Excessive abdominal adiposity and body fat are associated with lower serum vitamin D levels: A population-based study

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in South America: a systematic review and meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Vitamin D deficiency is considered a global public health issue, even in low-latitude countries where there is abundant sunlight radiation. Nevertheless, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in the South American continent has not been well characterized.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review was to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxy-calciferol < 20 ng/mL) in South American populations.

DATA SOURCES

Seven electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde, SciELO, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched systematically for observational studies published before July 1, 2021, and reporting vitamin D status of healthy adults in South America.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data were extracted using a standardized form. Risk of bias was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Instrument for Studies Reporting Prevalence. All steps were conducted independently by two authors. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Stratified meta-analysis and meta-regression were conducted (R software).

DATA ANALYSIS

Of 9460 articles identified, 96 studies with a total of 227 758 participants were included. The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 34.76% (79 studies; 95%CI, 29.68-40.21; I2 = 99%). There were significant differences in prevalence rates related to age, sex, country, latitude, season, and year of publication.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is unexpectedly elevated in South American populations. Public health strategies should include efforts to prevent, detect, and treat vitamin D deficiency.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number CRD42020169439.

Association between bone mineral content and dietary patterns among Brazilian adults from Viçosa, Minas Gerais: a population-based study

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of the study was to investigate if there is an association between dietary patterns and bone mineral content among Brazilian adults. Methods This is a cross-sectional, population-based study. Bone health was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The dietary pattern was obtained using a food frequency questionnaire. An exploratory factor analysis obtained the dietary patterns. Linear regression was used for the multivariate analysis. The research was conducted with adult individuals (20-59 years old) of both sexes residing in the city of Viçosa, MG, Brazil (n=572). Results Two distinct dietary patterns were identified: a “meats and alcoholic drinks” pattern, composed of condiments, alcoholic drinks, dough-based foods, and savory snacks; and a “local traditional” pattern, composed of eggs, beans, trooper’s beans, margarine, butter, olive oil, coffee and tea, cereals, and tubers (factor loadings ≥0.20). Having verified the associations considering the confounding factors, we identified that the bone mineral content for males was positively associated with the “local traditional” dietary pattern (β=0.058; 95% CI: 0.003–0.112; p=0.036), and for females an inverse association with the “meats and alcoholic drinks” pattern was found (β=-0.057; 95% CI: -0.110 -0.003; p=0.037). Conclusion We identified a positive association between the local traditional dietary pattern and bone health.

Frequency of vitamin d deficiency in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and its relationship with obesity, depression, and pain intensity: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Objective This study was conducted to determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and to define the relationship between vitamin D levels and obesity, depression, and pain intensity. Methods This study was conducted with 69 patients (Male = 32, Female = 37) diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis. The participants’ 25(OH)D levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. In addition, bone metabolic status, including bone mineral density and bone turnover markers, was also evaluated. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to determine the depression statuses of the patients, while the McGill Melzack Pain Questionnaire was administered to measure pain intensity. The results were evaluated at a significance level of p<0.05. Results Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was found in 76.8% of the patients. Binary logistic regression analysis showed a significantly higher frequency of vitamin D deficiency in patients who: 1) had higher body mass indexes (OR 3.197, 95% CI 1.549-6.599); 2) fared higher in Beck’s depression score (OR 1.817, 95% CI 1.027–3.217); and 3) were female rather than male (OR 1.700, 95% CI 0.931-3.224) (p<0.05). Conclusion In this study, vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in lumbar spinal stenosis patients. In addition, obese, depressed, and female individuals have higher risks of vitamin D deficiency.