Does higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels will harm bone mineral density?: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Objective Vitamin D plays a critical role in the prevention and management of osteoporosis. However, there is an ongoing debate regarding the most effective vitamin D supplementation strategies for maintaining optimal bone mineral density (BMD) levels in adults. This study sought to establish the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and total BMD in a substantial population sample. Methods Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the 2011–2018 cycles, encompassing 11,375 adult participants, were analyzed. The primary variables of interest were serum 25(OH)D levels and BMD. A multivariable logistic regression model was utilized to account for relevant variables associated with these correlations. Results A U-shaped relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and BMD was observed. In males, a significant positive association was identified for 25(OH)D levels below 84.8 nmol/L (p < 0.0001), while levels above this threshold showed no significant correlation (p = 0.3377). In females, those with 25(OH)D levels below 31.4 nmol/L exhibited a significant positive association with BMD (p = 0.0010), but this association weakened and became marginally significant above this threshold (p = 0.0650). Conclusions For adult males, the optimal serum 25(OH)D level is 84.8 nmol/L, beyond which higher levels do not lead to increased BMD. A deficiency threshold for adult females should be above 31.4 nmol/L, as lower 25(OH)D levels are not conducive to BMD. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining appropriate vitamin D levels for bone health in both genders.

Keywords

• U-shaped association
• 25-hydroxyvitamin D
• Bone mineral density
• NHANES
• Osteoporosis
• Adult