Background:

serum vitamin D (VD) levels have been mainly studied in women, but they are relevant also among men, not only regarding bone health status. A previous small-size study performed two decades ago in Uruguayan women and men revealed serious deficiencies of VD. On the other hand, magnesium has important effects not only related to vitamin D levels but directly and indirectly affect bone.

Purpose:

to analyze possible interrelationships among values of serum VD, magnesium, testosterone, bone densitometry and other parameters in young Uruguayan male population.

Methods:

during July-August 2015, one hundred Uruguayan men affiliated to the prepaid healthcare system, invited to participate by our Unit of Bone Metabolism, were studied with anthropometry, laboratory and, densitometry techniques. Collected data were statistically analyzed.

Results:

the studied men showed low serum VD levels (96% insufficient-deficient), which did not show significant correlations with any of the studied parameters. Serum magnesium was significantly and inversely correlated with densitometric z-scores, even stronger among men with overweight and with VD≥15 ng/ml.

Conclusions:

despite the sample size, results confirm the presence of low serum VD levels in apparently healthy men. Findings give reasons to think about possible recommendations to improve the preventive scope regarding osteoporosis and colorectal cancer.

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