February 17, 2010 – The onset of osteoarthritis of the hip in men may be due to a lack of vitamin D.
According to an American study of 1,104 men, those whose blood levels of vitamin D were insufficient were twice as likely to have osteoarthritis of the hip than those who had a normal level of “vitamin D”.
At the start of the study, participants were 77 years old on average. They all gave a sample of their blood for the researchers to determine their blood levels of vitamin D.
Four and a half years later, they had another blood test and an x-ray of their hips, which measured the extent of osteoarthritis, if present.
Result: Among men with osteoarthritis of the hip, 77% were deficient in vitamin D, and 10% were deficient.
|
Vitamin D blood levels (in nanograms / ml) Deficiency: less than 15 ng / ml Deficiency: 15.1 to 30 ng / ml Normal: more than 30 ng / ml |
Vitamin D insufficiency was associated with a risk 2 times higher of osteoarthritis of the hip than a normal blood level. In those with deficiency, the trend was similar, but the results were not quite statistically significant.
Overall, men with osteoarthritis had a blood level of 23 ng / ml, compared to 26 ng / ml in those with healthy hips.
However, when they took part in a walk test, the former were slower than the latter – and they complained more of pelvic pain.
Not a direct link, but …
These results do not support the claim that osteoarthritis of the hip is caused by vitamin D insufficiency, the researchers admit. However, they highlight “the important role of vitamin D in the development of osteoarthritis,” they write.
According to them, vitamin D promotes the mineralization of the bone matrix and cartilage. These minerals have a protective effect against the wear and tear of the bones, and more particularly that which affects the joints.
That is why they advise doctors to incorporate vitamin D in supplements in the care of elderly men.
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
1. Chaganti RK, et al, Association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D with prevalent osteoarthritis of the hip in elderly men: The osteoporotic fractures in men study, Arthritis & Rheumatism, February 2010, Vol. 62, no 2, 511-514.
