Vitamin D status in young HIV infected women of various ethnic origins: incidence of vitamin D deficiency and possible impact on bone density.

BACKGROUND: Decreased bone mineral density (BMD) was reported in HIV infected patients. Mechanisms leading to this decrease are poorly understood.

AIMS: To assess factors relating to BMD in young HIV infected Israeli women of Ethiopian and Caucasian origin.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 75 young HIV infected women aged 34.5 ± 8.5 followed up at the Institute of Allergy, Clinical Immunology & AIDS filled a questionnaire about sun exposure, daily calcium intake and dress habits. Data about HIV status and treatment regimens were collected from the patients' charts. Serum hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, bone turnover markers and bone densitometry were evaluated.

RESULTS: 28 (65%) of Ethiopians and 2 (6.25%) of Caucasians had 25(OH)D serum levels <10 ng/ml (vitamin D deficiency), p = 0.001. 21 (67.7%) Ethiopians and 16 (39%) Caucasians avoided sun exposure, p = 0.019. Mean daily calcium intake was 491 ± 268.6 mg and 279 ± 252.6 mg, respectively, p = 0.001. Z scores < -1 found at Lumbar spine in 26 (89.7%), at Femoral neck in 20 (69%) at Total hip in 17 (58.6%) of vitamin D deficient patients compared to 20 (48.8%), 17 (41.5%), 9 (22%), in patients with 25(OH)D > 10 ng/ml, p < 0.01, <0.03, <0.001, respectively. Significantly more Ethiopian than Caucasian women covered their face (32.3% and 9.5%, p = 0.003) and hands (58.1% and 30.9%, p = 0.03). There was no difference in bone turnover markers levels.

CONCLUSION: Poorer vitamin D status was observed in Ethiopian women might be one of the important factors related to lower BMD in this group.