Determination of vitamin D3 status in women of postmenopausal age and its relationship with bone mineral density in Lattakia- Syria

This study aimed to define the levels of vitamin D3 in postmenopausal women and their relation with bone mineral density (BMD). The study included 83 women (48-81 year) who visited the Department of radiology of Al Asad hospital in Lattakia. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (L1–L4) and total hip was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Blood samples were collected to assay 25(OH)D3 and Ca. The mean level of 25(OH)D3 was 18.87 ng/ml (6.96 SD) and the prevalence of vitamin D3 difficiency { 25(OH)D3<20 ng/ml} was 64%. No correlation was found between BMD and 25(OH)D3 levels [P value>0.05], and no correlation was found between 25(OH)D3 and age or body mass index (IMD). We found a strong correlation between 25(OH)D3 and duration of sun exposure (P value = 0.01). Conclusion: Hypovitaminosis D3 is very common among postmenopausal women. Vitamin D33 status may not be an important determinant of bone health.