Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with decreased bone mineral density in upper Egyptian patients

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been linked with a number of extra hepatic diseases and could be a potential risk factor of decreasing bone mineral density. To determine whether Upper Egyptian patients with NAFLD are at risk of developing osteoporosis. Cross sectional study was done on a total 100 individuals; 50 patients diagnosed with NAFLD (based on ultrasound imaging) crossed-matched with 50 individuals without NAFLD based on age, sex and body mass index. Bone mineral density, serum calcium and phosphorus levels, serum parathyroid hormone, serum vitamin D and fasting insulin level were assessed. Osteoporosis was prevalent in NAFLD patients versus to controls (19/50 vs. 0/50; P < 0.001). There was significant decrease in bone mineral density in NAFLD patients than controls (− 2.29 ± 0.4 vs. − 1.53 ± 0.1; P < 0.001). There was a statistical significance decrease in serum vitamin D and calcium levels in NAFLD patients than controls. Furthermore, vitamin D levels in the NAFLD group was a predictor for osteoporosis (OR 0.614; 95% CI 0.348–0.825). Patients with NAFLD tend to have a significant decrease in bone density, vitamin D, and serum calcium levels than controls.