FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES RESEARCH JOURNAL Beiseigel, Nickols-Richardson / DIET AND BMD Anthropometrics, Bone Mineral Density, and Dietary Intake in a Group of Young Adult Females Jeannemarie M. Beiseigel Sharon M. Nickols-Richardson Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Associations between anthropometric, body composition, and dietary intake and measures of bone mineral density (BMD) in young-adult females were explored. Positive associations were found between body weight and TB (p < .05), lumbar spine (LS) (L 2 -L 4 , p < .01), and total proxi- mal femur (TPF) BMD (p < .0001); body mass index and LS (p < .05), TPF (p < .0001), and total forearm BMD (p < .01); FFST mass and TB (p < .001), LS (p < .01), and TPF BMD (p < .0001), and fat mass and LS (p < .05) and TPF BMD (p < .01). LS BMD had negative associa- tions with protein, magnesium, and iron intake (all p < .05). Average vitamin D intake had a positive association with ultradistal forearm BMD (p < .01). Findings support the positive influence of body weight and soft-tissue mass on BMD in young adult females. Osteoporosis is a prevalent and costly disease, involving low bone mass with increased risk for bone fractures and affecting over 25 mil- lion Americans (Turner, Taylor, & Hunt, 1998). Prevalence estimates for osteoporosis indicate that this disease will become even more widespread during the next few decades (Consensus Development Conference V, 1993). Although advances have been made in pharma- ceutical treatments for osteoporosis, these therapies are often expen- sive, require dedicated compliance, and result in adverse side effects for many individuals (Eisman, 1995). Prevention remains the most 404 Authors’ Note: The authors greatly appreciate the expertise of F. C. Gwazdauskas, Ph.D., and J. T. Rinehart and their assistance with completion of biochemical assays. This project was supported by a research grant from the American Association of Fam- ily and Consumer Sciences, Massachusetts Avenue Building Assets Fund, Competitive Grant Program. Please address correspondence to Sharon M. Nickols-Richardson, 225 Wallace Hall, Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Polytech- nic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA24061-0430; phone: (540) 231-5104; fax: (540) 231-3916; e-mail: snrichar@vt.edu. Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, Vol. 30, No. 3, March 2002 404-423 © 2002 American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences