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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Alveolar Periosteum and Effects of Vitamin D on Osteogenic Activity of Periosteum-derived Cells
Published on: May 4, 2018
Vitamin D and bone health in adults with cystic fibrosis
Linda L Wolfenden1, Suzanne E Judd, Reshma Shah
1Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University Cystic Fibrosis Center, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Background:
Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have chronic pancreatic insufficiency leading to malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin D which can contribute to poor skeletal health and respiratory function.
Objective:
This study evaluated the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and its impact on bone and respiratory health in adults with CF.
Design And Measurements:
This was a retrospective study in which data were collected from medical records over a 2-year period. Data included patient demographics, lung function, biochemical data, bone mineral densities, X-rays and ascertainment of use of vitamin supplements. Data were collected from medical records at a single accredited CF Center. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and bone mineral density studies were also collected.
Patients:
A total of 185 adults with CF were identified with a mean age of 29 +/- 9 years.
Results:
The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency [25(OH)D < 75 nmol/l] was 76%. Mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations were 58.8 +/- 30 nmol/l. Use of specific vitamin D supplementation was protective against vitamin D insufficiency whereas use of multivitamins was not. There was a small, but significant, positive association between serum 25(OH)D and FEV(1) per cent predicted after controlling for age, gender, BMI and race (R(2) = 0.30, P < 0.001). A high prevalence (27%) of vertebral fractures was detected on lateral chest X-ray.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and poor skeletal health is high in the US CF population. Vitamin D status appears to be positively associated with lung function. Prospective studies to examine the impact of correction of vitamin D insufficiency on skeletal and lung health in adult CF are warranted.
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