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Environmental cadmium exposure and osteoporosis: a review

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  • Published:
International Journal of Public Health

Abstract

Objectives

To review the published literature investigating the association between cadmium exposure and osteoporosis.

Methods

A review of published peer-reviewed literature based on a priori criteria was completed. Odds ratios (OR) were abstracted or estimated from observational studies to calculate a pooled OR using inverse variance weighted random effects models.

Results

The review identified seven studies with a pooled OR of OR = 2.22 (95 % CI: 1.16, 4.28) [I 2 = 54.8 % (p < 0.05)] (comparing highest urine cadmium category to lowest). In women over the age of 50 years, the pooled OR was 1.82 (95 % CI: 1.63, 2.02) [I 2 = 73.1 % (p < 0.05)]. A dose response evaluation (six studies) suggested increasing odds for osteoporosis with increasing urine cadmium levels.

Conclusions

This review detected an association between cadmium exposure and the occurrence of osteoporosis in a small number of cross-sectional studies which requires confirmation in using prospective study design.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Mail Stop F443, 13991 E Montview Ave Aurora, Denver, CO, 80045, USA

    Katherine A. James

  2. Department of Preventive Medicine, Program in Public Health, State University of New York, Stony Brook, USA

    Jaymie R. Meliker

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  1. Katherine A. James
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Correspondence to Katherine A. James.

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This article is part of the special issue: “Environment and Health Reviews”.

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James, K.A., Meliker, J.R. Environmental cadmium exposure and osteoporosis: a review. Int J Public Health 58, 737–745 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-013-0488-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-013-0488-8

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