Bone Abstracts

Background: The optimal level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25(OH) D) for a healthy bone is not clear, nor the effects of treatment with vitamin D. Few previous studies have measured treatment effect on BMD in young deficient individuals.

Materials and methods: A treatment group of vitamin D deficient immigrant women and a control group of ethnic Swedish women were recruited during pregnancy. A treatment of 800–1600 IU cholecalciferol and 500–1000 mg calcium per day started post partum. Examinations of S-25(OH) D, serum intact parathyroid hormone (S-iPTH), bone density by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), took place at the start of treatment, and again after 1 year. Statistical analysis compared the baseline examinations and the follow up. The study has been approved by the local ethics committee and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of H-elsinki.

Results: The treatment effect could be followed in 12 immigrant women. At the baseline all immigrant women were deficient, and none of the controls. At the follow up the immigrant women had normalized S-25(OH) D and S-PTH. In both groups BMD measured by DEXA was higher at the follow-up. The two groups did not differ in BMD at the two time points or over time.

Discussion: We observed a normalization of 25(OH) D and PTH in the group of deficient young immigrant women treated with moderate dose vitamin D and calcium. This can indicate a positive effect of vitamin D treatment in young individuals.

Conclusion: Treatment and testing should be considered for risk groups.