Vitamin D and bone loss in older men
Researchers from the VA Medical Center Minneapolis, Minnesota report that men with 25(OH)D levels below 20 ng/mL had greater rates of hip bone loss.
First, the details.
- 1279 community-dwelling older were studied.
- Vitamin D levels and hip bone mineral density were measured at the start of the study and repeated about 4 years later.
- The bone mineral density test measures the density of minerals (such as calcium) in bones.
And, the results.
- After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the average rate of decline in total hip bone mineral density was greater in men with lower blood levels of vitamin D.
- The evidence for this association was significant among men aged 75 yr and older, but not among younger men.
The bottom line?
The results support the view that low vitamin D levels are detrimental to hip bone mineral density in older men.
8/27/09 21:18 JR