Influence of Vitamin D Consumption on Bone Mineral Density Among Saudi Women in Jeddah Not Taking Supplements

Abstract

This cross-sectional study of 341 women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, compared a 1-point-in-time vitamin D intake measurement assessed by the Semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire with bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine and femur in pre- and post-menopausal women. Premenopausal women had significantly higher BMD at the lumbar spine and femur compared with postmenopausal women (P < .01). A significant positive association was seen between dietary vitamin D intake (95.5 ± 81.54 IU/day) and femur BMD at the trochanter (P < .05). Vitamin D intake of Saudi women is inadequate, suggesting the need for public health measures to promote improved nutrition in women and support an expansion of fortification programs.