Abstract
BackgroundsIt 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.MethodsWeighted 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.ResultsA 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.ConclusionsThe 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.
Highlights
Osteoporosis is a global health problem that is reported to originate during childhood or adolescence [1]
Association between serum calcium level and total bone mineral density (BMD) There was a negative correlation between the serum calcium level and total BMD in the unadjusted model [− 0.0157 (− 0.0257, − 0.0058)] (Table 2), while after adjusting for all potential confounders, a positive correlation was found [0.0084 (0.0007, 0.0160)]
We found an inverted U-shaped relationship between the serum calcium level and total BMD using the smooth curve fitting method (Fig. 1)
Summary
Osteoporosis is a global health problem that is reported to originate during childhood or adolescence [1]. Adolescence is a critical period of skeletal development and peak bone mass (PBM) may be reached in late adolescence [2]. The effect of calcium supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD) remains controversial [7], and it is uncertain whether an elevated serum calcium level is beneficial to bone health [8, 9]. In individuals with a low BMD or those at a high risk of osteoporotic fractures, calcium and vitamin D supplementation are suggested as adjuncts to osteoporosis therapies [11].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
