Bone mineral density saturation as influenced by the visceral adiposity index in adults older than 20 years: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this research was to determine whether or not there is a saturation effect and whether or not the visceral adiposity index (VAI) correlates with bone mineral density (BMD) in adult Americans. METHODS: This study used multivariate logistic regression models to examine the association between VAI and total femur BMD, drawing on the most up-to-date data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2018. Saturation levels and non-linear connections were calculated using a smooth curve-fitting algorithm and an investigation of saturation effects. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were also conducted. RESULTS: This study ultimately recruited 6257 individuals aged 20 years or older. According to multivariate regression analysis, those with high VAI scores exhibited higher total femur BMD. Total femur BMD was greater in the highest VAI quartile (Q4: 0.060 g/cm(2)) after adjustment than in the lowest VAI quartile (Q1) (P < 0.05). After controlling for variables, subgroup analysis failed to reveal any significant interaction effects. Furthermore, the study determined that VAI and BMD exhibited a specific saturation effect through the investigation of the saturation effect and the fitting of smooth curves. Saturation effect investigation of total femur BMD using VAI revealed a saturation value of 3.3. CONCLUSION: The present study uncovered a non-linear relationship between VAI and total femur BMD, which exhibited a saturation effect.