Plasma Micronutrient Status and Antioxidant Defence in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis in Anambra State

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is associated with alterations in micronutrient metabolism and antioxidant capacity that may accelerate bone mineral density loss through oxidative damage to bone cells. This study evaluates plasma micronutrient status, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and vitamins D and K, alongside antioxidant defence markers in postmenopausal women with and without osteoporosis in Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A case-control design was employed, recruiting 80 postmenopausal women with DXA-confirmed osteoporosis and 80 postmenopausal controls with normal bone density. Micronutrients were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and ELISA as appropriate. Total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde were simultaneously determined. Dietary intake, physical activity, hormonal therapy use, and years since menopause were documented. Multiple regression identified the micronutrient deficiencies most strongly associated with osteoporosis diagnosis and bone mineral density scores. The study provides the first comprehensive multi-micronutrient analysis in postmenopausal Nigerian women with osteoporosis and will inform nutritional strategies for bone health in this population. Keywords: osteoporosis, micronutrients, postmenopause, antioxidant defence, Anambra State.