LCT 13910 C/T polymorphism, serum calcium, and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

SUMMARY: LCT 13910 CC genotype is associated with lactose intolerance, a condition often resulting in reduced milk intake. Women with the CC genotype were found to have decreased serum calcium and reduced bone mineral density.

INTRODUCTION

The CC genotype of the 13910 C/T polymorphism of the LCT gene is linked to lactose intolerance and low calcium intake.

METHODS

We studied 595 postmenopausal women, including 267 osteoporotic, 200 osteopenic, and 128 healthy subjects. Genotyping, osteodensitometry, and laboratory measurements were carried out.

RESULTS

Frequency of aversion to milk consumption was 20% for CC genotype and 10% for TT + TC genotypes (p = 0.03). The albumin-adjusted serum calcium was 2.325 +/- 0.09 mmol/L for CC genotype and 2.360 +/- 0.16 mmol/L for TT + TC genotypes (p = 0.031). Bone mineral density (BMD; Z score) was lower in the CC than TT + TC genotypes, respectively, at the radius (0.105 +/- 1.42 vs 0.406 +/- 1.32; p = 0.038), at the total hip (-0.471 +/- 1.08 vs -0.170 +/- 1.09; p = 0.041), and at the Ward's triangle (-0.334 +/- 0.87 vs -0.123 +/- 0.82; p = 0.044).

CONCLUSION

LCT 13910 C/T polymorphism is associated with decreased serum calcium level and lower BMD in postmenopausal women.