Relationship between Serum Nutritional Factors and Bone Mineral Density: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Area of Science:

• Nutritional biochemistry
• Bone metabolism
• Human health and disease

Background:

• Osteoporosis development is linked to multiple risk factors.
• Understanding the role of serum nutritional factors in bone health is crucial for prevention and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum nutritional factors and bone mineral density (BMD).
• To explore the influence of specific nutrients on bone health across different skeletal sites.

Main Methods:

• A 2-sample Mendelian randomization approach was utilized.
• Examined associations between six serum nutritional factors and various BMD measures, including total body, forearm, femoral neck, lumbar spine, and heel BMD.
• Large sample sizes were used, with up to 394,929 individuals for heel BMD analysis.

Main Results:

• Serum calcium levels showed an inverse association with lumbar spine BMD.
• Serum selenium levels were positively correlated with heel BMD and forearm BMD.
• Nominal significance was observed for serum retinol and vitamin E with heel BMD, with sex-specific effects noted in men.

Conclusions:

• Serum calcium and selenium levels significantly influence BMD at specific skeletal sites.
• These nutritional factors play critical roles in regulating bone metabolism.
• Further research into nutrient-bone interactions can inform strategies for maintaining bone health.