Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Relationship between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms (BsmI,
TaqI, ApaI, and FokI) and calcium intake on bone mass in young Japanese
women
Version: 
0 
Date: 
08 Jan 2021
Reviewer: 
Joseph Abi Jaoude
Reviewer's report:
Thank you for the opportunity to review this manuscript, I have no COI to
disclose. 
The authors present an interesting study of Japanese women where they analyze
the role of different Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms on bone mass. The
suited is really well-written, and the methodology is very detailed. The study
would be relevant to the readers of BMC Women's Health. 
Few suggestions: 
"Methods, Study participants": The authors could consider adding a figure for a
flow diagram of the participant inclusion.
"Calcium intake was adjusted according to the energy intake, and the
participants were divided into two groups based on median calcium intake".
Were patients divided based on the adjusted calcium intake? I assume yes, but
just to make sure. Would also clarify that in text to avoid any confusion among
readers. 
"However, smoking and alcohol consumption until the age of 20 years is legally
prohibited in Japan; hence, the influence of these factors would be minimal on
the participants enrolled in the present study" I would remove this sentence. 
"Finally, our results may be helpful in the development of a preventive strategy
to tackle bone loss and future osteoporosis in young women" I think it is worth
adding a small section in the discussion (before the limitations) where the
authors discuss this sentence. It is definitely true that those results could be used
in the future to screen women, but performing gene analysis on all women in
their 20s may also not be cost-effective. It would be interesting if the authors
elaborated on that in a small paragraph.
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Is the study design appropriate to answer the research question (including the use
of appropriate controls), and are the conclusions supported by the evidence
presented?
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from apparent manipulation?
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