The relation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D with peak bone mineral density and body composition in healthy young adults

Objective: The associations between peak bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition with 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels in healthy young adults were evaluated. Methods: The number of participants was 464; 347 women and 117 men. The mean age was 24.3 years (range 17-31 years). BMD of the lumbar spine, total body and femoral neck (FN) and body composition were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Volumetric BMD, bone mineral apparent density (BMAD), of the lumbar spine and FN was calculated. Results: In females, 25OHD level was positively associated with FN BMD and BMAD (both p < 0.01) and negatively with percentage body fat (p < 0.001). In males, 25OHD levels had a positive association with total body BMD and lean body mass (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01). Conclusions: 25OHD level is a determinant of peak BMD in both sexes. Vitamin D status was associated with body fat in females and with lean body mass in males.