Why don't serum Vitamin D concentrations associate with BMD by DXA? A case of being 'bound' to the wrong assay? Implications for Vitamin D screening

Richard J. Allison, Abdulaziz Farooq, Anissa Cherif, Bruce Hamilton, Graeme L. Close, Mathew G. Wilson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: The association between bone mineral density (BMD) and serum25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration is weak, particularly in certain races (eg, BlackAfrican vs Caucasian) and in athletic populations. We aimed to examine if bioavailable vitamin D rather than serum 25(OH)D was related to markers of bone health within a racially diverse athletic population. Methods: In 604 male athletes (Arab (n=327), Asian (n=48), Black (n=108), Caucasian (n=53) and Hispanic (n=68)), we measured total 25(OH)D, vitamin D-binding protein and BMD by DXA. Bioavailable vitamin D was calculated using the free hormone hypothesis. Results: From 604 athletes, 21.5% (n=130) demonstrated severe 25(OH)D deficiency, 37.1% (n=224) deficiency, 26% (n=157) insufficiency and 15.4% (n=93) sufficiency. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were not associated with BMD at any site. After adjusting for age and race, bioavailable vitamin D was associated with BMD (spine, neck and hip). Mean serum vitamin D binding protein concentrations were not associated with 25(OH)D concentrations (p=0.392). Conclusion: Regardless of age or race, bioavailable vitamin D and not serum 25(OH)D was associated with BMD in a racially diverse athletic population. If vitamin D screening is warranted, clinicians should use appropriate assays to calculate vitamin D binding protein and bioavailable vitamin D levels concentrations than serum 25(OH)D. In turn, prophylactic vitamin D supplementation to â 'correct' insufficient athletes should not be based on serum 25(OH)D measures.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)522-526
Number of pages5
JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine
Volume52
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2018

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