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Forearm Bone Mineral Density Varies as a Function of Adiposity in Inuit Women 40–90 Years of Age During the Vitamin D–Synthesizing Period

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Abstract

Aging Inuit women are at increased risk for low vitamin D status due to habitation at higher latitudes, darker skin, and ongoing nutrition transition. Lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentration and higher risk of fracture have been separately reported in Inuit women, with particular relevance to postmenopausal women. We evaluated vitamin D status, forearm bone mineral density (fBMD), and nutrition in Inuit women ≥40 years. Women (n = 568) were randomly selected to participate in the 2007–2008 International Polar Year Inuit Health Survey from 36 Arctic communities. fBMD was measured using peripheral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Dietary intakes were derived from 24 h recall and food-frequency questionnaires. Fasting serum 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone, and osteocalcin (OC) were measured using a LIAISON® automated analyzer. The weighted prevalence of women having 25(OH)D concentration below 37.5, 50, and 75 nmol/L was 7.2 %, 17.6 %, and 48.6 %, respectively, with older women having better status. The dietary density of most nutrients increased with age, as did traditional food intake. fBMD was low in 3 (1.4 %) premenopausal (Z score < −2) and 107 (29.6 %) postmenopausal (T score < −1.5) women. Regression revealed that either weight, body mass index, or percent body fat significantly predicted fBMD in premenopausal women, in addition to age and OC in postmenopausal women. Women ≥50 years have higher vitamin D status and more nutrient-dense diets than women 40–49 years. While measures of adiposity predicted fBMD in all women, additional predictors after menopause included age and bone turnover.

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Acknowledgment

We thank Ms. Nelofar Athar Sheikh for her contribution to the data management and statistical advice, Ms. Louise Johnson-Down for her assistance in the analysis of dietary data, and Ms. Sherry Agellon and for her help with measurements of 25(OH)D and PTH concentrations. This study was supported by the Canadian Federal Program for International Polar Year, Canadian Institutes for Health Research, ArcticNet, Government of Nunavut, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and Health Canada.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University, Macdonald Campus, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Ste Anne de Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada

    Jessy El Hayek, Amy Pronovost, Grace Egeland & Hope Weiler

  2. Centre for Indigenous Peoples’ Nutrition and Environment, Ste Anne de Bellevue, QC, Canada

    Jessy El Hayek, Amy Pronovost, Grace Egeland & Hope Weiler

  3. Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada

    Suzanne Morin

  4. Division of General Internal Medicine, McGill University Health Center (MUHC), 1650 Cedar Ave, Room B2-118, Montreal, QC, H3G 1A4, Canada

    Suzanne Morin

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  1. Jessy El Hayek
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  4. Grace Egeland
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  5. Hope Weiler
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Correspondence to Hope Weiler.

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The authors have stated that they have no conflict of interest.

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El Hayek, J., Pronovost, A., Morin, S. et al. Forearm Bone Mineral Density Varies as a Function of Adiposity in Inuit Women 40–90 Years of Age During the Vitamin D–Synthesizing Period. Calcif Tissue Int 90, 384–395 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-012-9583-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-012-9583-8

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