Unraveling the relationship between serum 25‑hydroxyvitamin D levels and trabecular bone score in American adults

Pol Arch Intern Med. 2022 Oct 21;132(10):16311. doi: 10.20452/pamw.16311. Epub 2022 Aug 4.

Abstract

Introduction: Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a novel way for clinicians to evaluate bone quality. It is directly associated with the mechanical strength of bones and helps predict fractures. Vitamin D, a secosteroid that enhances calcium absorption, is commonly used to strengthen the skeletal system.

Objectives: The present analysis aimed to determine the relationship between vitamin D levels and TBS by analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Patients and methods: A total of 4464 persons (2148 men and 2316 women) were included in our study. The participants were analyzed according to sex, obesity status, and T‑score using regression models.

Results: We noted a remarkably positive relationship between serum levels of 25‑hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and TBS after the results were fully adjusted (β = 0.319; 95% CI, 0.145-0.494; P <0.001). T‑score analysis showed that serum 25(OH)D levels were related to TBS in the group of participants with normal bone mineral density (T‑score >-1) (β = 0.311; 95% CI, 0.097-0.525; P = 0.005). However, in the osteopenia (T‑score between -1 and -2.5) and osteoporosis (T‑score <-2.5) group there was no such association (P >0.05).

Conclusions: Our study shows that low serum levels of 25(OH)D may decrease the TBS, which represents the skeletal microarchitecture and is a fracture risk factor in individuals with normal T‑scores.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Density
  • Calcium*
  • Cancellous Bone* / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nutrition Surveys
  • Vitamin D

Substances

  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D
  • Calcium
  • Vitamin D