Relation of plasma total homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 levels to bone mineral density in Moroccan healthy postmenopausal women

Abstract

To test whether in Moroccan healthy postmenopausal women, levels of plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), folate, and vitamin B12 are related to BMD. A total of 188 volunteer postmenopausal women were recruited from our blood taking center between April 2008 and December 2008. Each subject completed a standardized questionnaire designed to document putative risk factors of osteoporosis. Bone mineral density was determined by a Lunar Prodigy Vision DXA system, and blood samples for plasma tHcy, folate, vitamin B12, and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) were taken. Comparison between women with osteoporosis, osteopenia and normal BMD showed that the osteoporotic women were significantly older, had lower weight and height than the women of the other groups. Plasma tHcy was significantly higher in the osteoporotic group. Levels of tHcy were inversely related to BMD at the lumbar spine, at the total hip and plasma vitamin B12 and positively related to age and creatinine. Multiple regression analysis showed that age and BMI were the main predictors of BMD at the lumbar spine, whereas the main predictors of BMD at the total hip were age, BMI, plasma tHcy, and plasma vitamin B(12). tHcy and vitamin B12 are independent risk factors for osteoporosis in Moroccan healthy postmenopausal women.

Bone mineral density is not associated with homocysteine level, folate and vitamin B12 status

“…Plasma vitamin B 12 , but not folate was associated with osteoporosis in Turkish postmenopausal women [14] while in the group of Moroccan healthy postmenopausal women Hcy and vitamin B 12 were independent risk factors for osteoporosis [26]. As well, in older Americans vitamin B 12 status indicator was associated with BMD, but neither serum not red blood cell folate was related to BMD or osteoporosis [15].…”

Epidemiology and awareness of osteoporosis: a viewpoint from the Middle East and North Africa

“…Dietary patterns, foods with high content of saturated fatty acids or with low nutrients are detrimental to bone health in menopausal Iranian women [67]. Vitamin B12 and high soft drink intake are reported to be independent risk factors for OP in healthy women [32,40]. These findings highlight the importance of proper food selection to maintain bone health and could be the basis for nutrition education intervention to improve lifestyle habits and promote healthy bone later in life.…”

“…The prevalence of OP in postmenopausal women in rural areas of Upper Egypt was higher reaching 47.8% [31]. Prevalence of OP in Moroccan postmenopausal women varied from 21-31% [32,33] being slightly higher (35.8%) among Algerian women [34]. In Tunis, 25% of postmenopausal women had OP [35] and a comparable prevalence (23.3%) was found in healthy Tunisian women [36].…”

“…The relationship between obesity and OP remains controversial. Data indicated that overweight and obesity are associated with BMD [32,58,66], and decreased the risk for OP [16]. Comparison between postmenopausal women according to their BMI showed that obese women had a higher BMD and lower prevalence of vertebral fractures [33,75].…”

“…The prevalence of OP in Jordanian women >60 years was significantly higher compared to those <50 years (25.5% vs. 7.4%, respectively) [49]. Advanced age was also a significant predictor of OP in Moroccan postmenopausal women [32,49]. Even though, low BMD and OP were detected in young age; among apparently healthy young Saudi women, 6% had osteopenia and 3% had OP [50,51].…”