Vitamin D Status and Biochemical Markers of Bone Health

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread health concern in India, particularly affecting bone health and mineral homeostasis. This study aimed to evaluate vitamin D status and its correlation with biochemical markers of bone health including parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, phosphorus, and bone turnover markers. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 453 healthy adults aged 25-65 years. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], PTH, ALP, calcium, phosphorus, procollagen type I N-propeptide (PINP), and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) were analyzed using standard biochemical assays. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Vitamin D deficiency correlates significantly with altered biochemical markers of bone metabolism and reduced bone mineral density in the Indian population. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was 65.2%, insufficiency (20-30 ng/mL) was 22.4%, and sufficiency (>30 ng/mL) was 12.4%. Mean 25(OH)D levels were 18.7±9.8 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency showed significant inverse correlation with PTH (r=-0.387, p<0.001) and positive correlation with ALP (r=0.245, p<0.01). Bone turnover markers PINP and CTX demonstrated significant associations with vitamin D status. The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Indian adults correlates with elevated PTH levels and increased bone turnover markers, indicating compromised bone health. Vitamin D deficiency is endemic in the Indian population and significantly affects biochemical markers of bone metabolism, necessitating population-wide intervention strategies.