The role of B-vitamin intake, B-vitamin-rich dietary patterns, the B-vitamin deficiency index in bone mineral density among school-aged children.

BACKGROUND

To examine associations of B-vitamin intake, B-vitamin-rich dietary patterns, and the B-Vitamin Deficiency Index (BVDI) with bone mineral density (BMD) in children.

DESIGN/

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 1026 Chinese children aged 9-12 years. Dietary intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. B-vitamin-rich dietary patterns were derived using reduced-rank regression, and cumulative B-vitamin inadequacy was assessed using BVDI based on Chinese Dietary Reference Intakes. Forearm BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were used.

RESULTS

Higher quartiles of vitamin B2, B9, and B12 (Q4 vs Q1: OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.25-0.74, OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30-0.85, OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.27-0.81, respectively) were associated with lower odds of low BMD. The B-vitamin-rich dietary pattern showed an inverse but borderline association with low BMD (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.36-1.02; P = 0.060). Participants in the highest BVDI quartile had 72% higher odds of low BMD than those in the lowest BVDI quartile (OR = 1.72, 95% CI:1.02-2.92).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher intakes of vitamins B2, B9, and B12 were associated with lower odds of low BMD, whereas higher BVDI was associated with higher odds of low BMD. These observational findings suggest that B-vitamin nutritional status may be related to pediatric bone health indicators.

IMPACT: Reduced-rank regression identified a B-vitamin-rich dietary pattern characterized by higher intakes of beans, dairy products, meats, grains, eggs, vegetables, and aquatic products; greater adherence to this pattern showed an inverse but borderline association with low bone mineral density (BMD). Higher intakes of vitamins B2, B9, and B12 were associated with lower odds of low BMD. The B-Vitamin Deficiency Index (BVDI), reflecting cumulative inadequacy across eight B vitamins, was associated with higher odds of low BMD. These observational findings suggest that B-vitamin nutritional status may be related to skeletal health indicators in childhood.