Allergy is associated with bone quality and quantity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52905/hbph2026.114Keywords:
bone quality, bone quantity, vitamin D, allergic diseases, Slovak adult populationAbstract
Background Research increasingly suggests that vitamin D plays a significant role in the development and severity of allergic diseases. However, less is known about how vitamin D status and allergic sensitization may jointly influence bone health.
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between allergies, vitamin D levels and bone quality and quantity in a Slovak adult population.
Sample and Methods The sample consisted of 198 participants aged 19–57, 53 men with a mean age of 36.6±9.6 years (16 without allergy, 37 with allergy) and 145 women with a mean age of 36.1±10.0 years (48 without allergy, 97 with allergy). Allergy diagnosis was confirmed by a physician in an immunoallergology outpatient clinic. Health data (medical history, lifestyle, allergy history/treatment and vitamin supplementation) were collected by questionnaire and bone tissue quality and quantity parameter (T-score, Z-score) were assessed using a Sunlight MiniOmni ultrasound densitometer.
Results Among women, Mann–Whitney U tests showed lower vitamin D with grass (p=0.006; rrb=0.375) and animal allergy (p=0.011; rrb=0.453). Moreover, in t tests, Z-scores were lower in women with animal allergy (p=0.047; 0.26 vs 0.76). Among men, animal allergy was associated with reduced T- and Z-scores (p=0.035 for both) and showed negative correlations with T-score (p=0.035; r=−0.297) and Z-score (p=0.035; r=−0.296).
Conclusions Specific allergic conditions may be associated with lower vitamin D levels and reduced bone tissue quality and quantity, with notable sex-specific patterns.
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