The association between vitamin D and osteoarthritis of the hip
Researchers from California studied elderly men.
First, the details.
- 1,104 elderly men had their 25(OH)D blood levels measured.
- X-rays of the pelvis were taken about 4.6 years later.
- Categories of vitamin D levels were as follows.
- Deficiency: 15 ng/mL or lower
- Insufficiency: 15.1-30 ng/mL
- Sufficiency: Greater than 30 ng/mL
- The findings were adjusted for the effects of age, clinic site, season when blood was withdrawal, self-reported hip pain for greater than 30 days, timed 6-meter walk, at least 1 coexisting condition, and self-rated health status.
And, the results.
- Men with radiographic hip osteoarthritis had a significantly slower 6-meter walking time, more hip pain, lower vitamin D level, and a higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and vitamin D deficiency compared to controls.
- Higher vitamin D levels were associated with a lower prevalence of radiographic hip osteoarthritis after adjusting for age, season, and clinic site.
- Men with vitamin D insufficiency had an increased likelihood of prevalent x-ray-confirmed hip osteoarthritis compared with men with sufficient vitamin D.
The bottom line?
The authors confirmed, “Men with vitamin D deficiencies are twice as likely to have prevalent radiographic hip osteoarthritis.”
They believe that vitamin D should be taken to augment skeletal health in the elderly.
Others concur that there is “reasonably strong” evidence that vitamin D reduces the risk of autoimmune diseases including… osteoarthritis.”
2/10/10 20:25 JR