Role of metabolic equivalent between calcium intake and vertebral fractures: a cross-sectional study of NHANES 2013–2014

BACKGROUND: This study was to analyze the association of calcium intake and metabolic equivalent (MET) with vertebral fractures, and to explore the role of MET between calcium intake and vertebral fractures. METHOD: This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2013–2014. The study involved individuals aged ≥ 50 years old with complete information on vertebral fracture, calcium intake, and physical activity. Vertebral fracture assessment is obtained using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to perform a lateral scan of the thoracolumbar spine. Calcium intake included total nutrient intake and total dietary supplements. The total MET is the sum of the METs for each activity (Vigorous/ moderate work-related activities, walking or bicycling for transportation and vigorous/ moderate recreational activities). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were utilized to investigate the effect of calcium intake, MET, and their combined effect on vertebral fracture. RESULTS: A total of 766 participants were included in the analysis, and 54 participants had vertebral fractures. The median calcium intake and MET were 8.43 mcg and 280.00, respectively. Multivariate results showed that neither calcium intake nor MET as continuous or categorical variables was significantly associated with vertebral fractures. MET < 160 and calcium intake ≥ 670 mg group was associated with the decreased risks of vertebral fracture [odds ratio (OR) = 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.26–0.83, P = 0.032] after adjusting for age, race, energy, total femur bone mineral density (BMD), and femoral neck BMD. In the group of MET < 160, increased calcium intake was associated with a reduced risk of vertebral fracture, with a decreased OR value. In the group of MET ≥ 160, increased calcium intake was associated with an increased risk of vertebral fracture, with an increased OR value. CONCLUSION: The combination of MET < 160 and calcium intake ≥ 670 mg was associated with decreased risks of vertebral fractures. There may be an interaction between calcium intake and MET on vertebral fracture risk. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-03666-4.