A Retrospective and Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate the Effect of Acculturation on the Dietary Calcium Intake and Predictors of Bone Mineral Density in Filipino Women Recently Immigrated to New Zealand ^†

Background: Filipinos in New Zealand have steadily grown in number over recent decades, and the majority undergo a dietary acculturation process, which is 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 mineral status.

Methods: Current and previous dietary calcium intake, serum 25(OH)D, physical activity data from accelerometers, and bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were measured. Gross lean mass was calculated (total mass – [whole body total bone content + total fat mass]). The variables considered to be associated with bone mineral status were applied to a multiple regression analysis using the enter method.

Results: Healthy pre-menopausal Filipino women (N = 62, 20–45 years old) were recruited. Their median calcium intake 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 BMD was gross lean mass, whereas current and previous dietary calcium intake, physical activity and serum 25(OH)D were not significant predictors. However, a high prevalence (69%) of serum 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L (mild–moderate deficiency) was detected.

Conclusions: These findings illustrate the potential detrimental consequences of dietary acculturation on the essential nutrient intake of immigrants, but also provide an opportunity to correct previous dietary inadequacies by exposing the participants to corresponding nutrient-dense foods from the host country.