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