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

Araujo AB, Travison TG, Esche GR, Holick MF, Chen TC, McKinlay JB

Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA, 2009

Abstract

UNLABELLED: 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…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.

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