Comparison of anthropometric profile, bone-related parameters, biochemical parameters, functional capacity, and vitamin D status – A study on postmenopausal Malaysian women

@#Introduction: The optimal level of total 25(OH)D in Malaysian postmenopausal women that is necessary to ameliorate the combined effects of decreased bone mineral and muscle mass, and increase in adiposity, as seen in osteosarcopenic obesity, is unknown. Given that these are common pathologies existing in bone, muscle and excess fat-related disorders, this study investigated the association between body composition, functional capacity and total 25(OH)D levels. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 117 postmenopausal Malaysian women aged 50-88 years. Total 25(OH)D was analysed by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay CMIA on Siemens® platforms. Bone mineral was measured by broadband ultrasound attenuation. Functional performance was assessed using modified components of short physical performance battery test. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 25.0). Results: Overall, 47% women were vitamin D deficient; 3% had none, 22% had one, 65% had two, and 10% had all three adverse body composition indicators (osteosarcopenic obesity). Individuals without any adverse body composition indicator had higher total 25(OH) D (74.7±7.0nmol/L, p=0.004) compared to all the other groups [1 (53.0±3.8nmol/L); 2 (48.7±1.9nmol/L) and 3 (58.3±5.4nmol/L)]. The single inflection point (ROC curve) for total 25(OH)D in predicting osteosarcopenic obesity was 58.9nmol/L. Conclusion: Higher vitamin D levels were associated with lower body fat, enhanced bone quality, and improved functional capacity. Maintaining vitamin D levels above >58.9nmol/L may protect Malaysian postmenopausal women against the combined pathologies of bone, muscle and excess fat.

Dietary Calcium Intake, Vitamin D Status, and Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women in Rural Pakistan.

The high prevalence of osteoporosis in Pakistan is of public-health concern. However, there is a paucity of information regarding nutrition and bone density in rural communities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dietary and lifestyle factors that impact bone health in Nahaqi. Data were collected from 140 postmenopausal women using an interviewer-administered 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire. Bone mineral density was estimated using the quantitative ultrasound index (QUI). Serum 25(OH)D was measured in fasting blood samples. The QUI scores revealed that 42% and 29% of the women had T-scores, indicative of osteopaenia and osteoporosis respectively. The mean calcium intake was 346 mg/d, which is less than 50% of the recommended daily intake. The QUI correlated with 25(OH)D after controlling for age (p=0.021, r=0.41, r2=0.168). Vitamin D deficiency and low intake of dietary calcium are two key factors contributing to poor bone health in this population.