Influence of vitamin D levels on bone mineral density and osteoporosis

The effects of vitamin D on bone mass remain to be understood. This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the influence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25OHD] levels on bone mineral density [BMD] among Saudi nationals. Cross-sectional study carried out at university hospital from 1 February 2008 to 31 May 2008. Healthy Saudi men and women in the peak bone mass [PBM] age group and those aged >50 years were recruited from the outpatient department of King Fahd University Hospital, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, between February 1, 2008, and May 31, 2008. Patient age and sex were documented, and body mass index was calculated. Hematological, biochemical, and serum 25OHD tests were performed. BMD was determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry of the upper femur and lumbar spine. Patients were divided into three groups, based on their 25OHD level. Data from 400 patients were analyzed. Among individuals with a normal 25OHD level, 50% of women and 7% of men in the PBM age group and 26.4% of women and 49.2% of men aged >50 years had low bone mass. In patients with 25OHD insufficiency, 84.2% of women and 88.9% of men in the PBM age group and 83.3% of women and 80% of men aged >50 years had low bone mass. Results for patients with 25OHD deficiency revealed that none of the men and women in the PBM age group or >50 years old had normal BMD. Significant positive correlations between 25OHD level and BMD and significant negative correlations with parathyroid hormone were shown in most of the groups. This study showed that the vitamin D level significantly influences BMD reading among Saudi individuals. Evaluation and treatment of hypovitaminosis D should be considered during management of low bone mass

there a relationship between body mass index and serum vitamin D levels?

To evaluate the relationship between vitamin D level and body mass index [BMI] among Saudi Arabian citizens. Four hundred healthy individuals aged >/= 25 years [200 males and 200 females] were included in this cross-sectional study. Subjects were recruited in the period between 1st February 2008 and 31st May 2008 from the medical staff and employees of King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and from patients attending the endocrinology, orthopedic, and infertility clinics at the same hospital. Clinical evaluation was carried out, and BMI was calculated. Serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25OHD], in addition to serum parathyroid hormone levels and calcium chemistry were measured for all subjects. The mean age was 46.5 +/- 14.6 years for males, and 42.6 +/- 15.9 years for females [p=0.01]. Mean BMI was similar in both genders, and the difference in the level of serum 25OHD just reached statistical significance [p=0.04]. Male subjects with vitamin D deficiency were found to be older [p=0.03], and with higher BMI [p=0.01] compared to males with normal 25OHD. Although female subjects with hypovitaminosis D were also older than subjects with normal vitamin D level [p=0.01], BMI was significantly lower in females with vitamin D deficiency [p=0.001]. Obese males are at higher risk of having low 25OHD levels, while obesity in females appears to be protective against vitamin D deficiency in the population studied. We believe that obese male and thin female patients should be appropriately investigated, and treated for vitamin D deficiency

25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels among healthy Saudi Arabian women

To assess the serum level of 25 hydroxyvitamin D 25OHD among healthy Saudi Arabian women living in the eastern province. A cross-sectional randomized study was conducted between February 1st 2008 and May 31st 2008 at the King Fahd University Hospital, Al-Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 200 Saudi women between 25-35 years group 1 and women of >/= 50 years group 2. Clinical examination, laboratory tests, a complete blood picture, serum calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, and the serum levels of 25OHD levels were carried out. Data on lifestyle, dietary, and demographic questionnaires were collected. Vitamin D was defined as deficient with serum level < 50 nmol/L, insufficient between 52-72 nmol/L, and normal as 75nmol/L. In group 1, 70% of women had normal 25OHD, and in women of group 2, 45% had normal levels of 25OHD. Alkaline phosphatase and parathormone levels were significantly higher in women with low vitamin D levels. Sun exposure and consumption of dairy products were minimal. Vitamin D deficiency among healthy young Saudi women of 25-35 years was 30% and 55% in women of >/= 50 years. This study indicates that hypovitaminosis D is common in young and postmenopausal women. Efforts are require to augment and encouraged women for adequate exposure to sunlight and increased intake of fortified vitamin D products to maintain skeletal health