It is well reported in the number of studies that vitamin D deficiency results in various disorders such as secondary hyperparathyroidism, increased bone turnover, and bone loss. To date, the majority of published epidemiological studies on vitamin D deficiency refer to postmenopausal women, even those with Brazilian population. Therefore in this study, the authors evaluated the association of vitamin D deficiency and bone loss in men. The findings of this study demonstrate a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in a male population living in Rio de Janeiro.

Vitamin D supplementation is accepted for postmenopausal women, however not for senior men, in whom osteoporosis is also usually ignored. The study intended to assess vitamin D deficiency and its connection with bone resorption, bone density, and secondary hyperparathyroidism among Brazilian men.  

The selection of 120 men between20-93 years old was made and assessed the participants for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone, serum calcium, biochemical markers of bone resorption (carboxy-terminal telopeptide, phosphorus, bone mineral density (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), creatinine, and the carboxy-terminal peptide of type I collagen). The exclusion criteria involved the medications affecting bone, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) below 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, and chronic diseases.

No prior low-impact fractures were found. The 25(OH)D levels presented by the overall population were below 30 ng/mL in 46.7% and below 20 ng/mL in 27.6%. Out of 93 subjects of 50 years and older, 28 had osteoporosis. In comparison to young participants, participants of 70 years and older exhibited higher prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis, high bone resorption and decreased GFR. Serum parathyroid hormone enhanced with ageing and decreasing GFR, but was not correlated with bone mineral density or 25(OH)D significantly. A notable involvement of vitamin D deficiency was seen to intensified bone resorption and osteoporosis. Bone resorption, age, identified age ≥70 years, and 25(OH)D examined by binary logistic regression model were considered as the primary determinant of osteoporosis.  

The male population living in Rio de Janeiro presents a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the concluded data of the study emphasize its engagement on the pathogenesis of age-related bone loss.