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INTRODUCTION: While observational research suggests a protective role for nutrition in brain aging, intervention studies remain inconclusive. This failing translation from observational to interventional research may result from overlooking nutrient interactions. METHODS: We developed a nutrient status index capturing the number of suboptimal statuses of omega‐3 fatty acids, homocysteine, and vitamin D (range 0 to 3). We associated this index with dementia incidence in a subsample (age ≥ 50 years) of the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort. RESULTS: Among 968 participants, 79 developed dementia over 15.5 years (median follow‐up). Each point increase in nutrient status index was associated with a 50% higher risk of dementia (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16, 1.96). Participants with three high‐risk statuses had a four‐fold increased risk of dementia compared to participants without high‐risk status (HR = 4.68; 95% CI = 1.69, 12.94). DISCUSSION: Concurrent nutrient deficiencies are associated with the risk of dementia. The potential of optimizing nutritional status to lower dementia risk warrants further study. Highlights: Nutrition and dementia research calls for multiple‐nutrient approaches.We studied combined suboptimal statuses of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, homocysteine, and vitamin D.Suboptimal status of the three nutrients was associated with dementia risk.The risk estimate was larger than for other factors (ie, diabetes, apolipoprotein E ε4 carrier).Future studies should assess the effect of improving nutrient status on dementia risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the correlation between serum ferritin (SF) and bone turnover markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Seven hundred and forty-two people with T2DM were selected. Serum bone turnover markers: osteocalcin (OC), type I procollagen N-terminal peptide (PINP), β-I type collagen carboxy-terminal peptide (β-CTx), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-[OH]-D) levels were detected. High SF (HF) was defined as the indicated SF levels above 400 ng/mL in males and more than 150 ng/mL in females. Patients were divided into four groups: T2DM+normal SF (non-HF); T2DM+high SF (HF); T2DM+NAFLD+non-HF; andT2DM+NAFLD+HF. Relationships between SF and bone turnover markers were analyzed. Compared with the T2DM+non-HF group, β-CTx levels were higher in the T2DM+HFgroup. Compared with the T2DM+NAFLD+non-HF group, β-CTx levels were increased and 25-(OH)-D levels decreased in the T2DM+NAFLD+HF group (all p < 0.05). SF was positively correlated with β-CTx [β = 0.074; 95% CI (0.003, 0.205)] and negatively correlated with 25-(OH)-D [β=-0.108; 95%CI (−0.006, −0.001)]. Compared with the T2DM+non-HF group, an independent positive correlation was found between β-CTx and SF in the T2DM+NAFLD+HF group [OR = 1.002; 95% CI (1.001, 1.004)]. Among males, SF was positively correlatedwith β-CTx [β = 0.114; 95% CI (0.031, 0.266)]. SF was negatively correlated with 25-(OH)-D levels in both male and female patients [β=-0.124; 95% CI (0.007,0.001) and β=-0.168; 95% CI (−0.012, −0.002)]. Among those >50 years of age and postmenopausal females, SF was negatively correlated with 25-(OH)-D levels [β=-0.117; 95% CI (−0.007, −0.001) and β=-0.003; 95% CI (−0.013, −0.003)]. SF level was positively correlated with β-CTx in T2DM patients with NAFLD, which may promote bone resorption and increase the risk of bone loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 [OH]D) levels have been associated with sarcopenia, frailty, and risk of cardiovascular disease, whereas high levels negatively impact clinical outcomes. We determined optimal serum 25(OH)D concentrations to minimise the probability of sarcopenia in patients with heart failure (HF) by examining the dose-dependent relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and sarcopenia. We enrolled 461 consecutive patients with HF (mean age, 72 ± 15 years; 39% female) who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured using a chemiluminescence immunoassay. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. Overall, 49% of enrolled patients were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Adjusted logistic regression with restricted cubic spline function revealed that the odds ratio (OR) of sarcopenia increased in patients with HF presenting serum 25(OH)D levels <14.6 ng/ml or > 31.4 ng/ml, reaching the lowest OR at ∼20 ng/ml. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that a serum 25(OH)D level below 14.6 ng/mL was independently associated with the presence of sarcopenia (adjusted OR: 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24–3.78). Incorporating serum 25(OH)D levels <14.6 ng/ml, but not <20.0 ng/ml, in the baseline model improved continuous net reclassification (0.334, 95% CI: 0.122–0.546) in patients with HF. A U-shaped relationship exists between serum 25(OH)D levels and sarcopenia probability in patients with HF. Maintaining serum 25(OH)D levels between 14.6 and 31.4 ng/ml may help prevent sarcopenia in patients with HF. • 25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels to avoid sarcopenia in heart failure (HF) are unknown. • Serum 25(OH)D of ∼20 ng/ml had the lowest sarcopenia risk in patients with HF. • Serum 25(OH)D levels <14.6 ng/ml enhanced sarcopenia risk in patients with HF. • Serum 25(OH)D and sarcopenia risk exhibit a U-shaped relationship in HF. • Serum 25(OH)D levels of 14.6–31.4 ng/ml may prevent sarcopenia in patients with HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a serious public health issue affecting children around the world. Severe symptoms and complications commonly found with ECC are adverse effects on health and growth retardation triggered by sensitivity, pain, and abscesses associated with decayed teeth, premature tooth loss, and insufficient food intake due to difficulty in chewing and keeping food in the mouth. Objective: This article aims to provide an overview of the most recent and current evidence on the association between ECC and nutritional status with an aim to stimulate further research and to identify the impact of nutritional status on ECC and vice versa. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were used to search the studies conducted between 2016 and 2022. The included studies were searched using some keyword combinations and saved in Mendeley Desktop for review and referencing. All books, policy briefs, thesis/dissertations, and non-peer-reviewed articles were excluded, and 47 studies were selected for this narrative review. Results: Many studies have identified long-term, frequent, and nocturnal bottle-feeding and breastfeeding as well as frequent consumption of sugary food and beverages as high-risk factors for ECC. Adverse nutritional status assessed by anthropometric measures, vitamin D status, and iron-deficiency anemia have been studied as risk factors for ECC. Conclusions: Most of the prevailing studies are either case-control or cross-sectional studies, which are unable to provide strong evidence to prove the direction of causality. Thus, further prospective studies are needed to clarify the association between ECC and the nutritional status of children. Graphical Abstract This is a visual representation of the abstract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protection roles of serum vitamin D levels in the cardiovascular system. This observational study enrolled 286 young ACI patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in our Hospital from October 2016 to April 2020 as the study group. 127 healthy individuals as the control group. Serum levels of vitamin D and blood pressure indexes of the two groups were measured and the correlation between vitamin D levels and the clinical phenotype of young cerebral infarction was explored. Significantly higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D was observed in the study group vs. control group. During the day, The values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mean blood pressure was well-balanced between the two groups. However, at night and within 24 hours, significant differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mean value were observed between the two groups. The higher the vitamin D level, the greater the decrease in blood pressure at night. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was positively correlated with the reduction of night systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D led to a small decrease in blood pressure at night, resulting in a vulnerable cardiovascular system and an increased incidence of cerebral infarction in the young population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is unclear whether vitamin D supplementation contributes to gestational glucose control and whether the specific effects vary in individuals with diverse genetic and metabolic contexts. The study aimed to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on subsequent glucose levels and to identify factors modulating the response to vitamin D3 intake. We conducted a multicenter randomized controlled trial, 1720 pregnant women recruited from the three antenatal clinics of Hefei city, China, who were allocated to receive either 1600 IU/d vitamin D3 (n = 858) or 400 IU/d vitamin D3 (n = 862) for 2 months at 24–28 weeks' gestation. Outcomes were changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels from baseline, 32–36 weeks' gestation to delivery (37–41 weeks) quantified using a linear mixed model. After 2 months, FPG levels of the control group significantly increased by 0.22 mmol/L (from 4.6 [0.4] mmol/L to 4.8 [1.2] mmol/L, P < 0.001) at delivery, but that of the intervention group had no significant variation (from 4.6 [0.4] mmol/L to 4.7 [1.1] mmol/L; between-group difference in changes, −0.2 mmol/L, 95% CI , −0.3 to −0.08, P = 0.015). And differences in FPG variation were found in participants with the ApaI SNP CC genotype, or BsmI-CC, TaqI-AA, FokI-AA, respectively. Pregnant women with basal 25(OH)D concentrations higher than 50 nmol/L subgroup showed the greatest decline in FPG levels (between-group difference, −0.3 mmol/L; 95% CI , −0.5 to −0.1, P < 0.001). Moreover, pregnant women with GDM, multiple pregnancies or who were overweight were more likely to have FPG decline from vitamin D treatment. Vitamin D supplementation significantly protected glucose homeostasis in mid-late gestation, and glycemic response to vitamin D may be dependent on basal 25(OH)D status, VDR gene polymorphism or their metabolic profiles. ChiCTR2100051914. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=134700. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have suggested that circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 [OH]D, VD) and the gut microbiota-bile acid axis play crucial roles in metabolic health. Exploring the mediating role of the gut microbiota-bile acid axis would improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of VD on human metabolic health. This study examined the association between plasma 25(OH)D and the prevalence/incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the mediating role of the gut microbiota-bile acid axis. This prospective study included 3180 participants with plasma 25(OH)D data at baseline and 2966 participants with a 9-year follow-up. MetS was determined every three years. The gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing in 1752 participants, and targeted bile acid metabolites in feces were further determined in 974 participants using UPLC‒MS/MS at the middle of the study. Mediating roles of microbiota and bile acids in the VD-MetS associations were analyzed using mediation/path analyses adjusted for potential confounders. Among the 2966 participants who were followed-up, 1520, 193, 647, and 606 were MetS-free (normal), recovered, had incident MetS, and had persistent MetS, respectively. The multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of MetS prevalence were 0.65 (0.50, 0.84) for baseline MetS and 0.46 (0.33, 0.65) for 9-year persistent MetS in quartile 4 (compared to quartile 1) of plasma 25(OH)D (median: 37.7 vs. 19.6, ng/ml). The corresponding HR (95% CI) of 9-year MetS incidence was 0.71 (0.56, 0.90) (all P -trend < 0.05). Higher VD concentrations were associated with greater α-diversity of the gut microbiota, which was inversely correlated with MetS risk. The groups classified by VD and MetS status had significantly different β-diversity. Ruminiclostridium-6 and Christensenellaceae R-7 group were enriched in the high-VD group and were inversely associated with MetS. However, opposite associations were observed for Lachnoclostridium and Acidaminococcus. The overlapping differential microbial score (ODMS) developed from the four differential genera explained 12.2% of the VD-MetS associations (P mediation = 0.015). Furthermore, the fecal bile acid score created from 11 differential bile acids related to ODMS and MetS mediated 34.2% of the association between ODMS and MetS (P mediation = 0.029). Path analyses showed that the inverse association between plasma 25(OH)D and MetS could be mediated by the gut microbiota-bile acid axis. The findings suggest that the gut microbiota-bile acid axis partially mediates the beneficial association between plasma 25(OH)D and the risk of persistent MetS and incident MetS in the Chinese population. • Vitamin D (VD) and the gut microbiota-bile acid axis are vital to metabolic health. • We got an inverse association of blood 25(OH)D with metabolic syndrome (MS) risk. • Four gut genera and 11 fecal bile acids were associated with blood VD and MS risk. • The gut microbiota-bile acid axis significantly mediated the VD-MS association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has triggered great interest in the search for the pathophysiological mechanisms of COVID-19 and its associated hyperinflammatory state. The presence of prognostic factors such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, and age influence the expression of the disease's clinical severity. Other elements, such as 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D3) concentrations, are currently being studied. Various studies, mostly observational, have sought to demonstrate whether there is truly a relationship between 25(OH)D3 levels and the acquisition and/or severity of the disease. The objective of this study was to carry out a review of the current data that associate vitamin D status with the acquisition, evolution, and/or severity of infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and to assess whether prevention through vitamin D supplementation can prevent infection and/or improve the evolution once acquired. Vitamin D system has an immunomodulatory function and plays a significant role in various bacterial and viral infections. The immune function of vitamin D is explained in part by the presence of its receptor (VDR) and its activating enzyme 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1alpha-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) in immune cells. The vitamin D, VDR, and Retinoid X Receptor complex allows the transcription of genes with antimicrobial activities, such as cathelicidins and defensins. COVID-19 characteristically presents a marked hyperimmune state, with the release of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Thus, there are biological factors linking vitamin D to the cytokine storm, which can herald some of the most severe consequences of COVID-19, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome. Hypovitaminosis D is widespread worldwide, so the prevention of COVID-19 through vitamin D supplementation is being considered as a possible therapeutic strategy easy to implement. However, more-quality studies and well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed to address this relevant question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent meta-analyses report that vitamin D supplementation increases blood fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) level. Objectives: To determine the effect of 4000 IU/day of vitamin D3 for 12 months on circulating FGF23 levels. We also examined the association of the achieved 25-hydroxyvitamin D level [25(OH)D] with the FGF23 level at 12 months and with 12-month changes in FGF23. Methods: An ancillary analysis among adults 70 years and older with prediabetes who participated in a trial comparing vitamin D3 4000 IU/day with placebo. Plasma intact FGF23 and serum 25(OH)D were measured at baseline and month 12 (M12). Results: Characteristics of the 52 participants (vitamin D3n = 28; placebo n = 24) did not differ significantly aside from more women than men in the vitamin D3 group. Mean ± SD age was 73.8 ± 3.7 years, BMI 31.3 ± 4.2 kg/m2, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 76.3 ± 11.8 mL/min/1.73m2 Baseline serum 25(OH)D level was 33.4 ± 10.8 ng/mL and increased at M12 to 54.9 ± 14.8 ng/mL in the vitamin D3 group versus 33.4 ± 14.9 in the placebo (p < 0.001). At baseline, GFR was inversely associated with FGF23 (r = − 0.349, p = 0.011). Change in FGF23 level at M12 did not differ significantly between vitamin D3 and placebo. In all participants combined, the achieved serum 25(OH)D level at M12 was not significantly associated with the M12 plasma FGF23 or the M12 change in FGF23. Conclusion: In obese older adults with sufficient vitamin D status and normal renal function, vitamin D3 4000 IU/day for 12 months did not significantly alter plasma intact FGF23 levels. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT 01,942,694, registered 9/16/2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 studies published between 2007 and 2021 to assess the association between vitamin D status or 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and the risk of MS. • Individuals with vitamin D deficiency (a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration of < 50 nmol L–1) had a 54 % higher risk of MS than those with sufficient vitamin D status. • There is an association between vitamin D deficiency and an increased likelihood of multiple sclerosis. Keeping vitamin D levels adequate may be an important modifiable risk factor for MS. Although there is evidence of a link between vitamin D status and risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), there has been no systematic review where the exposure measure was vitamin D deficiency rather than 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration. We conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the association between vitamin D deficiency, defined in most studies as a serum 25(OH)D concentration of < 50 nmol L–1, and MS. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases to identify relevant publications. We estimated the pooled odds ratio (OR) using a random effects model for the association between vitamin D deficiency and MS, overall and stratified by several factors, including whether or not studies included participants who were taking vitamin D supplements. We also analysed the association between mean 25(OH)D concentration and MS, and used meta-regression to assess the effects of vitamin D supplementation, latitude, age, ethnicity, vitamin D definition and seasonality on the OR estimates. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality. Results were pooled across 14 case-control studies published between 2007 and 2021 (n = 4130 cases, n = 4604 controls). Persons with vitamin D deficiency had a 54 % higher risk of multiple sclerosis than those with sufficient vitamin D status (OR 1.54; 95 % CI 1.05, 2.24). In studies that excluded participants taking vitamin D supplements (N = 7), the OR was 2.19 (95 % CI: 1.44, 3.35), whereas, in studies that did not exclude participants taking supplements, there was no increase in risk (OR 0.82; 95 % CI: 0.43, 1.58). Mean age (R 2 = 27.4 %) and inclusion/exclusion of participants taking supplements (R 2 = 33.4 %) contributed most to variability in the OR of vitamin D deficiency and MS. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased likelihood of multiple sclerosis. Maintaining sufficient vitamin D may be an important modifiable risk factor for MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a well-established role in inflammation and immune function, vitamin D status has emerged as a potential factor for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the moderating effect of race on the relationship between vitamin D status and the risk of COVID-19 test positivity, and to compare propensity score (PS) model results to those obtained from classical bivariate and multivariable models, which have primarily comprised the literature to date. Electronic health record (EHR) data from TriNetX (unmatched n = 21,629; matched n = 16,602) were used to investigate the effect of vitamin D status, as measured by 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], on the odds of experiencing a positive COVID-19 test using multivariable logistic regression models with and without PS methodology. Having normal (≥ 30 ng/mL) versus inadequate 25(OH)D (< 30 ng/mL) was not associated with COVID-19 positivity overall (OR = 0.913, p = 0.18), in White individuals (OR = 0.920, p = 0.31), or in Black individuals (OR = 1.006, p = 0.96). When 25(OH)D was analyzed on a continuum, a 10 ng/mL increase in 25(OH)D lowered the odds of having a positive COVID-19 test overall (OR = 0.949, p = 0.003) and among White (OR = 0.935, p = 0.003), but not Black individuals (OR = 0.994, p = 0.75). Models which use weighting and matching methods resulted in smaller estimated effect sizes than models which do not use weighting or matching. These findings suggest a minimal protective effect of vitamin D status on COVID-19 test positivity in White individuals and no protective effect in Black individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Vitamin D insufficiency has been related to metabolic complications during pregnancy, including insulin resistance. There is evidence that excessive weight gain can negatively influence 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations. We aimed to investigate the association of vitamin D insufficiency during pregnancy (25(OH)D3 < 75 nmol/L in the second and third trimesters) with insulin resistance, and explore whether excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) could modify such relationship.Methods and Results: A prospective longitudinal analysis was conducted within the MINA-Brazil Study among 444 pregnant women enrolled in antenatal care and with complete data on 25(OH)D3, weight gain, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Quantile and logistic regression models were conducted with adjustment for sociodemographic, obstetric, and lifestyle characteristics, as well as gestational age and seasonality at outcome assessment. Predicted probabilities for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR>2.71) were estimated according to excessive GWG. Persistent vitamin D insufficiency was associated with increasing insulin concentrations (p for trend = 0.04); pregnant women with vitamin D insufficiency in the second or third trimester had an odds ratio of 1.83 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.03, 3.27) for insulin resistance, with significant modification by GWG (p = 0.038). Among participants without excessive GWG, the predicted probability for insulin resistance was 0.345 (95% CI = 0.224, 0.467) for those with persistent vitamin D insufficiency, and 0.134 (95% CI = 0.046, 0.221) for those who were sufficient in vitamin D. Probabilities for insulin resistance did not vary according to vitamin D status among participants with excessive GWG.Conclusion: Vitamin D insufficiency was associated with insulin resistance in the third trimester of pregnancy, dependent on excessive GWG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this study was to compare the 25(OH)D level between patients with COVID-19 and the reference population. The secondary aim was to determine the association of 25(OH)D level with COVID-19-related in-hospital mortality. The COVID-19-positive group comprised 520 hospitalized patients and the reference population comprised 15,789 COVID-19-negative patients. The 25(OH)D level was categorized as vitamin D deficiency (25[OH]D < 20 ng/mL) and severe vitamin D deficiency (25[OH]D < 12 ng/mL). While the incidence of vitamin D deficiency was similar in both groups, the incidence of severe vitamin D deficiency was higher in patients with COVID-19 than in the reference population (68.3% [n = 355] vs. 55.1% [n = 8,692], p < 0.001). Severe vitamin D deficiency in patients with COVID-19 was higher in the intensive care unit (ICU) group than in the non-ICU group (75.3% [n = 183] vs. 62% [n = 172], p = 0.001). The incidence of severe vitamin D deficiency was 65.4% (n = 280) in survivors and 81.5% (n = 75) in nonsurvivors (p = 0.003). However, multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed no relationship between 25(OH)D level and in-hospital mortality. The median survival times of patients with and without severe vitamin D deficiency were not different, as shown by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Severe vitamin D deficiency is more common in patients with COVID-19 and may play a significant role in worsening the prognosis of these patients. However, the 25(OH)D level was not observed to effect COVID-19-related in-hospital mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cukurova Medical Journal / Çukurova Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation with dietary 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25[OH]D3) in adult cats. Methods: Three levels of dietary 25(OH)D3 concentrations (4.9, 8.4, 11.8 µg/kg as fed) were received by five adult cats for 9 weeks, each in a randomized complete block design. Effects were determined on plasma or serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, calcitriol, parathyroid hormone, ionized calcium, urinary excretions of phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, and clinical hematology and chemistry panels. Results: The lowest concentration of dietary 25(OH)D3 supported elevation of vitamin D status, with no adverse effects. Supplementation of 8.4 µg/kg 25(OH)D3 had significant effects on the urinary magnesium: creatinine ratio. Increasing supplementation up to 11.8 µg/kg 25(OH)D3 had significant effects on plasma concentrations of calcium and magnesium, and vitamin D metabolites. Conclusions and relevance: Dietary supplementation with approximately 5.0 µg/kg of 25(OH)D3 or the ingested equivalence of 0.09 µg of 25(OH)D3 per metabolic body weight (kg0.67) is a safe, potent and effective means for raising vitamin D status in cats. A higher dose with approximately 11.8 µg/kg of 25(OH)D3 resulted in elevation in C-3 epimers of 25(OH)D3 and slight elevation in plasma magnesium and calcium concentrations above their respective reference intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archivos Latinoamericanos de Nutrición is the property of Sociedad Latinoamericana de Nutricion and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Because vitamin D status affects many organs and tissues of the body, it is important to determine the factors affecting it. The purpose of this study was to develop a model for predicting the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level in healthy young adults. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 201 healthy individuals aged 20 to 40 years old in Shiraz, Iran. Data regarding demographic characteristics, vitamin D intake through supplements, and sun exposure habits were gathered. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was also measured. Data were analyzed with R software using linear regression and different machine learning methods such as conditional tree, conditional forest and random forest. Results: Based on the linear regression, male sex (p<0.001), taking 50,000 IU vitamin D3 supplement monthly (p<0.001), and lower waist circumference (p=0.018) were identified as effective factors in increasing serum 25(OH)D levels. According to the conditional tree, taking 50,000 IU vitamin D3 supplement monthly (p<0.001) and sex (p<0.001) were two main factors in the classification of individuals in terms of serum 25(OH)D levels. Besides, conditional forest and random forest results showed that the most important variable was taking 50,000 IU vitamin D3 supplement monthly. Conclusions: Supplement use is the first and most important predictor of 25(OH)D levels and other factors, including sex and waist circumference, are ranked thereafter, and the importance of these factors is greater in those who do not take vitamin D3 supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To establish the reference interval of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in apparently healthy children in Zigong, China, using an indirect method to provide a basis for proper clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods : A total of 1851 apparently healthy children of the Children's Health Care Department in Zigong First People's Hospital between January 2016 and December 2020 were included in the study. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to analyze the data for normality, and the non-normally distributed data were transformed into approximately normal distribution by Blom's normal rank transformation, and the transformed data were excluded from outliers by the quartile spacing method, and the data were stratified and analyzed according to sex, age, and season. The data were stratified according to sex, age, and season, and the area between the 2.5% and 97.5% percentile points was used as the reference interval. Results: The serum 25(OH)D data were non-normally distributed. The data were normally distributed after Blom's normality rank transformation, and 92 cases of outliers were excluded from the transformed data according to the interquartile spacing method. The differences in serum 25(OH)D levels between sex were not statistically significant (P > 0.05), and there was no need to establish reference intervals based on sex. There was no statistically significant difference in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels between winter and spring, and also no difference between summer and autumn (P > 0.05), and the levels were lower in winter-spring than in summer-autumn. Comparison between age groups showed that there was no statistically significant difference in serum 25(OH)D levels between the < 6 months group and the 6 ~ 11 months group, and between the 6 ~ 9 years group and the 10 ~ 14 years group (P > 0.05); serum 25(OH)D levels decreased with increasing age. There was an interactive effect of season and age group on 25(OH)D levels, and the corresponding reference intervals were established according to different seasons and age groups. In summer and autumn, the reference intervals of serum 25(OH)D for < 1 year, 1 ~ 2 years, 3 ~ 5 years, and 6 ~ 14 years were 39.86 ~ 151.43, 31.54 ~ 131.65, 22.05 ~ 103.75, and 15.36 ~ 85.53 ng/ml and 24.42 ~ 144.20, 31.54 ~ 131.65, 16.80 ~ 165.68, and 15.46 ~ 85.54 ng/ml in winter and spring, respectively. Conclusion: Reference intervals for serum 25(OH)D in children of different seasons and ages in Zigong, China, were established to provide a reference for clinical disease diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in relation to vitamin D exposure. The aim of this study was to examine the associations of NPC risk with serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and genetic predicted 25OHD, and potential effect modification by several putative risk factors of NPC. Our multicenter case–control study in Hong Kong recruited 815 NPC cases and 1502 frequency-matched (by sex and age) hospital controls from five major regional hospitals, and recruited 299 healthy subjects from blood donation centers (2014–2017). Circulating level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and genetic predicted 25OHD (rs12785878, rs11234027, rs12794714, rs4588 and rs6013897) were measured by validated enzyme immunoassay and the iPLEX assay on the MassARRAY System, respectively. Data were also collected on demographics, lifestyle factors, ultraviolet radiation exposure, and potential confounders using a computer-assisted, self-administered questionnaire with satisfactory test-retest reliability. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs. Despite no significant association of NPC risk with circulating 25OHD and genetic predicted 25OHD, there was evidence for an inverse association in participants with normal body mass index (between 18.5 and 27.5) across categories of 25OHD (P trend = 0.003), and a positive association in those with low socioeconomic status across categories based on the genetic score (P trend = 0.005). In addition, risk of NPC diagnosed at an early stage was higher for genetically lower 25OHD level (adjusted OR = 3.09, 95% CI = 1.04–9.21, P trend = 0.022). Findings of this first comprehensive study to investigate the positive association of NPC risk with vitamin D deficiency need to be confirmed and be best interpreted with results of further similar studies. Our findings may inform possible etiological mechanisms of the associations with several putative risk/protective factors of NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains inconclusive. Moreover, whether inflammatory biomarkers are involved in this association has not been explored. This study aims to investigate serum 25(OH)D in relation to T2DM in a Chinese population and provide clues for the inflammatory mechanism whereby serum 25(OH)D deficiency increases T2DM risk. A cross-sectional study of 47,803 participants aged 18–96 years was performed in a health management center in 2017. Multivariate linear or logistic regression models and mediation analysis were used to examine the relationships between serum 25(OH)D, inflammatory biomarkers (white blood cell counts and mean platelet volume), and T2DM. Of the 47,803 participants included, 5.2% were diabetic and 51.4% were serum 25(OH)D deficient. The study revealed a significant inverse association between serum 25(OH)D and T2DM risk after adjustment for potential confounders (P for trend = 0.002); the multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) across serum 25(OH)D levels (sufficiency, insufficiency, and deficiency) were 1.00 (reference), 1.17 (1.03–1.33), and 1.25 (1.09–1.43), respectively. This study also showed a significant indirect effect of serum 25(OH)D on T2DM risk through total white blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and monocyte count (P values < 0.05); the proportions mediated were 9.89%, 7.51%, 2.94%, and 2.82%, respectively. Serum 25(OH)D deficiency was independently associated with an elevated risk of T2DM in a Chinese adult population and low-grade systemic inflammation might be one of its biological mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective There is a certain correlation between vitamin nutritional status and cancer patients. Studies have shown that vitamin deficiency increases the risk of cancer. The purpose of this study is to understand the vitamin D nutritional status of cancer patients and to provide scientific basis for further nutritional intervention. Methods Cancer patients who visited Shandong Cancer Hospital from July 2017 to June 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations were measured. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were carried out using SPSS 20.0. Results A total of 2,487 cancer patients were evaluable for this analysis. Mean 25(OH)D concentration was (12.70±6.82) ng/mL; the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D concentration less than 20.00 ng/mL] was of 92.20%. In univariate analysis, age, body mass index (BMI), season and types of cancer were associated with 25(OH)D concentrations. In the multivariate analysis, BMI (β=0.71), age (β=-0.56), season (β=-0.99 for winter; (β=-0.76 for autumn vs summer) and types of cancer (β=-1.17 for lung cancer; β=-1.45 for esophageal-gastric cancer; β=-1.05 for colorectal cancer vs other types of cancer) were independently and significantly associated with 25(OH)D levels (P<0.05). Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent among cancer patients. Age, BMI, season and types of cancer may be associated with 25(OH)D levels, which indicate that monitoring of vitamin D level for cancer survivor should be taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are conflicting results for the association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum 25(OH)D concentration and MetS and its components in a Chinese adult population. A cross-sectional study of 25,691 men and 22,146 women from China was performed in 2017. MetS was defined according to National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel Ш. Logistic and restricted cubic spline regression analyses were used to assess the association between 25(OH)D and MetS. Of the 43,837 participants aged 18–96 years, the prevalence of MetS was 21.0%. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for MetS decreased gradually with increasing 25(OH)D concentrations (P for trend < 0.001). Compared with the lowest 25(OH)D quartile, the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) for MetS from second to the highest quartile were 0.95 (0.88–1.02), 0.82 (0.76–0.88), and 0.70 (0.65–0.75), respectively. We observed a linear dose-response relationship between 25(OH)D concentrations and MetS risk (P for nonlinear trend = 0.35); the risk of MetS decreased by 20% (OR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.77–0.82) for each 10 ng/ml increment in 25(OH)D concentration. The inverse association was more evident in men and participants with eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 or AST ≥40 U/L (all P for interaction < 0.05). Moreover, significant inverse relationships were observed between 25(OH)D and elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and elevated blood pressure. These findings suggested that higher 25(OH)D concentrations were independently associated with a dose-response decreased risk of MetS among Chinese adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes is a multifactorial disease resulting from diverse genetic and environmental factors as well as the interaction between them. Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], an indicator of vitamin D status, have been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, but not consistently. Also, it remains to be determined if this association differs among ethnic groups. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate vitamin D status and its association with glucose intolerance in a Brazilian indigenous population, the Xavante Indians. The study population consisted of 819 full Xavante Indians (410 women), aged ≥18 years and living in two indigenous reserves located in Mato Grosso State, central region of Brazil. Clinical examination and anthropometrical measurements were made, blood samples were obtained for total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and 25(OH)D measurement. Fasting and 2-h post 75 g oral glucose load capillary glucose was measured. Vitamin D status was defined by serum 25(OH)D levels: vitamin D sufficiency (25(OH)D: 30–100 ng/mL), vitamin D insufficiency (25(OH)D: 20- <30 ng/mL) and vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D: < 20 ng/mL). Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify independent associations between 25(OH)D levels and impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus. Analyses stratified by 25(OH)D levels shows that 65.5% of the population had vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency (25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL). 25(OH)D concentrations were lower in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus than in normal glucose tolerant individuals. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed an inverse association between increments of 25(OH)D and presence of diabetes mellitus (OR per 1 ng/mL increase in 25(OH)D: 0.97; 95% confidence interval: 0.95–0.99), or impaired glucose tolerance (OR per 1 ng/mL increase in 25(OH)D: 0.87; 95% confidence interval: 0.85–0.89), in an age, sex, BMI and season of sampling-adjusted model. The present population-based study found a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among Xavante Indians. In this at-risk population of type 2 diabetes, a significant association of higher serum 25(OH)D with a decreased prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies showed a vitamin D deficiency in patients with Behçet's disease, suggesting potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention and treatment of Behçet's disease. Interpretation of these studies may be limited by reverse causality or confounding bias. We aim to determine the causal association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and the risk of Behçet's disease by Mendelian randomization. An allele score formed by four variants (rs2282679, rs10741657, rs12785878 and rs6013897) that were associated with serum 25(OH)D level, was examined using data of genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 999 Behçet's disease and 4417 healthy individuals of Chinese ancestry and validated using data of GWAS on 1215 Behçet's disease and 1278 controls of Turkish ancestry. The primary outcome was the risk of Behçet's disease, evaluated by an inverse variance weighted average of the associations with genetically determined 25(OH)D levels. The inverse variance weighted estimate showed that genetically increased 25(OH)D level was associated with a higher risk of Behçet's disease. In the Chinese cohort, the odds ratio for Behçet's disease in one standard deviation increase of natural log-transformed 25(OH)D level was 3.82 (95% CI: 1.27–11.42). Data from Turkish cohort confirmed the association with Behçet's disease (OR, 95% CI: 4.18, 1.15–15.12). In overall combination of Chinese and Turkish cohorts, the odds ratio for Behçet's disease per standard deviation increase of natural log-transformed 25(OH)D level was estimated to be 3.96 (95% CI: 1.72–9.13; P = 0.001). No significant evidence of pleiotropy and heterogeneity was detected. On the basis of evidence in 7909 human beings, this study provides the newest indication that a lifelong higher 25(OH)D level is associated with an increased risk of Behçet's disease. Special attention should be paid to the potential harm of long-term or high-dose use of vitamin D supplements in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Actualizaciones en Osteología is the property of Asociacion Argentina de Osteologia y Metabolismo Mineral and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Despite abundant sunshine for cutaneous vitamin D synthesis, low levels of vitamin D have been documented among the Malaysian population. The aim of this study was to characterise the effects of occupational sunlight exposure and monsoon season on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was performed among Malay outdoor (n=119) and indoor workers (n=119) in Kelantan. Two-point data were collected on the same participants, first during non-monsoon season and second during the northeast monsoon season. Data collection comprised of anthropometry measurements (body mass index and body fat), fasting blood test [serum 25(OH)D concentration], and questionnaire (physical activity level, sun exposure, sun protection use, and vitamin D intake). Vitamin D classification was based on the 2011 Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines. Results: This study found that serum 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly higher in outdoor compared to indoor workers irrespective of season (p<0.001) and sex (p<0.001). Monsoonal differences in serum 25(OH)D concentration was only observed in male outdoor workers (mean difference=10.39 nmol/l, p<0.001). Significant association between vitamin D status and occupation was also observed (p<0.001). However, no significant association was found between vitamin D status and monsoon season [χ2(1)=0.076, p=0.783]. Conclusion: Seasonal and occupational factors should be considered while evaluating individual serum 25(OH)D concentration and in comparing community studies, especially among workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency accompanies chronic cholestatic liver disease (CLD) in humans. The vitamin D status of cats with CLD is unknown. The objectives of this study were to describe serum vitamin D concentrations in cats with CLD and to determine if they correlated with indices of liver disease severity. Methods: Thirty-six cats with CLD, defined by increases in serum bilirubin and serum alanine aminotransferase, and 23 sick cats with non-hepatobiliary diseases were prospectively enrolled. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and ionized calcium were measured. Signalment, clinical signs, comorbidities, diet history, serum bilirubin, liver enzyme activity, albumin, phosphorus, white blood cell count, prothrombin time and final hepatic cytologic/histopathologic diagnosis, when available, were recorded. Results: Median serum 25(OH)D levels were similar in cats with CLD (89.5 nmol/l; range 21–112 nmol/l) and sick cats (89.0 nmol/l; range 49–115 nmol/l). Overall 12/36 (33%) cats with CLD and 4/23 (17%) sick cats had 25(OH)D levels below the lower limit of the reference interval (<65 nmol/l). Median PTH concentrations in cats with CLD were significantly higher (0.95 pmol/l; range 0–11.3 pmol/l) than in sick cats (0.70 pmol/l; range 0.5–6 pmol/l). In cats with CLD, 6/36 (17%) had high PTH levels in contrast to only 1/23 (4%) sick cats. In cats with CLD, 25(OH)D concentrations did not correlate with serum bilirubin, albumin or serum liver enzymes but were moderately negatively correlated with white blood cell count (r = − 0.402, P = 0.013). Cats with hepatic lipidosis had the highest prevalence of 25(OH)D concentrations that fell below the reference interval. Conclusions and relevance: Many cats with CLD have serum 25(OH)D concentrations below the lower limit of the reference interval. Further study is warranted to determine the clinical relevance and whether supplementation would provide benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional observational studies have suggested that 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is inversely associated with telomere shortening. We aimed to apply two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the causal association between serum 25(OH) D and telomere length (TL). MR was implemented by using summary-level data from the largest genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on vitamin D (n = 73 699) and TL (n = 37 684). Inverse variance weighted method (IVW) was used to estimate the causal estimates. Weighted median (WM)-based method, and MR-Egger, leave-one-out were applied as sensitivity analysis. The results of MR demonstrated no effect of 25(OH)D on TL (IVW = β:-0.104, p = 0.219, WM = β:-0.109, p = 0.188; MR Egger = β:-0.127, p = 0.506). None of the 25(OH)D-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were significantly associated with TL. Heterogeneity tests did not detect heterogeneity. Furthermore, MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) did not highlight any outliers (p = 0.424). Results of leave-one-out method demonstrated that the links are not driven because of the single SNPs. Our study does not support any causal effect of 25(OH) D on TL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal is the property of World Health Organization and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: Children with epilepsy (CWE) are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affecting the vitamin D pathway are potentially important risk factors for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration. The aims of our study were to evaluate the association of vitamin d-related SNPs to serum 25(OH)D concentrations in Malaysian CWE.Methods: Cross-sectional study of Malaysian ambulant CWE on antiseizure medication for >1 year. Sixteen SNPs in 8 genes (GC, VDR, CYP2R1, CYP24A1, CYP27B1, CYP27A1, CYP3A4, NADSYN1/DHCR7) were genotyped. Linear and logistic regression models and co-variates adjusted analyses were used. SNPs with significant associations were further analysed in a group of ethnically-matched healthy Malaysian children.Results: 239 CWE were recruited (52.7% Malay, 24.3% Chinese and 23.0% Indian) with mean serum 25(OH)D of 58.8 nmol/L (SD 25.7). Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (≤37.5 nmol/L) was 23.0%. Minor allele of GC-rs4588-A was associated with lower serum 25(OH)D in the meta-analysis of both CWE (β -8.11, P = 0.002) and Malaysian healthy children (β -5.08, P < 0.001), while VDR-rs7975232-A was significantly associated with reduced odds of vitamin D deficiency in Malay subgroup of CWE (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.06-0.49; P = 0.001) and this association was not found in the healthy children group.Conclusions: Our results suggest that GC-rs4588 is associated with lower serum 25(OH)D concentration in both Malaysian CWE and healthy children, while VDR-rs7975232A is associated with lower risk of vitamin D deficiency in Malaysian CWE of Malay ethnicity. Our findings may assist in the genetic risk stratification of low vitamin D status among CWE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The beneficial effect of vitamin D on the risk of non-musculoskeletal diseases has been investigated in observational studies and randomized clinical trials, but the findings were inconsistent. Identification of the metabolomic profile associated with vitamin D helps to identify novel biomarkers and increase the understanding of the biochemical and physiological role of vitamin D in different health conditions. Serum metabolomic profiling was performed using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry [LC/MS] and their association with serum 25(OH)D was evaluated using multivariable linear regression in the baseline cohort of 316 participants (aged 20 or above; 92 men, 224 women; mean age±SD: 48.1 ± 15.8 years) and in the follow-up cohort of 275 participants (aged 20 or above; 12 men, 263 women; mean age: 56.2 ± 9.6) of the Hong Kong Osteoporosis Study. We discovered and validated potential metabolites; and by meta-analysis of these associations in two cohorts, we identified metabolites that were significantly associated with serum 25(OH)D levels. Among 835 known metabolites, 102 metabolites showed significant correlation with 25(OH)D levels at baseline visit. Of these metabolites, 27 were validated in the follow-up visit. In meta-analysis of data from these two visits, 13 metabolites were highly correlated with 25(OH)D. The majority of metabolites identified were lipid in nature. Docosahexaenoylcarnitine and eicosapentaenoylcholine had the highest correlations, with effect estimates 0.2554 (p = 9.60 × 10−9) and 0.1682 (p = 4.94 × 10−7) respectively. In Hong Kong Chinese at least, serum vitamin D level is closely related to lipid metabolism. Our finding highlights an important new direction in the study of vitamin D in different health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity in children and adolescents has increased alarmingly, placing them at a higher risk for impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has increased as well. Vitamin D is critical for glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion. Studies on adults have reported an inverse association between vitamin D levels and insulin resistance (IR), but the results in children are inconsistent. The aim of our study was to determine the association between IR and serum vitamin D levels in obese Mexican children and adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 227 children and adolescents between 6 and 19 years of age. Obesity was diagnosed through body mass index (BMI) for age, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria (2007). 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) was measured using an immunoassay technique and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated using the Matthews equation. Student's t-test was carried out. Results: The mean serum 25(OH)D level was 35.80 ng/mL, and 55.1% of the subjects had levels classified as sufficient, 33.5% as insufficient, and 11.5% as deficient. The mean level of HOMA-IR was 3.16, and 70% of the subjects were diagnosed with IR. Fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR were significantly different in adolescents with hypovitaminosis, compared with adolescents in the vitamin D sufficiency group (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). Conclusions: The insulin levels and HOMA-IR were higher in adolescents with hypovitaminosis. The girls presented higher levels of insulin and HOMA-IR than the boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although biochemical analytes have typically been measured using serum or whole blood samples, an increasing number of assays are validated for measurement of analytes from dried blood spots (DBS) on filter paper. DBS techniques are minimally invasive, require only a small sample volume, and simplify processing, storage, and shipment of samples. These qualities make DBS-based assays ideal for sampling of wildlife species in both captive and field settings. In this study, a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry assay was evaluated for measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in sloths. Paired serum and DBS samples were collected from nine healthy captive Hoffmann's two-toed sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni). Statistical analysis using Passing-Bablok regression analysis, Bland-Altman plots, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank tests found good agreement between 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 measurements in serum and DBS samples. Constant and proportional bias were absent. Results from this study support the use of DBS samples for the evaluation of vitamin D status in Hoffmann's two-toed sloths and provide a foundation for further studies to validate this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum levels of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D) were measured in 25 wild Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) from Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Citrus County, Florida, US. The samples were collected during the 2017 and 2018 winter health assessments. Reference intervals for alpha-tocopherol were 0.15–3.2 µg/L with mean value of 0.76 µg/mL and for 25-hydroxyvitamin D were 4.3–23 nmol/L with a mean of 13.88 nmol/L. Four, long-term captive manatees and nine manatees in rehabilitation were available for comparisons. Alpha-tocopherol levels were within the established range for free-ranging manatees. Mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in long-term captive and manatees in rehabilitation fell well outside the reference interval for free-ranging manatees, being six- to sevenfold higher. The absence of significant differences in alpha-tocopherol between wild and captive manatees may not have any significant direct clinical implications but may warrant an investigation into other antioxidant mechanisms in manatees. The elevated 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels seen in captivity were unexpected and, in a few individuals, may pose a health challenge. Calcium is known to be elevated in captive manatees as well; a close examination of a potential hypervitaminosis D and hypercalcemia may be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence from epidemiologic studies on the association of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations with the incident risk of cancer has been inconsistent. We aimed to investigate the prospective relationship of baseline plasma 25(OH)D concentrations with the risk of cancer, and to examine possible effect modifiers. We employed a nested case–control study design, including 231 patients with incident cancer during a median 4.5 years of follow up, and 231 matched controls from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT). The prevalence of plasma 25(OH)D <15, <20 and <30 ng/mL was 23.6%, 47.4% and 85.5%, respectively. Overall, there was an inverse relation between risk of cancer and plasma 25(OH)D. The Odds ratios (95% CI) for participants in the second (15.1 to <20.6 ng/mL), third (20.6 to <26.4 ng/mL) and fourth quartiles (≥26.4 ng/mL) were 0.45 (95% CI: 0.25–0.80), 0.53 (95% CI: 0.27–1.06) and 0.55 (95% CI: 0.27–1.10), respectively, compared with those in quartile 1. Conversely, low 25(OH)D (<15.1 ng/mL) concentrations were associated with increased risk of cancer (OR, 2.08; 95% CI: 1.20–3.59) compared to higher concentrations. These associations were consistent across subtypes of cancer. Several potential effect modifiers were identified, including plasma vitamin E concentrations and alcohol intake. Low plasma 25(OH)D concentrations (<15.1 ng/mL) were associated with increased total cancer risk among Chinese hypertensive adults, compared to higher 25(OH)D concentrations. This finding and the possible effect modifiers warrant additional investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between endogenous CYP3A markers and plasma amlodipine (AML) exposure and metabolism parameters in early postpartum and non-peripartum women.Methods: Twenty-four AML-treated early postpartum women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and 30 non-peripartum women with essential hypertension were enrolled. Blood samples for determination of CYP3A markers including total cholesterol-adjusted 4β-hydroxycholesterol (4β-OHC/TC), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), and AML and its metabolites in plasma were collected at 24 h after the AML treatment.Results: The plasma 4β-OHC/TC in postpartum women was higher than that in non-peripartum women, while the plasma 25-OHD was lower. The postpartum women had a lower plasma AML concentration and its metabolic ratio was higher. The plasma 4β-OHC/TC decreased as the number of days post-delivery increased. The plasma AML concentration increased as the number of days post-delivery increased, while the metabolic ratio of AML declined slightly. Tendency toward negative correlations between the plasma 4β-OHC/TC but not 25-OHD, and AML concentration were observed in both postpartum and non-peripartum women. In both groups, the plasma 4β-OHC/TC was correlated with the metabolic ratio of AML.Conclusions: The early postpartum women had higher plasma 4β-OHC and AML metabolism. The plasma 4β-OHC had positive relationships with amlodipine metabolism in both women groups. AML metabolism and plasma 4β-OHC may be useful as CYP3A markers in early postpartum and non-peripartum women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the role of vitamin D in calcium and bone metabolism is well documented, there is little clarity regarding the implications of low vitamin D status for inflammation, endothelial function, and antioxidant status in adolescent athletes. A prospective cohort study was conducted, and 44 male adolescent athletes, training at a sports academy in the Middle East, were assigned to either the intervention group (VitDs), consisting of vitamin D deficient athletes [twenty-five hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) <20 ng/ml; n = 22], or the comparison group, consisting of vitamin D sufficient athletes [25(OH)D >30 ng/ml; n = 22]. Vitamin D status, inflammatory cytokines, endothelium-related variables, and antioxidant enzymes were measured twice during a nine-week training period. At the baseline, the athletes in the VitDs group had significantly lower concentrations of 25(OH)D, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and higher levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 ra), and nitrite (NO2) (p < 0.05), in comparison to the athletes in the sufficient group. After vitamin D supplementation for the VitDs group, the two cohorts differed considerably in vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) and PTH concentrations (p < 0.05). Our data suggest that the low levels of vitamin D possibly induced alterations in the investigated biochemical parameters of athletes in the VitDs group at the beginning of the monitoring period. Furthermore, while the vitamin D supplementation was effective in increasing 25(OH)D status, it may have concurrently positively influenced variables that are related to inflammation, endothelial function, and enzymatic antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background & aims Vitamin D is a pleiotropic hormone targeting several tissues and is involved in basic homeostatic processes, including bone mineralization, immune response and muscle strength. Although hypovitaminosis D is common in Europe and North America, representing a risk factor for several chronic diseases, the contribution of factors other than sun exposure is largely underestimated. Methods In our study, we retrospectively collected data from medical records of women with age between 19 and 80 screened in Central Italy (42°N) for increased risk of metabolic syndrome. Vitamin D status was evaluated by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) measurement and the association among vitamin D status and anthropometric and clinic variables was tested by multivariate logistic analysis. Results More than 80% of women presented serum 25(OH)D concentration lower than 30 ng/mL (75 nM), with the majority of values falling between 10 and 20 ng/mL. 25(OH)D concentration was dependent on season, with the highest 25(OH)D mean value measured in September and the lowest mean value in March. Among different clinical characteristics, body mass index (BMI) demonstrated the highest significant inverse correlation with serum 25(OH)D values, independently from season and age. Serum 25(OH)D values demonstrated a seasonal-directed sinusoidal trend and they raised during spring/summer in a similar manner in both obese and non-obese women. However, the obese group had lower mean values of vitamin D respect to overweight and to normal weight groups in both winter and summer, reaching frequently the status of vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/mL). Conclusions In conclusion, at our latitude, seasonal UV irradiance availability determines an obligate sinusoidal trend in vitamin D status. However, body mass is able to reduce proportionally circulating vitamin D over calendar months determining vitamin D deficiency. These results suggest taking in particular account BMI in clinical management of vitamin D status in overweight and obese women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Although vitamin D deficiency was first recognized as rickets/osteomalacia in the early 1600s, it was only a century ago that vitamin D, the nutritional factor responsible, was discovered. This discovery was made difficult by the fact that the substance could be synthesized in human skin by exposure to UV light and could also be present in the diet in animal-derived (D 3) and plant-derived forms (D 2). Prior to 1920, the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in the general population of industrialized cities was high. The discovery of vitamin D led to the widespread fortification of foods e.g. milk and the virtual eradication of rickets in developed nations. Vitamin D 3 was first chemically synthesized in the 1930s and its metabolism to the active form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 and its mode of action in calcium and phosphate homeostasis were elucidated in the latter half of the 20th century. Synthetic vitamin D analogs that mimic the physiological effects of vitamin D are now used therapeutically in diseases such as bone disease, chronic kidney disease and psoriasis. Thus, a wide range of disciplines played critical roles in the rich history of vitamin D and these are described in this short historical overview. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Vitamin D inadequacy is prevalent in patients with non-disabling ischemic cerebrovascular events (NICE). • Vitamin D was positively associated with MOCA score, while inversely related to the proportion of severe WMH and AES-C score. • VCI risks gradually increased when vitamin D level decreased from the highest to the lowest, and there were tendencies of severer WMH. This study aimed to investigate the potential correlations among serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, white matter hyperintensity (WMH) and cognitive function in patients with non-disabling ischemic cerebrovascular events (NICE). This was a prospective investigation of 160 NICE patients with age of 40 years or older. Cognitive function was evaluated by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). White matter lesions were evaluated by WMH using Fazekas scores. Spearman correlation analysis and linear regression models were used to identify the associations between serum 25(OH)D levels and cognitive function. Binary logistic regression analysis models were used to evaluate the predictable value of serum 25(OH)D levels and WMH for cognitive impairment. Patients with inadequate 25(OH)D levels had lower MoCA score (P =0.008), and a higher proportion of severe WMH (P =0.043). Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated that serum 25(OH)D concentrations were positively associated with MoCA score (r s =0.185, P =0.019) while negatively related to the proportion of severe WMH (sWMH) (r s =-0.166, P =0.036).The association between 25(OH)D concentrations and MoCA score remained significant in linear regression (adjusted β=0.012, 95%CI:0.001-0.203).Adjusted binary logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio of cognitive impairment with insufficient 25(OH)D concentration was 5.038 (95%CI:1.154-21.988) compared with the sufficient group and the sWMH (OR=2.728, 95%CI:1.230-6.051) was identified as an independent risk factor for cognitive decline in NICE patients. Serum 25(OH)D levels and white matter lesions were independently and significantly associated with cognitive impairment in NICE patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has become the gold standard for the measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels instead of the conventional method, radioimmunoassay (RIA). However, there was no study that compared RIA and LC-MS/MS for measuring serum 25(OH)D levels in infants and their mothers. The aim of this study was to assess the agreement of RIA and LC-MS/MS for measuring the serum levels in infants and postpartum women. Methods: This study enrolled 70 preterm infants, 113 term infants (134 samples), and 120 postpartum women. Serum concentration of 25(OH)D was measured by RIA and LC-MS/MS. We evaluated the correlation between RIA and LC-MS/MS. Also, we evaluated the bias between RIA and LC-MS/MS using Bland-Altman analysis. Results: Sixty percent of preterm infants had serum 25(OH)D levels below the lower limit of quantification (LOQ) (4 ng/mL) and 90% of them were classified as vitamin D deficient. The serum 25(OH)D levels measured by RIA were significantly correlated with those measured by LC-MS/MS in all groups. According to the Bland-Altman plot, the serum 25(OH)D levels of infants measured by RIA had constant positive bias (mean±standard deviation [SD] [95% confidence interval, CI], preterm: +4.8± 2.4 ng/mL [4.2–5.4], term: +5.8±4.0 [5.1–6.5]) and proportional bias (preterm: r=0.44, p<0.01, term: r=0.50, p<0.01) compared with LC-MS/MS. The serum 25(OH)D levels of postpartum women measured by RIA had constant positive bias compared with LC-MS/MS, but no proportional bias was found. Conclusions: RIA demonstrated falsely high 25(OH)D levels when used for infants and postpartum women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The identification of the vitamin D receptor in tissues related to testosterone and cortisol production, in conjunction with the observed correlations between vitamin D levels and these hormones in the general population, suggest vitamin D may influence testosterone and cortisol concentrations in athletes. A cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate the association between 25(OH)D and testosterone and cortisol concentrations in young male ice hockey players (n = 50). All athletes were recruited during October from the Sosnowiec area, Poland (50° N). Commercially available ELISA kits were used to determine total serum 25(OH)D, testosterone and cortisol concentrations. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was analyzed as both a continuous and dichotomous variable, binned at the criteria for deficiency (< 20 ngml-1), to investigate a threshold effect. Neither continuous (r = 0.18, p = 0.20) nor dichotomous (r = 0.16, p = 0.27) 25(OH)D concentration was significantly correlated with testosterone concentration. A small, inverse correlation (r = -0.30, p = 0.04) was detected between 25(OH)D and cortisol concentrations when analyzed as a dichotomous variable only. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was neither associated with testosterone (p = 0.09) nor cortisol concentrations (p = 0.11) after adjusting for age, fat free mass and fat mass in sequential linear regression. The inability of vitamin D status to independently predict testosterone and cortisol concentrations suggests that any performance-enhancing effects of vitamin D in athletes are unlikely to be mediated primarily through these hormones, at least amongst young male ice-hockey players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between vitamin D and trabecular bone score (TBS) in young adults remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] serum levels and TBS in a healthy adult population. A total of 54 men and 61 women whose ages range from 18 to 35 participated in the present study. Participants with 25(OH)D insufficiency (between 21 and 29 ng/mL) were 55.7%, and those with 25(OH)D deficiency (≤20 ng/mL) were 11.4%. TBS positively correlated with 25(OH)D in men ( r  = 0.393; p  <   0.05) and women ( r  = 0.324; p  < 0.05). In both genders, TBS was significantly higher in 25(OH)D-sufficient participants (≥30 ng/mL). The present study provides evidence that vitamin D positively affects bone health and suggests that maintaining adequate vitamin D status may be essential for optimal TBS values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: The number of children with nutritional rickets in Taiwan has increased over the last decade. The aim of this study was to present our experiences in the management of patients with this condition.Patients and Methods: From 2011 to 2016, 10 children (3 boys and 7 girls) with nutritional rickets were enrolled in this study. Their clinical and biochemical data were analyzed.Results: The median age of the 10 patients was 21 months (range, 12-25 months). The predisposing factors included exclusive breastfeeding, dietary restriction, and limited outdoor activities. The most common presentations were unsteady gait and bowlegs, and two patients had hypocalcemic seizures. All patients had elevated alkaline phosphatase levels (median, 1008 U/L; range, 484-2051 U/L), elevated serum intact parathyroid hormone levels (median, 333.8 pg/mL; range, 130-817 pg/mL), and hypophosphatemia (median, 3.0 mg/dL; range, 2.4-3.9 mg/dL). The median serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was 7.44 ng/mL (range, 1.44-9.82 ng/mL). After vitamin D supplementation was initiated, serum phosphorus levels normalized within 1 month, and serum intact parathyroid hormone levels returned to the normal range within 2 months. Six of the 10 patients had serum alkaline phosphatase levels close to the normal range within 3 months. All 10 patients exhibited complete bone healing within 6 months of vitamin D treatment.Conclusion: Nutritional rickets is not as rare in Taiwan as previously thought. When physicians encounter infants or toddlers with typical bone deformities or hypocalcemic seizures, a high index of suspicion and a detailed nutritional history are important for early diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background & aims Oral supplementation with vitamin D is recommended for older adults to maintain a sufficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status throughout the year. While supplementation with vitamin D 2 or D 3 is most common, alternative treatment regimens exist which require further investigation with respect to increasing 25(OH)D concentration. We investigated the dose–response effects of supplementation with calcifediol compared to vitamin D 3 and assessed the dose which results in mean serum 25(OH)D 3 concentrations between 75 and 100 nmol/L. Methods This randomized, double-blind intervention study included men and women aged ≥65 years ( n = 59). Participants received either 5, 10 or 15 μg calcifediol or 20 μg vitamin D 3 per day, for a period of 24 weeks. Blood samples were collected every four weeks to assess response profiles of vitamin D related metabolites; serum vitamin D 3 , 25(OH)D 3 , 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ) and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (24,25(OH) 2 D 3 ). Further, serum calcium, plasma parathyroid hormone, and urinary calcium were evaluated. Results Supplementation with 20 μg vitamin D 3 increased 25(OH)D 3 concentrations towards 70 nmol/L within 16 weeks. Supplementation with 10 or 15 μg calcifediol increased 25(OH)D 3 levels >75 nmol/L in 8 and 4 weeks, respectively. Steady state was achieved from week 12 onwards with serum 25(OH)D 3 levels stabilizing between 84 and 89 nmol/L in the 10 μg calcifediol group. A significant association was observed between the changes in 25(OH)D 3 and 24,25(OH) 2 D 3 (R 2 = 0.83, P < 0.01), but not between 25(OH)D 3 and 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 (R 2 = 0.04, P = 0.18). No cases of hypercalcemia occurred in any treatment during the study period. Conclusions Calcifediol supplementation rapidly and safely elevates serum 25(OH)D 3 concentrations to improve vitamin D status in older adults. A daily dose of 10 μg calcifediol allows serum 25(OH)D 3 concentrations to be maintained between 75 and 100 nmol/L. Trial registration number NCT01868945 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background Inadequate nutritional intake and altered response of aging muscles to anabolic stimuli from nutrients contribute to the development of sarcopenia. Nutritional interventions show inconsistent results in sarcopenic older adults, which might be influenced by their basal nutritional status. Objective To test if baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and dietary protein intake influenced changes in muscle mass and function in older adults who received nutritional intervention. Methods and design Post-hoc analysis was performed in the PROVIDE study that was a randomized controlled, double blind trial among 380 sarcopenic older adults. This study showed that those who received a vitamin D and leucine-enriched whey protein medical nutrition drink for 13 weeks gained more appendicular muscle mass (aMM), and improved lower-extremity function as assessed by the chair stand test compared with controls. To define low and high groups, a baseline serum concentration of 50 nmol/L 25(OH)D and baseline dietary protein intake of 1.0 g/kg/d were used as cut offs. Results At baseline, participants with lower 25(OH)D concentrations showed lower muscle mass, strength and function compared with participants with a high 25(OH)D, while the group with lower protein intake (g/kg/day) had more muscle mass at baseline compared with the participants with higher protein intake. Participants with higher baseline 25(OH)D concentrations and dietary protein intake had, independent of other determinants, greater gain in appendicular muscle mass, skeletal muscle index (aMM/h 2 ), and relative appendicular muscle mass (aMM/body weight × 100%) in response to the nutritional intervention. There was no effect modification of baseline 25(OH)D status or protein intake on change in chair-stand test. Conclusions Sufficient baseline levels of 25(OH)D and protein intake may be required to increase muscle mass as a result of intervention with a vitamin D and protein supplement in sarcopenic older adults. This suggests that current cut-offs in the recommendations for vitamin D and protein intake could be considered the “minimum” for adults with sarcopenia to respond adequately to nutrition strategies aimed at attenuating muscle loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] and the lipid profile, inflammatory cytokines, and endothelial function in diabetic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 77 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated in our hospital from January 2015 to March 2017 and 73 healthy volunteers were selected. The 25(OH)D, lipids, inflammatory factors, and endothelial function were compared between the two groups. The levels of 25(OH)D in diabetic patients were also compared to detect the levels of serum lipids and inflammatory cytokines in different groups. According to the inflammatory factors, patients with diabetes mellitus were divided into several groups. In addition, 25(OH) D, endothelial function indicators [nitrogen oxide (NO) and von Willebrand factor (vWF)], serum lipids [triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC)], high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and inflammatory factor tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were compared among different groups. RESULTS: Compared with normal group, the 25(OH)D, NO, and HDL in the diabetic group were significantly lower than those in the normal group (p<0.05). Other lipids and inflammatory factors in the former were significantly higher than those in the normal group. Patients have lower HDL in those with less amount of 25(OH) D. Other blood lipid components such as TC and TG, LDL, and inflammatory factors significantly increased gradually as the 25(OH)D grows (p<0.05). For patients with more inflammatory cytokines, levels of 25(OH)D, NO, vWF, and ET-1 were significantly lower than those with normal inflammatory cytokines. Correlation analysis revealed that 25(OH)D was positively correlated with HDL and NO, but negatively correlated with TG, TC, TNF-α, and vWF. CONCLUSIONS: In diabetic patients, the level of 25(OH)D is decreased and the inflammatory factors are increased. In patients with proper supplementation of 25(OH)D, the inflammation can be reduced and endothelial function can be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]