Assessment of vitamin D and calcium status in healthy adult Austrians.

Kudlacek, S.; Schneider, B.; Peterlik, M.; Leb, G.; Klaushofer, K.; Weber, K.; Woloszczuk, W.; Willvonseder, R.

Abstract Background Because there is reason to assume that also in Austria calcium and vitamin D malnutrition is wide-spread, we initiated a comprehensive study on calcium and vitamin D status in relation to bone health in a large group of the normal adult population. Subjects and methods We assessed dietary calcium and vitamin D intake, serum concentrations of Ca2+ , phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH) 2 D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), sex hormones and bone mineral density (BMD) by double-energy X-ray absorptiometry at five different skeletal sites in 648 females and 400 males (age 21–76 years). Results Mean daily intake of vitamin D (101 IU, range 0·2–320) and calcium (569 mg, range 40–2170) was significantly less than the respective recommended dietary allowances. Two hundred and seventy-one (26%) individuals had hypovitaminosis D with serum 25(OH)D < 12 ng mL-1 , while serum Ca 2+ was less than normal in 82 (7·8%) subjects. Multiple regression analysis revealed significant correlations between mean calcium intake and BMD in the femoral region in the men ( r = 0·13, P < 0·05) though not in the women. No consistent data could be obtained for associations between BMD and vitamin D status, except for 25(OH)D and BMD at the spine in the men ( r = 0·10, P < 0·05). 25(OH)D correlated negatively ( P < 0·05) with age in the women ( r = -0·11) and with PTH in the women ( r = -0·11) and men ( r = -0·16). Inversely, a significant ( P < 0·001) age-related increase in PTH was observed in both sexes (men, r = 0·19; women, r = 0·14). Conclusions Prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in adult Austrians is an imminent risk for development of secondary hyperparathyroidism with advancing age, and requires timely correction of nutritional deficits.

AUSTRIA; CALCIUM; VITAMIN D; BONES

European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2003, Vol 33, Issue 4, p323

0014-2972

Academic Journal

10.1046/j.1365-2362.2003.01127.x