Study on the Correlation of Free Vitamin d With BMD and Fracture

Free Vitamin D Correlate Better With BMD and Fracture Than Total Serum Vitamin D?

According to the free hormone hypothesis, the biological activity of a hormone is carried by the portion that is not bound to protein or its carrier in circulation. Based on this, we believe that the free vitamin d, which is the proportion of Vitamin D unbound to vitamin D binding protein and albumin, performs the calcium-regulating functions of the vitamin. Hence, our objective is to study whether free vitamin correlated better with BMD and fracture than the total vitamin D.

Osteoporosis is a major health issue worldwide as it increases the risk of fragility fracture and chronic disability. The studies on the association between vitamin d and osteoporosis have yielded conflicting results. While some have shown a positive correlation, others have concluded that there is no association at all. Recent reports have shown vitamin D supplementation do not prevent fragile fractures. This might be because the actual vitamin D status, which should be the free vitamin D, has not been measured.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients with a diagnosis of osteoporosis and with or without fracture
• post- menopausal women
• age > 48 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• vitamin D supplementation in recent 6 months
• patients on steroid
• age < 48 years
• patients with chronic diseases such as liver cirrhosis, renal failure, hypertension, hyperparathyroidism