Growth, calcium status and vitamin D receptor (VDR) promoter genotype in European children with normal or low calcium intake

Calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism require the vitamin D receptor (VDR) to function properly, as evidenced in patients and transgenic mice with VDR mutations. We have shown that (A/G) polymorphism at the 1012 locus of the VDR promoter (rs4516035) is frequent in European populations, may influence VDR expression, is associated with height in French adolescent girls, and is associated with their lumbar spine mineral density in case of insufficient milk intake. Here, an association study was performed in a cohort of Moldovan children and adolescents, living at latitude similar to the first cohort but receiving a cereal-based diet with very low milk/dairy product intakes. Children and adolescents in this cohort had similar 25-(OH) D levels, but a short stature and low serum calcium levels, compared to the first cohort. Their height remained associated with the A-1012G VDRp genotype. In addition, their serum calcium levels were associated with VDRp polymorphism, excepted when their 25-(OH) D levels were low (below 33 nmol/L). In conclusion, the 1012 VDRp genotype appears to be associated with height in European children whatever their calcium/dairy product intakes, and may modulate their calcium homeostasis in conditions of low calcium/milk intakes when vitamin D status is sufficient. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.