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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #161776
Title: THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF 25-HYDROXYVITAMIN D3 AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE IN THE US POPULATION

Author
item DIETRICH, THOMAS - HUMBOLDT UNIVERSITY
item JOSHIPURA, KAUMUDI - HARVARD SCH OF DENTAL MED
item DAWSON-HUGHES, BESS - TUFTS-HNRCA
item BISCHOFF, HEIKE - BRIGHAM WOMEN'S HOSPITAL

Submitted to: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/1/2003
Publication Date: 12/1/2004
Citation: Dietrich, T., Joshipura, K.J., Dawson-Hughes, B., Bischoff, H.A. 2004. The association between serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and periodontal disease in the US population. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 80:108-13.

Interpretive Summary: Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss particularly in the elderly. Tooth loss not only affects quality in life, it also affects dietary quality and nutrient intake. Vitamin D may affect periodontal disease through its favorable effect on bone, including the bone that supports the teeth, and/or through its anti-inflammatory effects. Several studies have reported a connection between poor bone health and tooth loss, indicating that a decrease in bone quality may be a risk factor for periodontal disease. In a U.S. population of over 10,000 Caucasian men and women (HANES III survey participants, age 20 and older), this study looks at the association between serum levels of vitamin D and the prevalence of periodontal disease, determined by dental examinations. Results showed that people with lower blood levels of vitamin D had a higher prevalence of periodontal disease. This suggests that supplementation with vitamin D may be an important factor in the prevention of periodontal disease.

Technical Abstract: Periodontal disease is a common chronic inflammatory disease and an important risk factor for tooth loss. Vitamin D might affect periodontal disease risk through its effect on bone mineral density (BMD) and its immune-modulating effects. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether there is an association between serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD) and periodontal disease in the NHANESIII survey population. The data from 10,899 subjects aged 20+ years with periodontal attachment loss were analyzed. Serum 25-OHD concentrations were also noted within five stepped categories ranging from <37.5 nmol/L to >/= 75 nmol/L. Periodontal disease was modeled in a multiple logistic regression and in a multiple linear regression. The models adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, smoking, diabetes, calcium intake, poverty-income ratio, body mass index, estrogen use, gingival bleeding and missing teeth. In both models, 25-OHD concentrations showed a significant inverse association with periodontal disease. Subjects in the lowest vs. highest 25-OHD category had a 61% increased risk for periodontal disease. BMD of the total femoral region was found not to be associated with periodontal disease and did not mediate the association between 25-OHD and periodontal disease. In conclusion, low serum concentrations of 25-25-OHD may be associated with periodontal disease independent of BMD. Given the high prevalence of periodontal disease and vitamin D deficiency, we suggest that vitamin D supplementation may be a useful prevention strategy for periodontal disease.