The Vitamin D Metabolite Ratio is Associated with Volumetric Bone Density in Older Men.

Abstract

CONTEXT: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is the current marker of vitamin D adequacy, but its relationship with bone health has been inconsistent. The ratio of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to 25(OH)D3 (vitamin D metabolite ratio or VMR) is a marker of vitamin D that has been associated with longitudinal changes in BMD and fracture risk.OBJECTIVE: High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) provides information on bone health beyond standard dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, in that it measures volumetric BMD (vBMD) as well bone strength. The relationship of the VMR with vBMD and bone strength remains unknown.METHODS: We evaluated the associations of the VMR and 25(OH)D3 with vBMD and bone strength, in the distal radius and tibia, assessed by HR-pQCT in 545 men participating in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study. Primary outcomes were vBMD, as well as estimated failure load (EFL, a marker of bone strength), at the distal radius and tibia.RESULTS: The mean age was 84±4 years, 88.3% were White, and 32% had an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60ml/min/1.73m2. In adjusted models, each doubling of VMR was associated with a 9%(3%,16%) higher total vim and a 13%(5%,21%) higher EFL at the distal radius. Results were similar at the distal tibia. 25(OH)D3 concentrations were not associated with any of the studied outcomes.CONCLUSION: Among older men, a higher VMR was associated with vBMD and bone strength while 25(OH)D3 was not. The VMR may serve as a valuable marker of skeletal health in older men.

View details for DOI 10.1210/clinem/dgad587

View details for PubMedID 37804103