Bone Mineral Density and Vitamin D Level Compared to Lifestyle in Resident Physicians
McConda, D.B.; Boukhemis, K.W.; Matthews, L.J.; Watkins, C.M.
West Virginia medical journal 112(4): 32-36
2016
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-3284 PMID: 27491100 Document Number: 687423
Due to the demands of resident education and long periods of time spent indoors, resident physicians may have poorer bone quality than would be expected. Forty-four resident physicians underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D level testing at our institution. Results were correlated with a survey of self-reported duty hours, physical activity, and sun exposure. The average 25-hydroxyvitamin D level for all participants was 29 ng/dL, which fell into the insufficient range, and 31.5% of all participants were in the deficient range, with a 25-hydroxyvitamin D level < 20 ng/ dL. For the 40 subjects who underwent DEXA, 17 were found to be osteopenic and three were found to be osteoporotic. Greater awareness of bone health, with routine use of vitamin D supplementation and increased time spent outdoors during peak sunlight hours, may be indicated in this cohort.