Introduction  

This study examined the distribution and determinants of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) and their associations with bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip and spine in 414 older men (mean age 74 years) living in southern California.

Methods  

At a clinic visit (1997–2000), demographic and lifestyle information, fracture history, and medication use were recorded; venous blood for serum 25OHD and PTH was obtained; and BMD was measured at the hip and spine.

Results  

Only one man had vitamin D deficiency (25OHD <20 nmol/l), but 15.5% of the men had high parathyroid levels (PTH ≥65 pg/ml). The mean 25OHD and PTH levels were 109.0 nmol/l and 50.3 pg/ml, respectively. Overall, 21.5% used calcium and 9.7% used vitamin D supplements. Serum 25OHD decreased with age and was lowest in the winter; levels were higher in supplement users (vitamin D and/or calcium; p<0.01). Serum PTH did not vary by age or season, and it was lower in supplement users (p<0.01). After excluding 12 men who were outliers for serum 25OHD and PTH, there was no significant correlation between serum 25OHD and PTH (r=−0.05, p=0.3). In multiple adjusted models, serum 25OHD was positively associated with BMD at the hip (p=0.01) and spine (p=0.001). Serum PTH was moderately and inversely associated with BMD at the hip (p=0.04) but not at the spine (p=0.77).

Conclusion  

We conclude that serum 25OHD is associated with bone health in older, community-dwelling men.