Levels of vitamin D and a bone resorption marker in the sera of young women with alcohol use disorder

Abstract

Background

Excessive alcohol drinking negatively affects bone metabolism and leads to a risk of decreased bone mass, which is a major component of the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. However, the potential influence of alcohol on bones has not been fully recognized, particularly among the young to middle-aged generation.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the status of serum markers related to bone metabolism in young to middle-aged women with alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Methods

Levels of vitamin D and the bone-resorption marker tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b were measured in the sera of 25 women with AUD (mean age, 39.5 ± 7.5 years) who were enrolled in an AUD rehabilitation program. Data of samples obtained on admission and those after eight weeks were compared.

Results

Of the 25 women with AUD, 19 (76%) had vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL), and most of the patients showed relatively higher tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b levels at baseline considering their premenopausal age. Although the levels did not change significantly at week eight of the AUD rehabilitation program, vitamin D levels tended to increase initially in patients with vitamin D deficiency. Although further investigations and detailed nutritional assessment are necessary, the results of this study may support the presence of a relatively unknown influence of AUD on the bone health of the young to middle-aged population. Along with psychological and physical care, persons with AUD should be treated as a high-risk group for future osteoporosis regardless of age.

Keywords:

• Alcohol use disorder
• nutrition
• bone health
• vitamin D
• TRACP-5b

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Ms. Yumiko Tanaka, R.D., and staff of the National Hospital Organization Kurihama Medical and Addiction Center for supporting data correction. The study was done at National Hospital Organization Kurihama Medical and Addiction Center, 5-3-1 Nobi, Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa, 239-0841, Japan, in which CI, and SK had been working during the data collection. SS was working at Sagami Women’s University during the study period.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The study was supported by research grant from Sagami Women’s University.