[Hypovitaminosis D in postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density].

BACKGROUND

Low vitamin D levels are a risk factor for osteoporosis. In the Northern hemisphere, a high frequency of low vitamin D levels has been detected. The correction of this deficit is associated with a lower fracture risk.

AIM

To measure serum vitamin D levels in postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured in 40 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 74 years old, with a spine bone mineral density of less than 2 standard deviation of the values for young individuals. Serum calcium, phosphorus and calcium dietary intake were also measured.

RESULTS

Mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were 32.2 +/- 12.5 ng/ml. No correlation between vitamin D levels and other measured variables was observed. Using a cutoff value of 15 ng/ml, two women had low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.

CONCLUSION

In this sample of postmenopausal women, vitamin D deficiency was infrequent.