Vitamin D, bone mineral density and body mass index in eating disorder patients

AimTo investigate associations of vitamin D with BMD and BMI in ED patients.MethodsVitamin D, BMD and BMI for 50 patients admitted to a specialised ED inpatient unit were measured. Patients were aged 15–54 years with BMI 8–25 kg/m2.ResultsOf the patients, 18% were vitamin D deficient. There was a significant linear relationship between vitamin D and BMD T-score at the lumbar spine (p = 0.029), femoral neck (p < 0.001) and total hip (p = 0.001). There was no relationship between vitamin D and BMI. There was a significant linear relationship between BMI and BMD T-score at the lumbar spine (p < 0.001), femoral neck (p = 0.008) and total hip (p = 0.001).ConclusionsLow vitamin D and low BMI are associated with low BMD in ED patients. Despite widespread belief that it is not necessary, our findings suggest it is appropriate to measure vitamin D in ED patients. It should not be assumed ED patients take supplements.

► Investigated vitamin D, BMD and BMI in eating disorder (ED) patients. ► 18% were vitamin D deficient. ► Relationship between vitamin D and BMI not significant ► Low vitamin D is associated with low BMD T-scores in eating disorder patients ► Low BMI is associated with low BMD T-scores in eating disorder patients ► It is appropriate to measure vitamin D in ED patients and essential if low weight.