Vitamin D Status, Bone Mineral Density and Mental Health in Young Australian Women: The Safe-D Study

• Published in: Journal of public health research 2015-11, Vol.4 (3)
• Main Authors: Callegari, Emma T., Reavley, Nicola, Garland, Suzanne M., Gorelik, Alexandra, Wark, John D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bone density; bone mineral density; depression; dual energy x-ray absorptiometry; Mental health; osteoporosis; Study Protocols; Vitamin D; Vitamin deficiency
• ISSN: 2279-9036; 2279-9028; 2279-9036
• DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2015.594

Background. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with both poor bone health and mental ill-health. More recently, a number of studies have found individuals with depressive symptoms tend to have reduced bone mineral density. To explore the interrelationships between vitamin D status, bone mineral density and mental-ill health we are assessing a range of clinical, behavioural and lifestyle factors in young women (Part A of the Safe-D study). Design and methods. Part A of the Safe-D study is a cross-sectional study aiming to recruit 468 young females aged 16-25 years living in Victoria, Australia, through Facebook advertising. Participants are required to complete an extensive, online questionnaire, wear an ultra-violet dosimeter for 14 consecutive days and attend a study site visit. Outcome measures include areal bone mineral measures at the lumbar spine, total hip and whole body, as well as soft tissue composition using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Trabecular and cortical volumetric bone density at the tibia is measured using peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Other tests include serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, serum biochemistry and a range of health markers. Details of mood disorder/s and depressive and anxiety symptoms are obtained by self-report. Cutaneous melanin density is measured by spectrophotometry. Expected impact. The findings of this cross-sectional study will have implications for health promotion in young women and for clinical care of those with vitamin D deficiency and/or mental ill-health. Optimising both vitamin D status and mental health may protect against poor bone health and fractures in later life.