p<0,05). Calcium consumption was inadequate in %75,56 of the postmenopausal group and %53,3 of the control group. As conclusion, sufficient vitamin D levels are important for bone health, cardiovascular health and general health. At menopausal period, vitamin D levels should be evaluated and supplemented if necessary. Key Words: Vitamin D, menopause, obesity, hyperlipidemia, nutrition