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Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and bone mineral density among Hispanic men

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Abstract

Summary

There are few data on the skeletal health of Hispanic men. We observed differences in vitamin D deficiency and low BMD between Hispanic ethnic subgroups that persisted with adjustment for risk factors. Our data indicate a substantial burden of low BMD and vitamin D deficiency among Hispanic men.

Introduction

Disparities within ethnic groups are generally ignored, but in evolving populations they may have implications for public health. We examined ethnic variation in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and bone mineral density (BMD) among Hispanic American men.

Methods

Three hundred and fifty-eight Hispanic males 30 to 79 years of age were studied. Logistic regression models assessed variation in odds of vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) and low BMD (T-score<−1) by ethnicity, with and without adjustment for risk factors (age, smoking, occupation, physical activity, body mass index, and sunlight exposure).

Results

Vitamin D deficiency was most common among Puerto Rican (26%), compared with Dominican (21%), Central American (11%), and South American (9%) men. Percentages with low BMD were: South American (44%), Puerto Rican (34%), Dominican (29%), and Central American (23%). Adjustment for age and risk factors failed to account for Hispanic subgroup differences in vitamin D deficiency and low BMD. Population estimates indicate a substantial burden of low BMD and vitamin D deficiency among Hispanic men.

Conclusions

Our findings underscore the importance of examining the skeletal health of Hispanic subgroups, and suggest that a considerable number of Hispanic men may be at elevated risk of fracture and vitamin D deficiency.

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Acknowledgements

The BACH/Bone Survey was supported by grant AG 20727 from the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The parent study (BACH) was supported by grant DK 56842 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Additional support from MO RR00533.

Conflicts of interest

None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. New England Research Institutes, 9 Galen Street, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA

    A. B. Araujo, T. G. Travison, G. R. Esche & J. B. McKinlay

  2. Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA

    M. F. Holick & T. C. Chen

Authors
  1. A. B. Araujo
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  2. T. G. Travison
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  3. G. R. Esche
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  4. M. F. Holick
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  5. T. C. Chen
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  6. J. B. McKinlay
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to A. B. Araujo.

Additional information

Grant Support: The BACH/Bone Survey was supported by grant AG 20727 from the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The parent study (BACH) was supported by grant DK 56842 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Additional support from MO RR00533.

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Araujo, A.B., Travison, T.G., Esche, G.R. et al. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and bone mineral density among Hispanic men. Osteoporos Int 20, 245–255 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-008-0652-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-008-0652-9

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