Associations between serum calcium, 25(OH)D level and bone mineral density in adolescents

Abstract

Backgrounds: It is important to improve our understanding of the roles of calcium and vitamin D in bone health for preventing osteoporosis. We aimed at exploring the associations between serum calcium, vitamin D level, and bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescents included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2006. Methods: Weighted multivariate linear regression models were used to estimate the associations of serum calcium, 25(OH)D level with total BMD. Smooth curve fitting was used to explore the potential non-linear relationship. Results: A total of 5990 individuals aged between 12 and 19 years were included in this study. The fully-adjusted model showed serum calcium positively correlated with total BMD. However, an inverted U-shaped relationship was found when we performed the smooth curve fitting method, and the inflection point was calculated at 9.6 mg/dL using the two-piecewise linear regression model. In contrast, there was a positive correlation between serum 25(OH)D and total BMD after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions: The present study revealed a positive correlation between serum 25(OH)D level and total BMD, and an inverted U-shaped relationship between serum calcium and total BMD.