Abstract
Mixed findings regarding effects of vitamin E on bone metabolism existed. We were the first to find a negative association between serum α-tocopherol concentration and bone mineral density in the US elderly population. Using vitamin E supplement as α-tocopherol to promote bone health was not warranted at this time. The aim of the study is to examine the associations between serum vitamin E (α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol) status and bone mineral density (BMD) among the US elderly population. This study found a negative association between serum α-tocopherol concentration and femoral neck BMD in the US elderly population, suggesting a harmful effect of α-tocopherol on bone health. Future studies are warranted to further examine the dose-response relationships between individual vitamin E isomers and bone metabolism.