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

The relationship of homocysteine (Hcy), folate and vitamin B(12) with bone mineral density (BMD) has been studied in various populations but still remains inconsistent. The aim of this study was to test whether the levels of plasma Hcy, serum and red blood cell folate, and vitamin B(12) are related to BMD in the group of adult Croatian women regardless of menopausal status. Some other lifestyle and dietary habits like smoking, physical activity and alcohol consumption were also observed in relation to BMD.

One-hundred and thirty-one women, aged 45-65 years participated in the study. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Measurements were made at the lumbar spine (L1-L4), left femoral neck, total femur and distal third of the radius. Plasma total Hcy, serum folate, red blood cell folate and serum vitamin B(12) were also determined.

No significant correlations were found between Hcy, folate and/or vitamin B(12) and BMD of measured skeletal sites. Body mass index (BMI), age, as well as alcohol consumption were significantly correlated with BMD at the lumbar spine. Positive significant correlation was found between BMI and BMD at the femoral neck and total femur while BMI and age were significant predictors of BMD at the radius (multiple regression analysis). When only postmenopausal women were included, significant predictors of BMD at the lumbar spine were age, BMI, alcohol consumption and intake of hormone replacement therapy.

Results of this study suggest that Hcy, folate or vitamin B(12) levels were not related to BMD in population of healthy Croatian women aged 45-65. In the group of postmenopausal Croatian women, beside BMI and age, alcohol consumption was significant positive predictor of BMD at the lumbar spine.