%0 Journal Article
%T The association of combined vitamin C and D deficiency with bone mineral density and vertebral fracture.
%A He L
%A Chhantyal K
%A Chen Z
%A Zhu R
%A Zhang L
%J J Orthop Surg Res
%V 19
%N 1
%D 2024 Aug 2
%M 39095815
%F 2.677
%R 10.1186/s13018-024-04953-z
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>Both vitamin C and D deficiencies are extremely common in clinical practice, especially in elderly population. Unfortunately, the role of vitamin C deficiency in osteoporosis related consequences is often neglected. The aim of the present study is to analyse if combined vitamin C and D deficiency would have an association with bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF).<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Ninety-nine post-menopausal female patients admitted in the department of spine surgery of third affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were enrolled in the study. The participants were divided into four groups; vitamin D deficiency alone (comparator group), vitamin C deficiency alone and combined vitamin C and D deficiency as experimental group. The levels of vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, phosphorous, BMD and condition of OVF were analysed.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>There were statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of vitamin C and D levels. In terms of lumbar BMD, significant differences were observed between vitamin D deficiency alone and combined vitamin C and D deficiency. Only the combined vitamin C and D deficiency had a significant negative association with lumbar BMD and T-score. Similarly, combined vitamin C and D deficiency had a significant positive association with lumbar osteoporosis. None of the groups had any significant association with OVF. Combined vitamin C and D deficiency was found to be significantly associated with lower lumbar BMD and osteoporosis.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Combined vitamin C and D deficiency results in lower bone mineral density and higher risk of osteoporosis. We believe that existence of deficiencies of both vitamins could have a synergistic effect. Therefore, we recommend that vitamin C and D should be routinely measured in clinical practice.