The relationship of homocyteine, B12 and folic acid with the bone mineral density of the femur and lumbar spine in Turkish postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
The relationship of homocyteine, B12 and folic acid with osteoporosis has already been studied in various populations. We compared the important factors in the metabolism of homocysteine, such as homocysteine, B12 and folic acid levels, of Turkish postmenopausal women, and their relationship with the femur and lumbar spine bone mineral density.


METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted at Gazi University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The study group consisted of 178 postmenopausal women. Serum homocysteine, folic acid and Vitamin B12 were measured. BMD was measured using DEXA at the right femoral neck and lumbar spine (L1-L4).


RESULTS
Upon evaluation of both the femur and lumbar spine, it was determined that osteoporosis could be associated with a homocysteine level above the median and with a B12 value under the lowest quintile value.


CONCLUSIONS
Plasma Hcy and vitamin B12, but not folate levels, were associated with osteoporosis. Future interventional studies are needed to determine methods to reduce Hcy levels with dietary supplements and extra vitamin B12, which will restore bone health and reduce risk of fractures.
Bozkurt
Nuray
N
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Besevler, Ankara, Turkey. nmbozkurt@yahoo.com
Erdem
Mehmet
M
Yilmaz
Ercan
E
Erdem
Ahmet
A
Biri
Aydan
A
Kubatova
Ayca
A
Bozkurt
Murat
M
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015519:Bone Density; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017698:Postmenopause; D014421:Turkey; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000097:blood*
D006710:Homocysteine; D005492:Folic Acid; D014805:Vitamin B 12