Vitamin D, bone mineral density and body mass index in eating disorder patients

Eat Behav. 2013 Apr;14(2):124-7. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2013.01.010. Epub 2013 Feb 13.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate associations of vitamin D with BMD and BMI in ED patients.

Methods: Vitamin D, BMD and BMI for 50 patients admitted to a specialised ED inpatient unit were measured. Patients were aged 15-54 years with BMI 8-25 kg/m(2).

Results: Of the patients, 18% were vitamin D deficient. There was a significant linear relationship between vitamin D and BMD T-score at the lumbar spine (p=0.029), femoral neck (p<0.001) and total hip (p=0.001). There was no relationship between vitamin D and BMI. There was a significant linear relationship between BMI and BMD T-score at the lumbar spine (p<0.001), femoral neck (p=0.008) and total hip (p=0.001).

Conclusions: Low vitamin D and low BMI are associated with low BMD in ED patients. Despite widespread belief that it is not necessary, our findings suggest it is appropriate to measure vitamin D in ED patients. It should not be assumed ED patients take supplements.

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Body Mass Index*
  • Bone Density*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / blood*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / complications
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Femur Neck / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Vitamin D / blood*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Vitamin D