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Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and bone mineral density in men: the Rancho Bernardo study

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Abstract

Introduction

This study examined the distribution and determinants of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) and their associations with bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip and spine in 414 older men (mean age 74 years) living in southern California.

Methods

At a clinic visit (1997–2000), demographic and lifestyle information, fracture history, and medication use were recorded; venous blood for serum 25OHD and PTH was obtained; and BMD was measured at the hip and spine.

Results

Only one man had vitamin D deficiency (25OHD <20 nmol/l), but 15.5% of the men had high parathyroid levels (PTH ≥65 pg/ml). The mean 25OHD and PTH levels were 109.0 nmol/l and 50.3 pg/ml, respectively. Overall, 21.5% used calcium and 9.7% used vitamin D supplements. Serum 25OHD decreased with age and was lowest in the winter; levels were higher in supplement users (vitamin D and/or calcium; p<0.01). Serum PTH did not vary by age or season, and it was lower in supplement users (p<0.01). After excluding 12 men who were outliers for serum 25OHD and PTH, there was no significant correlation between serum 25OHD and PTH (r=−0.05, p=0.3). In multiple adjusted models, serum 25OHD was positively associated with BMD at the hip (p=0.01) and spine (p=0.001). Serum PTH was moderately and inversely associated with BMD at the hip (p=0.04) but not at the spine (p=0.77).

Conclusion

We conclude that serum 25OHD is associated with bone health in older, community-dwelling men.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging (grant AG07181) and the National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases (grant DK31801). None of the authors had a conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0607, USA

    N. Saquib, D. von Mühlen, C. F. Garland & E. Barrett-Connor

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  1. N. Saquib
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  2. D. von Mühlen
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  4. E. Barrett-Connor
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Correspondence to E. Barrett-Connor.

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Saquib, N., von Mühlen, D., Garland, C.F. et al. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and bone mineral density in men: the Rancho Bernardo study. Osteoporos Int 17, 1734–1741 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-006-0191-1

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