Urinary Cadmium and Osteoporosis in U.S. Women ≥50 Years of Age: NHANES 1988–1994 and 1999–2004
2008

Urinary Cadmium and Osteoporosis in U.S. Women Over 50

Sample size: 4208 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Carolyn M. Gallagher, John S. Kovach, Jaymie R. Meliker

Primary Institution: Stony Brook University Medical Center

Hypothesis

Higher levels of urinary cadmium might be associated with greater odds for osteoporosis.

Conclusion

U.S. women are at risk for osteoporosis at urinary cadmium levels below the safety standard.

Supporting Evidence

  • Women with urinary cadmium levels between 0.50 and 1.00 μg/g creatinine had 43% greater odds for osteoporosis.
  • Mean urinary cadmium was higher for women with osteoporosis compared to those without.
  • Statistical analysis showed significant associations between cadmium exposure and osteoporosis.

Takeaway

This study found that women over 50 who have higher levels of cadmium in their urine are more likely to have weak bones.

Methodology

Data was drawn from NHANES surveys, analyzing urinary cadmium levels and osteoporosis indicators using logistic regression.

Potential Biases

Potential selection bias due to exclusion of institutionalized populations.

Limitations

The study could not adjust for biomarkers of renal tubular impairment in the primary analysis.

Participant Demographics

U.S. women aged 50 years and older.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.04

Confidence Interval

1.02–2.00

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1289/ehp.11452

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