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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Alveolar Periosteum and Effects of Vitamin D on Osteogenic Activity of Periosteum-derived Cells

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

Does vitamin D affect timing of menarche?

Anna Chew¹, Susan S Harris

¹Bone Metabolism Laboratory, Jean Mayer United States Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, 711 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA. Anna.Chew@tufts.edu

Nutrition Reviews

|March 5, 2013

Summary

Vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of early menarche in girls. This finding suggests a potential link between low vitamin D levels and earlier puberty, impacting women's health.

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Last Updated: May 13, 2026

Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Alveolar Periosteum and Effects of Vitamin D on Osteogenic Activity of Periosteum-derived Cells

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Published on: May 4, 2018

Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats

Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats

Published on: October 13, 2018

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Nutritional Science
Public Health

Background:

Early menarche is linked to adverse health outcomes.
Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread nutritional issue.
Associations between early puberty and metabolic health are increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the association between vitamin D status and the timing of menarche.
To explore potential confounding factors such as body mass index.

Main Methods:

Prospective study design.
Recruitment of girls in Bogota, Columbia.
Assessment of vitamin D levels and age at menarche.

Main Results:

Girls with vitamin D deficiency had an increased risk of early menarche compared to sufficient girls.
The association persisted after adjusting for body mass index-for-age z-scores.
Potential biological mechanisms, like vitamin D receptor polymorphisms, were suggested but not confirmed.

Conclusions:

Vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for early menarche.
Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Understanding this association is crucial for women's health initiatives.