Ethnic Differences in Bone Mass and Vitamin D status in Young Women Living in the UK

Abstract

The connection between bone geometry and ethnicity has yet to be fully researched, especially as it relates to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D. This preliminary study aimed to investigate differences in bone geometry specifically at the radius and tibia, as well as in 25(OH)D concentrations, between Saudi (S), Pakistani (P), and Caucasian (C) premenopausal women. A further aim was an examination of a possible link between 25(OH)D concentration and indices of bone geometry. Seventy-two healthy premenopausal women (22 S, 23 P, and 27 C), aged ≥18 years, were evaluated for volumetric bone mineral density and 25(OH)D concentration. At the 4% radius, Saudi women had a lower BMC, as well as a smaller total bone area and trabecular area than Caucasian women. At the 4% tibia, Saudi women had a lower total vBMD than did Pakistani women. Serum 25(OH)D levels in Saudi (36.5(22.4)) and Pakistani (31.4(16.8)) women were significantly lower than in Caucasian (81.9(20.0)) (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant correlations between 25(OH)D status and pQCT bone variables in any of the three ethnic groups. This study suggests a possible need for attention to bone health in premenopausal Saudi women as well as improvement in vitamin D levels in Saudi and Pakistani populations. lower 25(OH)D concentrations than the Caucasian group, with a third of the non-Caucasians being deficient (<25nmol/L). There was no correlation found between 25(OH)D levels and bone indices. The findings regarding lower tibial vBMD in Saudi women suggest a detriment to bone health and call for additional research with a larger study population and within a more representative group of Western-dwelling Saudi women. The low 25(OH)D status in Pakistani and Saudi women is a particular cause of public health concern, and measures are urgently needed to address this issue.