The contribution of vitamin D insufficiency to the onset of steatotic liver disease among individuals with metabolic dysfunction

The interplay between fatty liver disease (FLD) and metabolic dysfunction has given rise to the concept of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). With vitamin D insufficiency frequently co-occurring with FLD and linked to metabolic abnormalities, this study investigates the potential role of vitamin D in the development of MAFLD. In this cross-sectional analysis, 22,476 participants with baseline metabolic dysfunction and known serum 25-OH-vitamin D3 levels were examined. The fatty liver index (FLI) was utilized to predict FLD, dividing subjects into MAFLD and non-MAFLD groups. Further stratification by vitamin D levels (sufficient vs. insufficient) and gender provided a detailed assessment through binary logistic regression to determine the association of vitamin D status with MAFLD incidence. Vitamin D insufficiency correlated with a higher MAFLD incidence in metabolically impaired individuals. Post-adjustment, the correlation was stronger (men: aOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.22-1.43, P < 0.001; women: aOR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.18-1.98, P = 0.001). Lower serum 25-OH-vitamin D3 levels were found in MAFLD patients across genders (men: P = 0.003; women: P = 0.014), with a higher prevalence of insufficiency in MAFLD cases (men: P = 0.007; women: P = 0.003). The vitamin D-MAFLD link was stable across subgroups and using varying FLI criteria. Our findings indicate a clear association between vitamin D insufficiency and increased MAFLD incidence, underscoring the potential of vitamin D as an anti-lipogenic and anti-fibrotic agent.

Vitamin D status and supplementation before and after Bariatric Surgery: Recommendations based on a systematic review and meta-analysis

Bariatric surgery is associated with a postoperative reduction of 25(OH) vitamin D levels (25(OH)D) and with skeletal complications. Currently, guidelines for 25(OH)D assessment and vitamin D supplementation in bariatric patients, pre- and post-surgery, are still lacking. The aim of this work is to analyse systematically the published experience on 25(OH)D status and vitamin D supplementation, pre- and post-surgery, and to propose, on this basis, recommendations for management. Preoperatively, 18 studies including 2,869 patients were evaluated. Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency as defined by 25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) was 85%, whereas when defined by 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) was 57%. The median preoperative 25(OH)D level was 19.75 ng/mL. After surgery, 39 studies including 5,296 patients were analysed and among those undergoing either malabsorptive or restrictive procedures, a lower rate of vitamin D insufficiency and higher 25(OH)D levels postoperatively were observed in patients treated with high-dose oral vitamin D supplementation, defined as ≥ 2,000 IU/daily (mostly D3-formulation), compared with low-doses (< 2,000 IU/daily). Our recommendations based on this systematic review and meta-analysis should help clinical practice in the assessment and management of vitamin D status before and after bariatric surgery. Assessment of vitamin D should be performed pre- and postoperatively in all patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Regardless of the type of procedure, high-dose supplementation is recommended in patients after bariatric surgery.

Effect of Vitamin D Deficiency on Voice: A Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to review the current literature on the effect of hypovitaminosis D on voice.

STUDY DESIGN

Narrative review.

METHODS

The literature search from electronic databases included PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. Search terms included voice, voice quality, voice disorders, larynx, laryngology, acoustic analysis, vitamin D, calcitriol, cholecalciferol, vitamin D deficiency, and vitamin D insufficiency. All studies on patients with vitamin D deficiency, which included subjective and objective voice assessments, were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 39 studies were retrieved. Only four studies met the above-mentioned inclusion criteria and hence were included in this review. The total number of subjects analyzed was 466. The subjective voice outcome measures used were the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10), self-reported phonatory symptoms, and the GRBAS scale. Objective voice outcome measures included fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio, maximum phonation time, and dysphonia severity index.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency has no significant effect on laryngeal muscles. There was no statistically significant difference in VHI-10 score, self-reported dysphonia, perceptual voice evaluation scores, or any of the acoustic measures between those with or without vitamin D deficiency.

Sex differences in the association between vitamin D and early-stage chronic kidney disease: A population-based study

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is commonly observed in people with late-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease; it has also been associated with the progression of kidney disease. We hypothesized that VDD played a role in early-stage chronic kidney disease as well. Thus, this cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and CKD stages 1 through 3 (early-stage CKD) in a relatively healthy population in China. A total of 3142 Chinese individuals were included in this cross-sectional study. VDD was observed in 108 (5.6%) males and 307 (25.33%) females. We found a significant inverse association between serum 25(OH)D concentration with CKD stages in both sexes. Furthermore, VDD was associated with CKD stages 1 through 3 in males (adjusted odds ratio, 15.84; 95% confidence interval, 7.85-31.98; P < .001), but not in females. Vitamin D status should be evaluated in people who are newly diagnosed with CKD stages 1 through 3 or decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate, especially in males.

Vitamin D deficiency in Ukraine: current evidence

BACKGROUND

Data from numerous studies demonstrate the high frequency of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and insufficiency (VDI) in many countries worldwide that depend on age and sex, seasons, country, and concomitant pathology. This research aimed to study vitamin D status in the Ukrainian population during 2016-2022 years depending on age, sex, month, and year of the observation, and compare the results with the data of previous Ukrainian epidemiologic studies.

METHODS

In a single-center cohort study, we analyzed the serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level in 7,418 subjects aged 20-99 years. The analysis was performed depending on age, sex, month, season, and year of the observation. Also, we compared the results with the data of previous Ukrainian studies. 25(OH)D level was measured using the electrochemiluminescence method.

RESULTS

The mean serum 25(OH)D level in the total group was 31.0 [22.3-41.1] ng/mL, the lowest level was in the age group 90-99 years old. No gender differences were found in 25(OH)D levels, except the one for the women aged 60-69 years old who had higher vitamin D levels compared to male parameters. 41.6% of the subjects had an optimal (> 30-50 ng/mL) 25(OH)D level, 27.3% had VDI, and 19.5% had a VDD. The suboptimal and high serum concentration of 25(OH)D (> 50-100 ng/mL) was found in 11.4% of the subjects. Also, we established the increase of serum 25(OH)D level from 2016 to 2022 with the highest values in 2020-2022. Seasonal variations of 25(OH)D concentration confirmed the highest index in autumn (33.0 [24.0-42.4] ng/mL) and the lowest one in the spring (28.5 [19.7-38.7] ng/mL) with the highest 25(OH)D level in September and the lowest one in March.

CONCLUSION

Our results confirmed a decrease in VDD and VDI in 2020-2022 in the Ukrainian population compared to the previous years (2016-2019) and previous Ukrainian studies with similar age and seasonal particularities. It may be the consequence of an improvement in public awareness of global vitamin D deficiency, its positive skeletal and extra-skeletal effects, as well as more intensive vitamin D supplementation due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the recent years.

Influence of food matrix delivery system on the bioavailability of vitamin D3: A randomized crossover trial in postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVES

Vitamin D insufficiency (blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D <50 nmol/L) is a global health problem. Vitamin D food fortification might be a solution, but knowledge is sparse on which food matrices yield the highest bioavailability. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different food matrices including complex formations with whey proteins on the human bioavailability of vitamin D.

METHODS

In this randomized, multiple crossover trial, we enrolled 30 postmenopausal women 60 to 80 y of age with vitamin D insufficiency. We measured changes in serum concentrations of vitamin D₃ (D₃) postprandially for 24 h in response to the intake of 500 mL of different food matrices with 200 µg D₃ added compared with a control (500 mL of water). Foods included apple juice with whey protein isolate (WPI), apple juice, semi-skim milk, and water (with D₃). The food matrices were provided in a randomized order with ≥10-d washout period between them. On each intervention day, blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24 h.

RESULTS

D₃ with WPI in juice did not enhance area under the curve (AUC) of serum D₃ compared with juice without WPI (370 nmol ×  24 h/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], 321-419 versus 357 nmol ×  24 h/L; 95% CI, 308-406 nmol ×  24 h/L; P = 0.65). However, compared with juice, the AUC was significantly higher in response to the intake of D₃ in milk (452 nmol ×  24 h/L; 95% CI, 402-502 nmol ×  24 h/L) and water with D₃ (479 nmol ×  24 h/L; 95% CI, 430-527 nmol ×  24 h/L; P < 0.05). No difference was observed between milk and water (P = 0.34).

CONCLUSIONS

The bioavailability of D₃ was superior in milk and water compared with juice, regardless of whether WPI was added.

Vitamin D deficiency in rheumatoid arthritis patients of India - a single-arm meta-analysis

Background

Vitamin D deficiency is commonly seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Objectives

This meta-analysis is aimed to determine the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in RA patients in India and also to evaluate the association between vitamin D level and disease activity.

Methods

The relevant works of literature were identified through multiple databases and data was extracted from eligible studies independently. A single-arm meta-analysis was performed to estimate the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in RA patients in an Indian setup and its association with disease activity. A total of 15 studies was included in the analyses.

Results

The mean serum vitamin D level was 19.99 ng/ml [95% CI 16.49-24.23]. The proportion of patients with low vitamin D level was 0.80 [95% CI 0.65- 0.90], Vitamin D deficiency was 0.56 [95% CI 0.31-0.77] and vitamin D insufficiency was 0.20 [95% CI 0.12- 0.32]. A negative relationship was seen with serum vitamin D and disease activity score.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate significant low levels of serum vitamin D levels in patients with RA and established a negative correlation of Vitamin D with RA disease activity. The current evidence suggests a rationale for Vitamin D supplementation in the management of RA.

Prevalence and risk factors for vitamin D insufficiency in 6-12-month-old infants: a cross-sectional study in Southern Thailand

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient for bone mineralization and bone growth in children. There have been few studies to date of vitamin D status in infants aged 6-12 months in Southeast Asian countries.

AIM

To examine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (VDI, including vitamin D deficiency) in healthy infants and the risk factors for VDI in southern Thailand.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 120 healthy infants aged 6-12 months and their mothers. Blood samples were obtained for measurement of serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, parathyroid hormone and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels. The mothers were interviewed for their infants feeding intake, sunlight exposure, type of dress, and sunscreen use. Chi-square and t-test were used to compare between groups for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Pearson correlation was used to identify the relationship between serum levels of 25OHD of the infants and other biochemical variables of the infants and serum levels of maternal 25OHD. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with vitamin D status.

RESULTS

The prevalence of VDI in our study infants was high at 28.3%, all of whom were mainly breastfed infants. Subgroup analysis of the mainly breastfed infants found that the risk factors for VDI were maternal VDI and a short duration of sunlight exposure. The serum 25OHD levels of the mainly breastfed infants were significantly positively correlated with the maternal serum 25OHD levels (r = 0.49, p-value < 0.01) and with sunlight exposure duration (r = 0.40, p-value < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of VDI was high in 6-12-month-old infants, particularly those who were mainly breastfed from VDI mothers, and who had short durations of sunlight exposure. As breast milk contains adequate amounts of most important vitamins and growth factors, breastfeeding is still encouraged for infants with 400 IU vitamin D daily supplementation to prevent VDI.

High prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among South Asian pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Insufficiency of vitamin D, during pregnancy, is a common cause of various pregnancy-related complications. Despite such insufficiency being frequently reported among South Asian pregnant women, the absence of systematic review and meta-analysis renders the true extent of this problem being poorly characterised. In this systematic review, three main databases (PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) were searched for original studies. We included original studies published between 1January 2001 to 31 December 2019, conducted on pregnant women who lived in South Asian countries and reported the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among the study participants. Twenty studies with a total of 7804 participants from four South Asian countries finally met our selection criteria. Overall pooled prevalence of insufficiency was 65 % (95 % CI: 51 %, 78 %) with a significant heterogeneity (I² = 99·37 %; P = 0·00). The average level of vitamin D ranged from 9 ng/ml to 24·86 ng/ml with a weighted mean of 16·37 ng/ml (weighted standard deviation 7·13 ng/ml). The highest prevalence of insufficiency was found in Pakistan (76 %) followed by India (67 %), Bangladesh (64 %) and Nepal (14 %). Results obtained in this study suggest that vitamin D insufficiency is highly prevalent among South Asian pregnant women. Being the first systematic review in this region, findings from this study will help the future studies and strengthen the evidence for policymakers to develop effective mitigation strategies.

Clinical, metabolic, and immunological characterisation of adult Ugandan patients with new-onset diabetes and low vitamin D status

BACKGROUND

Low vitamin D concentrations are associated with metabolic derangements, notably insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction in Caucasian populations. Studies on its association with the clinical, metabolic, and immunologic characteristics in black African adult populations with new-onset diabetes are limited. This study aimed to describe the clinical, metabolic, and immunologic characteristics of a black Ugandan adult population with recently diagnosed diabetes and hypovitaminosis D.

METHODS

Serum vitamin D concentrations were measured in 327 participants with recently diagnosed diabetes. Vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D insufficiency, and normal vitamin D status were defined as serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels of < 20 ng/ml, 21-29 ng/ml, and ≥ 30 ng/ml, respectively.

RESULTS

The median (IQR) age, glycated haemoglobin, and serum vitamin D concentration of the participants were 48 years (39-58), 11% (8-13) or 96 mmol/mol (67-115), and 24 ng/ml (18-30), respectively. Vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D insufficiency, and normal vitamin D status were noted in 105 participants (32.1%), 140 participants (42.8%), and 82 participants (25.1%), respectively. Compared with those having normal serum vitamin D levels, participants with vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency had higher circulating concentrations of interleukin (IL) 6 (29 [16-45] pg/ml, 23 [14-40] pg/ml vs 18 [14-32] pg/ml, p = 0.01), and IL-8 (24 [86-655] pg/ml, 207 [81-853] pg/ml vs 98 [67-224], p = 0.03). No statistically significant differences were noted in the markers of body adiposity, insulin resistance, and pancreatic beta-cell function between both groups.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were highly prevalent in our study population and were associated with increased circulating concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The absence of an association between pancreatic beta-cell function, insulin resistance, and low vitamin D status may indicate that the latter does not play a significant role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes in our adult Ugandan population.

Vitamin D, oral health, and disease characteristics in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Background

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with autoimmune diseases and oral health. Knowledge about the association between vitamin D status and oral conditions in JIA is limited. We aimed to investigate vitamin D status in a cohort of Norwegian children and adolescents with JIA and possible associations between serum vitamin D levels, clinical indicators of oral health, and JIA disease characteristics.

Methods

This multi-center, cross-sectional study, included individuals with JIA aged 4–16 years from three geographically spread regions in Norway. Demographic data, age at disease onset, disease duration, JIA category, disease status, medication, and vitamin D intake were registered. One blood sample per individual was analyzed for 25(OH) vitamin D, and the level of insufficiency was defined as < 50 nmol/L. A clinical oral examination was performed applying commonly used indices in epidemiological studies of dental caries, dental erosion, enamel defects, gingival bleeding, and oral hygiene. Serum vitamin D was used as exposure variable in multivariable regression analyses to estimate the associations between insufficient vitamin D level, JIA disease status, and oral conditions, with adjustments for age, sex, geographical region, BMI, seasonal blood sampling, and parental education.

Results

Among the 223 participants with JIA, 97.3% were Caucasians, 59.2% were girls, and median age was 12.6 years. Median disease duration was 4.6 years, and 44.4% had oligoarticular JIA. Mean serum vitamin D level was 61.4 nmol/L and 29.6% had insufficient levels. Vitamin D levels did not differ between sexes, but between regions, iso-BMI categories, age groups, and seasons for blood sampling. Insufficient vitamin D levels were associated with dentin caries (adjusted OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.43–5.86) and gingival bleeding (adjusted OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.10–5.01). No associations were found with active JIA disease or more severe disease characteristics.

Conclusion

In our study, nearly 30% had vitamin D insufficiency, with a particularly high prevalence among adolescents. Vitamin D insufficiency was associated with dentin caries and gingival bleeding, but not with JIA disease activity. These results point to the need for a multidisciplinary approach in the follow-up of children with JIA, including an increased focus on vitamin D status and oral health.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-022-02349-1.

Influence of Vitamin D Status on the Maintenance Dose of Warfarin in Patients Receiving Chronic Warfarin Therapy

INTRODUCTION

Considering the anticoagulant actions of vitamin D, we hypothesize that vitamin D status might affect the required dose of warfarin for maintaining the therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR).

METHODS

In a retrospective single-center cohort study, serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were assessed for 89 subjects receiving a stable dose of warfarin for 3 months or longer and had a stable INR between 2 and 3.5 for at least three consecutive visits. A warfarin sensitivity index (WSI), defined as the steady-state INR divided by the mean daily warfarin dose, was used for measuring the warfarin dose response. The relation between the serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and WSI value and the difference in the mean WSI value between the subjects with different vitamin D status categories (sufficient, insufficient, and deficient) were assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty-one subjects had vitamin D deficiency, 43 had vitamin D insufficiency, and only 25 had normal levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Based on the multiple linear regression analysis, there was a significant but weakly positive correlation between WSI and 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels, as the value of WSI increases by almost 0.0027434 for every unit increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum level (p value = 0.041). Using one-way ANOVA analysis, there was a trend in a significant difference between the groups with different vitamin D status categories regarding the mean WSI value (F = 2.95, p value = 0.057), as subjects with sufficient vitamin D state compared to those with vitamin D deficiency had a higher WSI value.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the study's limitations limit our ability to draw definite conclusions, the present data suggest that in addition to other traditional factors, vitamin D status might also affect warfarin sensitivity and maintenance dose requirement. However, to more clearly explain this link, further studies with high involvement subjects are required.

High prevalence of missed information related on bone health in orthogeriatric patients with fragility fractures of the pelvis-an institutional register-based analysis

This is the first study that highlighted the amount of missed information related on bone health in orthogeriatric patients suffering fragility fractures of the pelvis and also evaluated its prevalence and differing etiology in the assessed patients, regarding osteoporosis and/or osteomalacia, based on laboratory and instrumental measurements. This evaluation should become a standardized procedure in the treatment of orthogeriatric patients presenting with a FFP.

INTRODUCTION

Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) are common in orthogeriatric patients. Secondary fracture prevention regarding evaluation and treatment of an underlying osteoporosis or osteomalacia is still often neglected. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the amount of missed information related on bone health in older adult FFP patients, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in assessed patients, and if fracture type-dependent distribution patterns could be observed.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of an institutional register was performed. Patients aged 80 years and older (n = 456) admitted with a FFP from 01/2003 until 12/2019 to a level I trauma center were included.

RESULTS

In 456 patients, FFP type II were leading (66.7%). Diagnostics were conducted in 37.1% of the patients regarding measurement of vitamin D levels and 21.7% regarding DXA measurements; vitamin D deficiency was observed in 62.7%, indicators for an underlying osteomalacia in 45.8%, and an osteoporosis in 46.5% of the assessed patients.

CONCLUSION

Although FFP are common and will increase, there is still a lack of secondary fracture prevention, starting with information related on bone health. In the assessed patients, a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was present, but no significant correlation between vitamin D level and type of fracture was observed. Ongoing education for varying etiology and specific treatment of these fractures is necessary, as surgical treatment was unified, but drug therapy remains different.

Changes in the clinical phenotype and behavior of pediatric luminal Crohn's disease at diagnosis in the last decade

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aims of this study were to describe the trends in the behavior of pediatric CD during the last decade and to describe the seasonal variation of disease presentation.

METHODS

Patients under 18 years old and diagnosed between 2009 and 2019 were included. The clinical, endoscopic, histological, and laboratory data were collected from the medical records. We analyzed the trends of these parameters according to the year and season of diagnosis.

RESULTS

654 patients were included in the study. The number of incident CD cases increased yearly. Patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2019 were younger at diagnosis (OR 2.53, p = 0.02), had more perianal diseases (OR: 2.30, p < 0.0001) and more granulomas (OR: 1.61, p = 0.003), but fewer eosinophils (OR: 0.35, p < 0.0001) and less chronic lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate (OR: 0.56, p = 0.008) as compared to the 2009-2014 cohort. There was fewer CD diagnosis during winter. Patients diagnosed in the fall had lower PCDAIs, less failure to thrive and less extensive digestive involvement. Colonic disease was significantly more frequent during summer and fall.

CONCLUSION

The clinical and histological phenotype of CD has changed over time and there are important seasonal trends in the frequency and severity on disease behavior suggesting possible disease triggers.

Cholecalciferol supplementation to improve the hepatitis B vaccination response in hemodialysis patients: A first randomized open label pilot study (DeVitaHep)

BACKGROUND

Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease should be vaccinated against hepatitis B. In observational studies vitamin D insufficiency is associated with a reduced seroconversion rate. The effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on hepatitis B vaccination response in haemodialysis patients with vitamin D insufficiency is unknown.

METHODS

In this randomized open label pilot study 40 unvaccinated haemodialysis patients with 25(OH)D insufficiency (<30 ng/mL) were enrolled. In the supplementation group, we administered cholecalciferol orally in a dose of 28,000 IU weekly for a maximum of 12 weeks. Hepatitis B vaccination (HBvaxPRO 40 µg i.m. months 0, 1, 6) was performed after achieving a 25(OH)D level >30 ng/mL or after completing three months of supplementation despite failure to achieve the target level. In the control group, patients were vaccinated immediately after randomization. Anti-hepatitis B-antibody titer (anti-HBs) was measured eight weeks after completing the vaccination course.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven (26 male, 11 female) patients aged 65 (13.5) years underwent randomization with 17 patients allocated to the control group and 20 patients included in the supplementation group. After 12 weeks of cholecalciferol supplementation, mean (SD) 25(OH)D concentration increased from 15.0 (8.0) to 31.0 (7.1) ng/mL, but remained unchanged in the control group (14.0 (7.1) to 11.6 (7.5) mg/mL). Neither the number of patients with seroconversion (anti-HBs titer ≥ 10 IU/L; n = 6 (35.3%) vs n = 3 (27.3%), p = 0.704), nor the number of patients with seroprotection (anti-HBs titer >100 IU/L; n = 4 (23.5%) vs n = 2 (18.2%) differed between treatment groups. Cholecalciferol supplementation was safe without treatment-related adverse events.

CONCLUSION

In this small pilot study, high-dose oral cholecalciferol supplementation did not improve the hepatitis B vaccination response in haemodialysis patients with vitamin D insufficiency. This clinical trial was registered within EudraCT (EudraCT number 2011-004621-26).

Real-World Assessment: Clinical Effectiveness and Safety of Extended-Release Calcifediol

INTRODUCTION

The safety and efficacy of extended-release calcifediol (ERC) as a treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in adults with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) has been demonstrated in prospective randomized clinical trials (RCTs). ERC (Rayaldee®) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2016 on the basis of these prospective RCTs. The current retrospective study assessed the postlaunch data available with respect to ERC's efficacy and safety in increasing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D) and reducing parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the indicated population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of 174 patients who met study criteria from 15 geographically representative United States nephrology clinics were reviewed for 1 year before and after initiation of ERC treatment. Enrolled subjects had ages ≥18 years, stage 3 or 4 CKD, and a history of SHPT and VDI. Key study variables included patient demographics, medication usage, and laboratory results, including serial 25D and PTH determinations.

RESULTS

The enrolled subjects had a mean age of 69.0 years, gender and racial distributions representative of the indicated population, and were balanced for CKD stage. Most (98%) received 30 mcg of ERC/day during the course of treatment (mean follow-up: 24 weeks). Baseline 25D and PTH levels averaged 20.3 ± 0.7 (standard error) ng/mL and 181 ± 7.4 pg/mL, respectively. ERC treatment raised 25D by 23.7 ± 1.6 ng/mL (p < 0.001) and decreased PTH by 34.1 ± 6.6 pg/mL (p < 0.001) with nominal changes of 0.1 mg/dL (p > 0.05) in serum calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Analysis of postlaunch data confirmed ERC's effectiveness in increasing serum 25D and reducing PTH levels without statistically significant or notable impact on serum Ca and P levels. A significant percentage of these subjects achieved 25D levels ≥30 mg/mL and PTH levels which decreased by at least 30% from baseline. Dose titration to 60 mcgs was rarely prescribed. Closer patient monitoring and appropriate dose titration may have led to a higher percentage of subjects achieving an increase in 25D levels to at least 50 ng/mL and a reduction in PTH levels of at least 30%.

Extended-release calcifediol in stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease: a new therapy for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with hypovitaminosis D

A high percentage of patients with chronic kidney disease have hypovitaminosis D, which is a driver of secondary hyperparathyroidism and an important factor in chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder. Vitamin D deficiency (serum total 25-OH vitamin D levels < 30 ng/mL) occurs early in the course of chronic kidney disease and treatment guidelines recommend early intervention to restore 25-OH vitamin D levels as a first step to prevent/delay the onset/progression of secondary hyperparathyroidism. The vitamin D forms administered to replace 25-OH vitamin D include cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol, and immediate- or extended-release formulations of calcifediol. Most patients with intermediate-stage chronic kidney disease will develop secondary hyperparathyroidism before dialysis is required. Control of parathyroid hormone levels becomes a major focus of therapy in these patients. This article focuses on the position of extended-release calcifediol in the treatment of patients with stage 3–4 chronic kidney disease and secondary hyperparathyroidism with hypovitaminosis D. Several characteristics of extended-release calcifediol support its use in the intermediate stages of chronic kidney disease. The pharmacokinetics of extended-release calcifediol make it effective for replenishing 25-OH vitamin D levels, with minimal impact on vitamin D catabolism from fibroblast-growth factor-23 and CYP24A1 upregulation. Extended-release calcifediol increases circulating 25-OH vitamin D levels in a dose-dependent manner and lowers parathyroid hormone levels by a clinically relevant extent, comparable to what can be achieved by administering active vitamin D analogues, though with a lower risk of hypercalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia. Active vitamin D analogues are reserved for patients undergoing dialysis or pre-dialysis patients with severe progressive secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Vitamin D status in full-term exclusively breastfed infants versus full-term breastfed infants receiving vitamin D supplementation in Thailand: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Many international medical organizations recommend vitamin D supplementation for infants, especially exclusively breastfed infants. In Thailand, however, data regarding the vitamin D status in Thai infants are lacking. Such data would help to support physician decisions and guide medical practice.

Methods

Full-term, exclusively breastfed infants were randomized into two groups at 2 months of age to continue exclusive breastfeeding either without vitamin D supplementation (control group, n = 44) or with vitamin D₃ supplementation at 400 IU/day (intervention group, n = 43) until 6 months of age. At 6 months, the serum vitamin D (25OHD) of the infants and their mothers, serum bone marker, and infants’ growth parameters were compared between the two groups.

Results

The infants’ serum 25OHD concentration was lower in the control group than intervention group (20.57 ± 12.66 vs. 46.01 ± 16.42 ng/mL, p < 0.01). More infants had vitamin D sufficiency (25OHD of > 20 ng/mL) in the intervention group than control group (93.0% vs. 43.2%, p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the maternal 25OHD concentrations between the control and intervention groups (25.08 ± 7.75 vs. 23.75 ± 7.64 ng/mL, p = 0.42). Serum calcium, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone, alkaline phosphatase, and infants’ growth parameters were comparable between the two groups. After adjustment for the confounding factors, 25OHD concentration in the intervention group was 25.66 ng/mL higher than the control group (95% confidence interval, 19.07–32.25; p < 0.001). Vitamin D supplement contributed to an 88.7% decrease in the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency (relative risk, 0.11; 95% confidence interval, 0.04–0.35; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Most full-term, exclusively breastfed Thai infants have serum vitamin D concentration below sufficiency level at 6 months of age. However, vitamin D supplementation (400 IU/day) improves their vitamin D status and prevents vitamin D deficiency.

Trial registration

The study was pre-registered in the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20190622001) on 22/06/2019.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Insufficiency Among University Students: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and the Association Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Episodes of Respiratory Tract Infections

Background

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and insufficiency (VDI) is a public health problem worldwide. Low blood levels of vitamin D have been associated with many illnesses, including respiratory tract infections (RTIs). This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of VDD and VDI among university students, assess the correlation with demographic and anthropometric factors, and determine the effect of VDD on the respiratory tract infection (RTI) incidence.

Methods

A cross-sectional and prospective design was used. Our sample consisted of 287 students aged 18–24 years from the University of Sharjah-UAE. Participants were tested for serum 25(hydroxyvitamin)D levels, Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and the survey was completed. The association between VDD, VDI with the participant’s characteristics, and the incidents of RTIs were examined.

Results

VDD and VDI were highly prevalent among 85% of the students. The median serum 25(OH) D level was 15.8 ng/dl (19.5±11.6). The mean BMI was (24.32±6.3) kg/m. The results showed a significant positive correlation between VDI and VDD with gender and students who were previously diagnosed with VDD (P < 0.05); however, they were not statistically significant (P < 0.05) with other factors. The tonsillitis incidents were significantly associated with VDD (P = 0.027), while no significant correlation with other incidences of RTIs was found.

Conclusion

VDD and VDI represent a significant problem across the university students specifically with the female gender. VDD is associated with tonsillitis infection incidence. Both the health and higher education authorities’ attention is needed, exploring the causes of VDD and VDI, regular 25(OH)D serum level examination, and educational programs on VDD risks are required.

The psychotropic effect of vitamin D supplementation on schizophrenia symptoms

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia is a multifactorial disease involving interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Vitamin D has recently been linked to many metabolic diseases and schizophrenia. Vitamin D plays essential roles in the brain in the context of neuroplasticity, neurotransmitter biosynthesis, neuroprotection, and neurotransmission. Vitamin D receptors are demonstrated in most brain regions that are related to schizophrenia. However, very few studies in the literature examine the effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) on schizophrenia symptoms.

METHODS

This study aimed to examine the effects of vitamin D replacement on positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Serum 25OHD levels of 52 schizophrenia patients were measured. SANS and SAPS were used to evaluate the severity of schizophrenia symptoms, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test: CV4 was used for cognitive assessment. The study was completed with 40 patients for various reasons. The patients whose serum 25OHD reached optimal levels after vitamin D replacement were reevaluated with the same scales in terms of symptom severity. The SPSS 25 package program was used for statistical analysis. The Independent-Samples t-test was used to examine the relationship between the variables that may affect vitamin D levels and the vitamin D level and to examine whether vitamin D levels had an initial effect on the scale scores.

RESULTS

The mean plasma 25OHD levels of the patients was 17.87 ± 5.54. A statistically significant relationship was found only between the duration of sunlight exposure and 25 OHD level (p < 0.05). The mean SANS and SAPS scores of the participants after 25OHD replacement (23.60 ± 15.51 and 7.78 ± 8.84, respectively) were statistically significantly lower than mean SANS and SAPS scores before replacement (51.45 ± 17.96 and 18.58 ± 15.59, respectively) (p < 0.001 for all). Only the total attention score was significantly improved after replacement (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The data obtained from our study suggest that eliminating the 25OHD deficiency together with antipsychotic treatment can improve the total attention span and positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia. The 25OHD levels should be regularly measured, replacement should be started when necessary, and the patients should be encouraged to get sunlight exposure to keep optimal 25OHD levels.

Effect of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Symptomatic Uterine Leiomyoma in Women with Hypovitaminosis D

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of Vitamin D3 on symptoms, uterine and leiomyoma volume in women with symptomatic leiomyoma and hypovitaminosis D.

Materials and Methods

In this pilot, interventional, prospective study, 30 premenopausal women with uterine leiomyoma and concomitant hypovitaminosis D (<30 ng/ml) received Vitamin D3 in doses of 60,000 IU weekly for 8 weeks followed by 60,000 IU every 2 weeks for another 8 weeks. Change in symptoms, uterine, and leiomyoma volume was evaluated at 8 weeks and 16 weeks. Serum Vitamin D3 levels were repeated at 16 weeks of therapy.

Results

A significant negative correlation was observed between the baseline 25-hydroxy Vitamin D (25(OH) Vitamin D3) and leiomyoma volume (r = -0.434, P < 0.001). There was significant reduction of menstrual blood loss by 29.89% (P = 0.003) and severity of dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and backache by 44.12%, 35%, and 50% (P < 0.001, 0.019, and 0.002), respectively, at 16 weeks. At end of therapy, there was 6% reduction in mean uterine volume and 11% in leiomyoma volume which was not significant. Serum 25(OH) Vitamin D₃ was significantly higher than baseline level (17.44 ± 5.82 vs. 39.38 ± 8.22, P < 0.001) at end of therapy.

Conclusion

Vitamin D3 supplementation is effective in reducing leiomyoma-related symptoms and stabilizing uterine and leiomyoma volume.

Efficacy of denosumab co-administered with vitamin D and Ca by baseline vitamin D status

INTRODUCTION

In anti-osteoporosis drug trials, vitamin D and calcium (Ca) are common supplements; however, the optimal dose of each is unclear. Using data from the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled DIRECT trial, we assessed whether baseline serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) level influences the efficacy of denosumab co-administered with vitamin D and Ca.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prespecified sub-analysis, subjects with primary osteoporosis who received denosumab or placebo, plus vitamin D (≥ 400 IU/day) and Ca (≥ 600 mg/day), were classified as 25(OH)D deficient (< 20 ng/mL), insufficient (≥ 20 to < 30 ng/mL), and sufficient (≥ 30 ng/mL). Study endpoints included absolute serum 25(OH)D level at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months; change in serum 25(OH)D and bone mineral density (BMD) status from baseline; and incidence of new vertebral fractures at 24 months.

RESULTS

In 475 denosumab-treated and 481 placebo-treated subjects, proportions with deficient/insufficient/sufficient 25(OH)D at baseline were 53.1%/37.1%/9.9% and 50.9%/42.0%/7.1%, respectively. Supplementation significantly increased mean serum 25(OH)D levels; at 24 months, mean levels were > 30 ng/mL (sufficient) in both treatment groups. Increase in BMD over time was higher in the denosumab group vs. placebo group in all three vitamin D status groups. At month 24, denosumab-treated subjects with deficient/insufficient baseline 25(OH)D had a significantly lower risk of new vertebral fracture vs. placebo-treated subjects.

CONCLUSION

Among DIRECT trial subjects supplemented with ≥ 400 IU/day of vitamin D and ≥ 600 mg/day of Ca, baseline 25(OH)D sufficiency may not influence the efficacy of denosumab in increasing BMD or preventing vertebral fractures.

Bone health and its association with vitamin D and other covariates: A community-based study among women in a rural area of West Bengal

Background

Low bone mineral density (BMD) is implicated in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and osteopenia, and primarily manifest as fragile bones. This is a rapidly emerging global health problem with increasing prevalence in India.

Objectives

The objective of this was to assess the status of bone health and find its determinants among women aged 40 years and above in a rural population of West Bengal.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2017 to April 2018 among 260 women aged 40 years and above residing in the selected villages of Singur through multistage random sampling. Each respondent was interviewed using a structured schedule. Serum Vitamin D and calcium levels were investigated. BMD was assessed through calcaneal quantitative ultrasound. Osteoporosis was diagnosed among those with T-score ≤-2.5, while those with 25(OH) Vitamin D <30 ng/ml were classified to have Vitamin D insufficiency (VDI). Individuals with BMD T-score <-1 were considered to have low BMD. Inferential statistics were employed to find the associates of poor bone health.

Results

Out of 260 participants, 34 (13.1%) were screened positive for osteoporosis and 77.7% had low BMD. Approximately 75% had VDI. On multivariable analysis, VDI (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 4.13 [2.12, 8.37]) was a significant predictor of low BMD after adjustment for poor education, decreasing diet score, menopause, presence of comorbidity, underweight, and overweight explaining 43.6% of the variance.

Conclusion

Serum Vitamin D levels are implicated to play a crucial role in bone metabolism; however, its effect on the body in accordance with other important hormones should be explored.

Association between vitamin D deficiency and fragility fractures in Chinese elderly patients: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis and increases the risk of fractures. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in Asian populations, however, research focusing on the association between vitamin D deficiency and osteoporotic hip fractures, particularly in Chinese populations is scarce. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and osteoporotic hip fractures in elderly Chinese patients.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study recruited 60 patients (aged 65 years and over) who had hip fractures. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels were examined using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The patients were classified into two groups based on their bone mineral density (BMD); subjects with osteoporosis (BMD t value ≤-2.5) and individuals without osteoporosis (BMD t value ≥-1.0). Serum 25OHD was further analyzed in these two groups.

RESULTS

Across all of the patients with hip fractures, approximately 10% showed vitamin D deficiency, and a further 53.33% showed vitamin D. insufficiency. Furthermore, of the patients with hip fractures, those with osteoporosis had significantly lower levels of serum 25OHD (25.43±6.35 ng/mL) compared to those patients without osteoporosis (30.70±7.17 ng/mL). The incidence of vitamin D insufficiency (66.67%) and deficiency (16.67%) was higher in the patients with osteoporosis than in those without osteoporosis (insufficiency 44.44% and deficiency 5.56%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirmed a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in elderly patients with hip fractures in China. Our data suggests that vitamin D plays an important role in the occurrence of hip fractures in these elderly patients, and especially where patients also suffer from osteoporosis.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its predictors in the Portuguese population: a nationwide population-based study

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent worldwide, but its prevalence is unknown in adult Portuguese population. In Portugal, 66% of adults present Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency. Winter, living in Azores, older age, and obesity were the most important risk factors. It highlights the need of strategies to prevent vitamin D deficiency in Portugal.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence and risk factors of vitamin D deficiency in the adult Portuguese population.

METHODS

Adults (≥ 18 years old) from the EpiReumaPt Study (2011-2013) were included. Standardized questionnaires on socio-demographic and lifestyle features were obtained. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations were evaluated using ADVIA Centaur VitD competitive immunoassay (Siemens Healthineers) in 2015-2017 as 25 (OH)D Level 0: ≤ 10 ng/mL; Level 1: 11-19 ng/mL; Level 2: 20-29 ng/mL, and Level 3: ≥ 30 ng/mL. Weighted multinomial regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between socio-demographic and lifestyle variables and vitamin D status.

RESULTS

Based on weighted analysis, the estimated prevalence of levels of 25(OH)D ≤ 10, < 20, and < 30 ng/mL was 21.2, 66.6, and 96.4%, respectively. The strongest independent predictors of serum 25 (OH)D ≤ 10 ng/mL were living in the Azores archipelagos (OR 9.39; 95%CI 1.27-69.6) and having the blood sample collection in winter (OR 18.53; 95%CI 7.83-43.87) or spring (11.55; 95%CI 5.18-25.74). Other significant predictors included older age (OR 5.65, 95%CI 2.08-15.35), obesity (OR 2.61; 95%CI 1.35-5.08), current smoking (OR 2.33; 95%CI 1.23-4.43), and female gender (OR 1.9, 95%CI 1.1-3.28). Conversely, physical exercise (OR 0.48, 95%CI 0.28-0.81) and occasional alcohol intake (OR 0.48, 95%CI 0.29-0.81) were associated with a lower risk of 25(OH)D ≤ 10 ng/mL.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency [25(OH)D < 20 ng/ml] is highly prevalent in Portugal, affecting > 60% of all Portuguese adults, with strong geographical and seasonal variation. This study highlights the need to critically assess the relevance of vitamin D deficiency as a public health problem and the urgent need for a wide and scientifically robust debate about the most appropriate interventions at the individual and societal levels.

Higher risk of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency for rural than urban dwellers

There are many risk factors for Vitamin D deficiency. This study aimed to compare the Vitamin D status and serum 25(OH)D concentrations of adults living in an urban area to adults living in a rural area in the West of Ireland (latitude 53.27° North). A cross-sectional retrospective analysis of clinical records was performed. Following interrogation of the electronic laboratory information system, individuals who had serum 25(OH)D concentrations measured at Galway University Hospitals between January 2011 and December 2015 were identified. Clinical demographics, setting and date of sampling were recorded. In total, 17,590 patients (urban n = 4,824; rural n = 12,766) were eligible for inclusion. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were lower among rural compared to urban dwellers irrespective of season (spring p < 0.001, summer p = 0.009, autumn p = 0.002, winter p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in Vitamin D status between urban and rural dwellers in three of the four seasons: spring- deficiency: 16%-v-23%, insufficiency: 39%-v-43%, sufficiency: 45%-v-35% (p < 0.001); autumn- deficiency: 11%-v-10%, insufficiency: 30%-v-35%, sufficiency: 59%-v-56% (p = 0.01); winter- deficiency: 23%-v-25%, insufficiency: 35%-v-42%, sufficiency: 41%-v-33% (p < 0.001). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were higher and the prevalence of deficiency lower in urban/rural females compared to urban/rural males (p < 0.001). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations increased sequentially from the 18-39 year age group to the 60-69 year age group in both urban (p < 0.001) and rural (p < 0.001) dwellers and then decreased progressively as age increased to ≥90 years. The odds of Vitamin D deficiency increased with age, lower daily sunshine hours, male gender, rural address and season.

Vitamin D repletion ameliorates adipose tissue browning and muscle wasting in infantile nephropathic cystinosis-associated cachexia

BACKGROUND

Ctns-/- mice, a mouse model of infantile nephropathic cystinosis, exhibit hypermetabolism with adipose tissue browning and profound muscle wasting. Ctns-/- mice are 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2 D3 insufficient. We investigated whether vitamin D repletion could ameliorate adipose tissue browning and muscle wasting in Ctns-/- mice.

METHODS

Twelve-month-old Ctns-/- mice and wild-type controls were treated with 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2 D3 (75 μg/kg/day and 60 ng/kg/day, respectively) or an ethylene glycol vehicle for 6 weeks. Serum chemistry and parameters of energy homeostasis were measured. We quantitated total fat mass and studied expression of molecules regulating adipose tissue browning, energy metabolism, and inflammation. We measured lean mass content, skeletal muscle fibre size, in vivo muscle function (grip strength and rotarod activity), and expression of molecules regulating muscle metabolism. We also analysed the transcriptome of skeletal muscle in Ctns-/- mice using RNAseq.

RESULTS

Supplementation of 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2 D3 normalized serum concentration of 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2 D3 in Ctns-/- mice, respectively. Repletion of vitamin D partially or fully normalized food intake, weight gain, gain of fat, and lean mass, improved energy homeostasis, and attenuated perturbations of uncoupling proteins and adenosine triphosphate content in adipose tissue and muscle in Ctns-/- mice. Vitamin D repletion attenuated elevated expression of beige adipose cell biomarkers (UCP-1, CD137, Tmem26, and Tbx1) as well as aberrant expression of molecules implicated in adipose tissue browning (Cox2, Pgf2α, and NF-κB pathway) in inguinal white adipose tissue in Ctns-/- mice. Vitamin D repletion normalized skeletal muscle fibre size and improved in vivo muscle function in Ctns-/- mice. This was accompanied by correcting the increased muscle catabolic signalling (increased protein contents of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α as well as an increased gene expression of Murf-2, atrogin-1, and myostatin) and promoting the decreased muscle regeneration and myogenesis process (decreased gene expression of Igf1, Pax7, and MyoD) in skeletal muscles of Ctns-/- mice. Muscle RNAseq analysis revealed aberrant gene expression profiles associated with reduced muscle and neuron regeneration, increased energy metabolism, and fibrosis in Ctns-/- mice. Importantly, repletion of 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2 D3 normalized the top 20 differentially expressed genes in Ctns-/- mice.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the novel findings that correction of 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2 D3 insufficiency reverses cachexia and may improve quality of life by restoring muscle function in an animal model of infantile nephropathic cystinosis. Mechanistically, vitamin D repletion attenuates adipose tissue browning and muscle wasting in Ctns-/- mice via multiple cellular and molecular mechanisms.

Obesity and Vitamin D Insufficiency among Adolescent Girls and Young Adult Women from Korea

Although there is evidence of the biological mechanisms by which obesity may induce vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, limited epidemiological studies have been conducted, especially among Asian adolescent girls and young adult women who are at a high risk of vitamin D deficiency. This study aimed to examine the cross-sectional association between obesity and vitamin D insufficiency among adolescent girls and young adult women in Korea. We used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2008–2014, and 3623 girls and young adult women aged 12–29 years were included. Demographic and lifestyle data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire from the health interview survey. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage (BF%) were measured during health examinations. Multivariable logistic regression was used considering the complex, multistage probability sample design of KNHANES. In the multivariable-adjusted analyses, obese girls and women, defined by BMI, were more likely to have a higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (odds ratio [OR]: 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–2.17). This association was also evident for BF%. Participants with ≥30% BF% had a significantly higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.07–2.16). Obesity may worsen vitamin D insufficiency among adolescents and young women because of the fat-soluble characteristics of vitamin D and related health behaviors, such as a lack of outdoor activity. Further large-scale prospective cohort studies or randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm this causality.

Is vitamin D deficiency related to a higher risk of hospitalization and mortality in veterans with heart failure?

OBJECTIVES

25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency is related to an increase in cardiovascular risk but the association between low 25(OH)D and hospitalization and mortality in heart failure (HF) patients remains unclear. The objective of this study was therefore to determine whether 25(OH)D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of all-cause hospitalizations and mortality in veterans with HF, as well as the differential effect of frailty.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study of veterans with HF.

MAIN OUTCOME

Association between 25(OH)D deficiency and risk of hospitalization and mortality.

MEASURES

25(OH)D status was dichotomized as deficiency (<30 ng/mL) and non-deficiency (≥30 ng/mL). A 44-item Frailty Index (FI) was constructed and used to categorize patients as non-frail (FI < .21) or frail (FI ≥ .21). The association of 25(OH)D deficiency with recurrent hospitalization was analyzed through an Andersen-Gill model and the association with mortality using Cox regression.

RESULTS

We identified 284 patients, of whom 141 (50 %) exhibited 25(OH)D deficiency (67.3 ± 10.5 years of age). The mean 25(OH)D levels in the deficiency and non-deficiency groups were 21.3±5.9 ng/mL and 40.9 ± 10.9 ng/mL, respectively. Over a median follow-up of 1136 days (IQR = 691), there were 617 hospitalizations (68 % in those with 25(OH)D deficiency) and 131 deaths (40 % in those with 25(OH)D deficiency). A significantly higher risk of hospitalization was found in patients with 25(OH)D deficiency: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.8 (95 % CI:1.3-2.5),p < 0.001. Frail veterans had a greater risk of hospitalization than non-frail veterans: HR = 1.7 (95 % CI:1.2-2.7),p < 0.05. Mortality did not show any significant association with 25(OH)D deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

25(OH)D deficiency was an independent risk factor for hospitalization in patients with HF and the effect persisted in those with frailty.

Spontaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures in a young male adult: a case report and literature review

Background

Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fracture is a very rare condition, even in osteoporotic elderly individuals. We report an atypical case of a young male adult who developed simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures without previous trauma or overuse.

Case presentation

A 33-year-old man presented with discomfort in the bilateral groin, which had started 2 weeks previously. Bilateral femoral neck fractures were observed on a radiograph, and in addition, a fracture line was seen at the right subchondral region of the acetabulum using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although the patient had no obvious risk factors associated with bone fragility, his bone mineral density measured using dual X-ray absorptiometry indicated severe osteoporosis (lumber spine: T score − 3.4 standard deviation [SD]; femoral neck: T score − 2.8 SD). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was deficient (19 ng/mL), which was considered to be partly due to non-sunlight exposure for 3 years owing to social withdrawal. Bilateral osteosynthesis was performed, considering his young age, although more than 2 weeks had passed since the onset of the fracture. Bone union and non-occurrence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head were confirmed via radiography and MRI 8 months after the surgery.

Conclusions

Our case suggests that simultaneous non-traumatic bilateral femoral neck fractures can occur in healthy young men.

Calciotropic Hormones and the Prevalence of Vertebral Fractures in Chinese Postmenopausal Women with Vitamin D Insufficiency: Peking Vertebral Fracture Study

This case-control study aimed to examine the effect of high serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level, especially the effect of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) related to hypovitaminosis D, on bone metabolism and bone phenotypes. We included a total of 830 Chinese postmenopausal women aged ≥ 50 years with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level < 30 ng/ml, among whom 415 women had prevalent vertebral fractures (VFs) and others were age-matched controls. We measured serum levels of 25(OH)D, PTH and bone turnover markers (BTMs), which included C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX), N-aminoterminal prepeptide of type I procollagen (P1NP) and osteocalcin (OC). Bone mineral densities (BMDs) at lumbar spine and femoral neck were quantified by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Morphometric VFs were validated by lateral radiograph of thoracolumbar spine. Compared to fracture-free controls, women with VFs exhibited a higher serum level of PTH and a higher percentage of SHPT (both p < 0.05), but had a similar serum level of 25(OH)D (p = 0.166). Positive correlations were depicted between PTH and BTMs (all p < 0.01), and between 25(OH)D and bone formation markers (p = 0.013 for OC, p = 0.068 for P1NP), whereas no significant correlation was identified between both calciotropic hormones and BMDs or between 25(OH)D and β-CTX (all p > 0.05). Increasing PTH was associated with an increased risk of VFs independent of 25(OH)D and BMD [odds ratio (OR) per SD increase in PTH 1.016, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.006-1.027]. Moreover, women with SHPT (i.e., > 68 pg/ml) had about three times odds for VF compared to women with normal PTH levels (OR 3.270, 95% CI 1.581-6.760). These data suggest that evaluated serum PTH level might promote the bone remodeling and then lead to increased risks of VFs among Chinese postmenopausal women with vitamin D insufficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among US adults: prevalence, predictors and clinical implications

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and insufficiency (VDI) are increasing at a global level, and they are associated with increased risk of various diseases. However, little information is available on the prevalence and predictors of VDD and VDI in a representative population of US adults. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) measurements were collected from 26 010 adults aged ≥18 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2010. Using thresholds recommended by the Endocrine Society, VDD was defined as 25(OH)D<50 nmol/l and VDI as 50≤25(OH)D<75 nmol/l. Weighted multinomial log-binomial regression was conducted to estimate prevalence ratios of VDD and VDI. The prevalences of VDD and VDI in 2001-2010 were 28·9 and 41·4 %, respectively. Adults who were black, less educated, poor, obese, current smokers, physically inactive and infrequent milk consumers had a higher prevalence of VDD. After adjustment for other potential predictors, obese adults showed 3·09 times higher prevalence of VDD and 1·80 times higher prevalence of VDI than non-obese adults. Physically inactive adults had 2·00 and 1·36 times higher prevalence of VDD and VDI than active peers. Compared with frequent consumers, rare consumers of milk had 2·44 and 1·25 times higher prevalence of VDD and VDI, respectively. Current alcohol drinkers had 38 % lower prevalence of VDD than non-drinkers. Awareness of the high prevalence of VDD and VDI among US adults and related predictors could inform behavioural and dietary strategies for preventing VDD and monitoring VDI, especially in old, black, obese and inactive individuals who report rare consumption of milk.

Rationale for Raising Current Clinical Practice Guideline Target for Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Chronic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D repletion is recommended for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) and associated vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but optimal levels of serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D remain undefined. Clinical practice guidelines target sufficiency, whereas recent data indicate that higher levels are required to control the elevation of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) as CKD advances. This secondary analysis of 2 randomized controlled trials seeks to identify the minimum level of mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D required to control SHPT arising from VDI in stage 3 or 4 CKD.

METHODS

Adult subjects (n = 429) with SHPT, VDI, and stage 3 or 4 CKD were stratified by stage and treated daily with either extended-release calcifediol (ERC) or placebo in 2 identical, parallel, randomized, double-blind studies. After treatment for 26 weeks, all subjects were ranked by the level of serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D and divided into quintiles in order to examine the relationships between the degree of vitamin D repletion and the associated changes in plasma iPTH, serum bone turnover markers, calcium, phosphorus, intact fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and vitamin D metabolites, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urine calcium:creatinine (Ca:Cr) ratio.

RESULTS

Progressive increases in serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and reductions in plasma iPTH and serum bone turnover markers were observed as mean posttreatment serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D rose from 13.9 ng/mL (in Quintile 1) to 92.5 ng/mL (in Quintile 5), irrespective of CKD stage. Mean serum calcium, phosphorus and FGF23, eGFR, and urine Ca:Cr ratio (collectively "safety parameters") did not significantly change from Quintile 1. Suppression of iPTH and bone turnover markers was not observed until serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D rose to at least 50.8 ng/mL (Quintile 3).

CONCLUSION

ERC therapy produced exposure-dependent reductions in plasma iPTH and bone turnover markers only when mean serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D reached at least 50.8 ng/mL, indicating that current targets for vitamin D repletion therapy in CKD are too low. Gradual elevation of mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D to 92.5 ng/mL was not associated with significant adverse changes in safety parameters.

Bowel symptoms are associated with hypovitaminosis D in individuals with medically complicated obesity

We reported that 30% of individuals with medically complicated obesity have bowel symptoms, suggesting irritable bowel syndrome, but this prevalence of bowel symptoms is not related to body mass index or diabetes mellitus. Hypovitaminosis D is common in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus and is associated with depressive symptoms. Because antidepressants improve global symptoms in individuals with bowel symptoms, we hypothesize that the high prevalence of bowel symptoms in medically complicated obesity is associated with hypovitaminosis D. This is a single-institution, retrospective cohort study performed in a large, urban community teaching hospital. Over 2 years, individuals considering bariatric surgery completed a Manning symptom questionnaire to quantify bowel symptoms. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D was ordered, and the results were recorded for all individuals. Among 271 subjects, 229 subjects (80% women, 20% men; 67% black, 31% white; age range: 23-73 years; body mass index range: 35-91 kg/m²) completed 25-hydroxy vitamin D testing. Sixty-seven subjects (29%) have 3 to 6 Manning bowel symptoms, suggesting irritable bowel syndrome; 84 (37%) have type 2 diabetes; and 180 (79%) had vitamin D insufficiency. There are significant negative associations between Manning bowel symptoms and vitamin D concentrations in subjects with obesity (P = .01) and with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity (P = .007). The results support our hypothesis that the high prevalence of bowel symptoms in people with medically complicated obesity is associated with hypovitaminosis D. A prospective study is required to evaluate vitamin D supplementation and relief of bowel symptoms in people with medically complicated obesity.

Effect of vitamin D3 seasonal supplementation with 1500 IU/day in north Italian children (DINOS study)

Background

The appropriate dose of vitamin D supplementation in children is still debated. We calculated that the recommended dose of 600–1000 IU vitamin D3/day is not sufficient to reach a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) level of at least 30 ng/ml (75 nmol/l) in north Italian children > 12 months. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of seasonal supplementation with 1500 IU (=37.5 μg) vitamin D3/day.

Methods

DINOS (D-vitamIN Oral Supplementation) study was a pilot, monocentric, non-random case-control register study. It was conducted in a paediatric primary care setting near Padova (North Italy, 45°N latitude). The data of 203 children (girls:boys 1:1,33) aged 2–15 years, collected between November 2010 and January 2015, were analysed. Active group A (n = 82) were given 1500 IU vitamin D3/day from November to April; control Group B (n = 121) received no supplementation. The serum 25-OH-D test was part of a laboratory tests panel and performed using a chemiluminescence immunoassay method.

Results

Serum 25-OH-D mean level + standard deviation throughout the period was 32 + 13 ng/ml (80 + 32 nmol/l) in group A vs 22 + 10 ng/ml (55 + 25 nmol/l) in group B. In group A 12% had vitamin D deficiency 25-OH-D < 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/l) and 1.2% severe vitamin D deficiency 25-OH-D < 10 ng/ml (25 nmol/l). In group B 46% had vitamin D deficiency and 9% severe deficiency (P <  0.001). In group A mean levels were normal or near-normal all the year except in May. Group B reached mean 25-OH-D levels close to 30 ng/ml (75 nmol/l) only in late summer. The active group mean 25-OH-D level was normal in preschoolers and schoolers but not in adolescents. Non-white children had a three-times vitamin D deficiency probability despite supplementation.

Conclusions

Vitamin D supplementation with at least 1500 IU vitamin D3/day from November to April was found appropriate for children in North Italy. A prolongation until May could be useful. Higher doses and/or prolonged periods could be more appropriate especially in adolescents and in non-white children.

Study registration

DINOS gained the approval of Padova Ethics Committee (n. 3960/U16/2016).

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13052-018-0590-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A case of pathological fracture caused by vitamin D insufficiency in a young athlete and a review of the literature

Our patient is a 16-year-old boy basketballer with no significant medical history or previous injuries. He fell on his right hip during jogging and sustained a right superior-posterior hip dislocation with a Pipkin type 2 fracture of the femoral head. Manipulation and reduction under sedation then general anaesthesia was unsuccessful he underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Because his fall was of low energy, an endocrinologist was consulted to rule out primary contributing factors to his fracture dislocation. He was found to have insufficient levels of vitamin D (22.4 μg/l) which was replaced subsequently. Other hormonal investigations were unremarkable. The Bone Mineral Density of his left femoral neck measured 1.098, corresponding to a Z-score of 1.1 (normal). At 2 months post operation, our patient was pain free and able to ambulate without aid. Follow up Xrays showed satisfactory alignment with no evidence of osteonecrosis. We conducted a literature search on pubmed with keywords: Hip, dislocation, fracture, minimal trauma, atraumatic, vitamin D deficiency. We then excluded post-operative dislocations and found 4 articles reporting minimal or atraumatic hip dislocations. Posterior hip dislocations have been reported in literature to be a high energy trauma, usually due to an axial load on the femur, typically with hip flexed and adducted. Complex posterior fracture-dislocation of the native hip joint in adults is usually caused by road traffic accidents or falls from heights. Native hip dislocations in adults associated with minimal or no trauma are rarely reported in literature, and are mostly due to hip dysplasia, arthritis, connective tissue disorders or spastic muscular paralysis. Of note there are no reports of vitamin D deficiency causing a hip fracture dislocation. This is the first known case of an athlete sustaining a vitamin D insufficiency fracture. In patients presenting with posterior hip dislocations after minimal or no trauma, underlying causes must be excluded. More research is necessary to investigate the relationship between vitamin D insufficiency and hip dislocations.

Vitamin D Prescribing Practices in Primary Care Pediatrics: Underpinnings From the Health Belief Model and Use of Web-Based Delphi Technique for Instrument Validity

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is a pandemic problem in children and adolescents in the United States. The problem may be aggravated by the inconsistent implementation of current clinical practice guidelines for vitamin D management by pediatric primary care providers. This study examines the relationship between primary care providers' prescribing vitamin D to children ages 1 through 18 years and their practice actions and knowledge. A descriptive correlation design was used. Participants were recruited from a purposive sample of pediatricians and pediatric nurse practitioners through an online invitation to participate in a survey. Reliability and validity was established for the survey developed by the principal investigator using a web-based Delphi technique. Results from this study indicate that although most providers are aware that vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are problems, fewer than half currently recommend 600- to 1,000-IU supplementation to their patients ages 1 through 18 years.

Measured free 25-hydroxyvitamin D in healthy children and relationship to total 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calculated free 25-hydroxyvitamin D and vitamin D binding protein

BACKGROUND

vitamin D deficiency in children is still a global health problem. Measuring free 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations could provide a better estimate of the vitamin D status than total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between measured free vitamin D (m-f25(OH)D) and calculated free 25(OH)D (c-f25(OH)D), total 25(OH)D, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and other markers of phosphocalcic metabolism. To establish serum m-f25(OH)D concentrations corresponding to a total 25(OH)D > 50 nmol/L which is accepted as vitamin D-sufficiency status in children.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

January and February 2017 in a Mediterranean population.

PATIENTS

healthy children.

MEASUREMENTS

m-f25(OH)D and vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) by ELISA. Free 25(OH)D was calculated using the formula described by Bikle.

RESULTS

m-f25(OH)D directly correlated with total 25(OH)D (r:0.804,p < .001), serum calcium (r:0.26,p:0.035), and c-f25(OH)D (r:0.553,p:0.016); and inversely with iPTH (r:-0.374, p:0.002), alkaline phosphatase (r:-0.28, p:0.026), and age (r:-0.289, p:0.018). Total 25(OH)D correlated with the same parameters as m-f25(OH)D except for serum calcium. However, c-f25(OH)D correlated only with total 25(OH)D and VDBP, both included in the calculation formula. Multiple regression analysis showed that m-f25(OH)D variations were independently explained by calcium (β:0.156, p:0.026) and total 25(OH)D (β:0.043, p < .001). The optimal m-f25(OH)D cut-off for discriminating between insufficient and sufficient total 25(OH)D was >9.8 pmol/L (Area Under Curve (AUC): 0.897 (95% confidence interval (CI): (0.798-0.958); p < .001; sensitivity:72.7% (95%CI: 49.8-89.3); specificity: 95.5% (95%CI: 84.5-99.4)).

CONCLUSIONS

Directly measured free vitamin D correlated better with markers of phosphocalcic metabolism than total 25(OH)D and c-f25(OH)D in a population of healthy children.

Dose ranging effects of vitamin D3 on the geriatric depression score: A clinical trial

Depression is a common problem affecting millions, usually treated with selective serotonin uptake inhibitors. Interest in vitamin D as a co-therapy was stimulated by some association studies that correlated depression with low serum 25OHD levels. There are few longitudinal studies of vitamin D and depression and most are single doses of vitamin D. In this study we examined the effect of one-year treatment with several doses of vitamin D on the Geriatric depression score (GDS) in older Caucasian and African American women. The clinical trial was a study of seven daily oral doses of vitamin D (400-4800IU/d) in Black and White older women. The trial was a double blind, randomized and placebo controlled lasting 12-months. The main inclusion criterion was serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD)≤20ng/mL (50nmol/L). Calcium supplements were given to maintain calcium intake 1000mg/day in young people and 1200-1400mg/day in older women. Data on Geriatric depression (GDS) was collected using the validated long form at baseline and 12-months. The change in serum 25OHD was the primary outcome and GDS was one of the secondary outcomes. Adjustments were made for relevant covariates. Analysis of vitamin D effect was by dose low, medium and high compared to placebo or by quintiles. Serum 25OHD increased as a quadratic curve function to a mean of 46ng/mL (115nmol/L) in white women and 49ng/mL (122.5nmol/L) in black women on the highest dose of 4800 IU. In older women mean GDS scores changed from 3.8 (SD±4.2) at baseline to 3.6 (SD±4.1) at 12 months in whites and from 3.0 (SD±3.7) to 3.02 (SD±4.2) in Blacks. (p=0.790 in whites; p=0.958 in blacks). After 12-months there was no effect of dose on change in GDS score in women treated with different doses of vitamin D (p=0.507 in whites and p=0.340 in blacks). When both Caucasians and African Americans were divided into 3 dose groups, low (400-800 IU), medium (1600-3200 IU) and high (4000-4800 IU) doses, the change in score was 0.8 on low dose, -0.30 on medium dose and -0.31 on high dose compared to 0.11 on placebo (p=0.546). In summary, there was no improvement in GDS scores in Caucasians or African Americans on either increasing doses of vitamin D or quintiles of achieved response in serum 25OHD. The changes were small and not significant perhaps because of the relatively lower numbers of depressed women in the groups. Further studies should recruit larger numbers, 3 dose groups covering a serum25OHD range of 20-60ng/mL and more subjects with clinical depression in order to fully address the question of vitamin D effects on depression.

Effect of high dose vitamin D3 therapy on serum vitamin D3 levels in vitamin D insufficient adults with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

The effect of a high dose oral cholecalciferol repletion strategy in Vitamin D insufficient adults with CF is still unknown. Therefore, we assessed the effectiveness of our current approach, giving oral vitamin D3 supplementation at a dose of 10,000 IU from Monday to Friday for a total of 50,000 IU D3 weekly in vitamin D insufficient adult with CF.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of all 59 adult CF patients between the ages of 17 and 64 years routinely followed at the CF Adult Program of Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre. Through consultation with the endocrinologist, our clinic vitamin D repletion protocol for treating CF adult patients who have serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) < 30 ng/ml (<75 nmol/L) was to prescribe vitamin D3 10,000 IU orally from Monday to Friday (or the weekly equivalent of 50,000 IU) for 12 weeks in addition to their regular CF vitamin that supplied from 800 to 2000 IU vitamin D3 daily. Cholecalciferol was conveniently administered orally as either one capsule (oil-based) 10,000 IU or one tablet (powder-based) 10,000 IU. All patients were instructed to obtain follow-up serum 25-OHD levels post completion of treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 59 adult patients at our CF Clinic, 35 patients (59%) had below optimal serum 25-OHD levels. Of the 35 patients identified, 10 patients with insufficient serum 25-OHD levels between 10 and 30 ng/ml (25-75 nmol/L) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A significant increase in serum 25-OHD levels was observed (P < 0.01) from mean value of 21.6 ± 5.9 ng/ml (54.1 ± 14.8 nmol/L) at baseline to 31.7 ± 9.1 ng/ml (79.3 ± 22.8 nmol/L) ≥ 2 months post intervention. The current treatment approach was successful in treating Vitamin D insufficiency in 70% of the patients with low 25-OHD levels.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study demonstrate that a large number of adults attending Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre CF Clinic have serum 25-OHD levels below 30 ng/ml (75 nmol/L). This supports the need for dedicated and individualized approach to manage this condition. High dose therapy of vitamin D3, although a more aggressive treatment approach, may result in achieving optimal levels of serum 25-OHD in adults with CF.

Comparison of total, free and bioavailable 25-OH vitamin D determinations to evaluate its biological activity in healthy adults: the LabOscat study

Determination of different forms of 25-OHD (total, free and bioavailable) in healthy young women does not offer additional advantages over standard 25-OHD_T for evaluating vitamin D deficiency. In these subjects 25-OHD_T values <15 ng/ml would be more appropriate for defining this deficiency.

INTRODUCTION

Determination of 25-OH vitamin D serum levels (25-OHD) constitutes the method of choice for evaluating vitamin D deficiency. However, vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) may modulate its bioavailability thereby affecting correct evaluation of 25-OHD status. We analysed the impact of the determination of 25-OHD (total, free and bioavailable) on the evaluation its biologic activity (estimated by serum PTH determination) in healthy young women.

METHODS

173 premenopausal women (aged 35-45 yrs.) were included. We analysed serum values of total 25-OHD (25-OHD_T), DBP, albumin, PTH and bone formation (PINP,OC) and resorption (NTx,CTx) markers. Free(25-OHD_F) and bioavailable (25-OHD_B) serum 25-OHD levels were estimated by DBP and albumin determinations and also directly by ELISA (25-OHD_F-2). We analysed threshold PTH values for the different forms of 25-OHD and the correlations and differences according to 25-OHD_T levels <20 ng/ml.

RESULTS

62% of subjects had 25-OHD values <20 ng/ml and also had significantly lower 25-OHD_F and 25-OHD_B values, with no significant differences in bone markers and PTH values. The PTH threshold value was similar for all forms of 25-OHD (∼70 pg/ml). Women with PTH values >70 had lower 25-OHD_T (15.4 ± 1.4 vs. 18.3 ± 2.7, p < 0.05) and 25OHD_B values (1.7 ± 0.2 vs. 2.2 ± 0.09, p < 0.05). The different forms of 25OHD were significantly intercorrelated, with marginal correlations between PTH and 25-OHD_T (r = -0.136, p = 0.082).

CONCLUSIONS

Determination of different forms of 25-OHD in healthy young women does not offer additional advantages over standard 25-OHD_T for evaluating vitamin D deficiency. In these subjects 25-OHD_T values <15 ng/ml would be more appropriate for defining this deficiency.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on the Incidence of Gestational Diabetes

Background:

The aim of this study was survey of the effect of Vitamin D supplementation on the incidence of gestational diabetes (GDM) in pregnant women.

Materials and Methods:

This randomized clinical trial was conducted at Alzahra and Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, from January, 2013 to January, 2014 on 210 pregnant women referred to gynecology clinics. Serum levels of Vitamin D were measured, and those with lower serum levels of 10 nmol/L randomly divided into two groups of A and B. Pregnant women with normal Vitamin D level assigned as Group C. Group A was given 50,000 IU Vitamin D supplement every 2 weeks for 10 weeks, and Group B were given the omega-3 pearl as placebo. Then, the incidence of GDM was measured in 24–26 weeks of pregnancy with glucose tolerance test and compared in three groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 by descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Logistic regression.

Results:

The mean age of participants was 24.76 years (8.02 standard deviation, range 16–36 years). The incidence of GDM at 24–26 weeks gestational age were 8.57% in normal Vitamin D group, 10.00% in Vitamin D deficiency with treatment group, and 11.43% in Vitamin D deficiency without treatment group. The difference between groups in terms of incidence of GDM was not statistically significant (P = 0.112).

Conclusion:

Vitamin D supplementation had not effect on incidence of GDM during pregnancy.

The vitamin D deficiency pandemic: Approaches for diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is a global health issue that afflicts more than one billion children and adults worldwide. The consequences of vitamin D deficiency cannot be under estimated. There has been an association of vitamin D deficiency with a myriad of acute and chronic illnesses including preeclampsia, childhood dental caries, periodontitis, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease, deadly cancers, type 2 diabetes and neurological disorders. This review is to put into perspective the controversy surrounding the definition for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency as well as providing guidance for how to treat and prevent vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D Insufficiency and Asthma in a US Nationwide Study

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D insufficiency (a serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level of <30 ng/mL) has been associated with asthma morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

To examine vitamin D insufficiency, asthma, and lung function among US children and adults.

METHODS

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2001 to 2010, we examined vitamin D insufficiency and (1) current asthma or wheeze in 10,860 children (6-17 years) and 24,115 adults (18-79 years) and (2) lung function in a subset of participants. Logistic or linear regression was used for the multivariable analysis, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, income, body mass index, smoking, and C-reactive protein level.

RESULTS

Vitamin D insufficiency was associated with current asthma (odds ratio, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.11-1.64) and current wheeze in children, as well as with current wheeze in adults (odds ratio, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.04-1.31). After stratifying the analysis by race/ethnicity and (in adults) current smoking, vitamin D insufficiency was associated with current asthma and wheeze in non-Hispanic white children only; in adults, vitamin D insufficiency was associated with current wheeze in non-Hispanic whites and blacks. Vitamin D insufficiency was also associated with lower FEV1 and forced vital capacity in children and adults. When analyzing each National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey wave separately, vitamin D insufficiency prevalence was 72% to 76% from 2001 to 2006, and then decreased from 2007 to 2010 (64%-65%); interestingly, asthma prevalence decreased for the first time from the period 2007 to 2008 (8.2%) to the period 2009 to 2010 (7.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

We show racial/ethnic-specific associations between vitamin D insufficiency and current asthma or wheeze in children and adults. Moreover, we report parallel recent decrements in the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and asthma.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D cutoffs for functional bone measures in postmenopausal osteoporosis

This study sought to determine the minimal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration required to maintain bone health in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. A serum 25(OH)D concentration of 20 ng/mL rather than 30 ng/mL was appropriate for bone health.

INTRODUCTION

There is no consensus on the minimal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration required to maintain bone health. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between 25(OH)D measured via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which is the current gold standard, and biochemical markers of bone turnover, PTH, and bone mineral densitometry (BMD).

METHODS

The medical records of 750 postmenopausal women newly diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia at Samsung Medical Center from 2009 to 2014 were investigated. Subjects were divided into four groups according to serum 25(OH)D concentration: <10, 10-20, 20-30, and ≥30 ng/mL. Serum concentrations of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BS-ALP), carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTx), intact PTH (iPTH), and BMD were compared among the four groups using analysis of covariance. Thresholds of 25(OH)D were then assessed using spline plots and locally weighted regression smoothing (LOESS) plots.

RESULTS

25(OH)D was negatively correlated with serum BS-ALP, CTx, and iPTH. Only femur neck and total femur BMD had significant positive relationships with 25(OH)D. Cutoff values of 11.9 and 9.7 ng/mL were estimated from the spline plots of femur neck and total femur BMD, respectively. For iPTH, the LOESS plot showed a steep decrease to a serum 25(OH)D concentration of about 20 ng/mL, followed by a plateau.

CONCLUSIONS

According to this study, a serum 25(OH)D concentration of 20 ng/mL, rather than 30 ng/mL, was appropriate for bone health.

A randomized clinical trial comparing 3 different replacement regimens of vitamin D in clinically asymptomatic pediatrics and adolescents with vitamin D insufficiency

BACKGROUND

Pediatric and Adolescent populations both have special needs for vitamin D especially for growing bone. Inadequate vitamin D is defined as 25 (OH) D(25hydroxy vitamin D) < 30 ng/ml.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, controlled clinical trial from July 2014 over 1 year, aiming to assess the changes in 25 (OH) D and biochemical outcome on calcium and PTH(parathyroid hormone) using 3 different regimens of vitamin D replacement. Initial and 4 month 25 (OH) D, calcium, PTH and 12 month 25 (OH) D levels were assayed. Participants divided into 3 groups: 1) given 400 IU daily, 2) given 45000 IU weekly for 2 months then 400 IU daily, 3) given 2000 IU daily for 3 months then 1000 IU daily.

RESULTS

The results showed significant difference between the 3 groups as regards 25 (OH) D at 4 and 12 months (P < 0.001). Regimens used in group 2 and 3 caused increase in 25 (OH) D after 4 month (median increase is 225% and 200% respectively). 25 (OH) D dropped in group 1 and 2 (median decrease is 42 and 53% respectively) but continued to increase in group 3 (median change is 6%). In group 2 serum calcium median change was 1.2% with few cases of hypercalcuria. 94.9, 76.1 and 7.7 are the percent of vitamin D deficient participants in groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively after 12 months follow up.

CONCLUSION

We advise as a replacement for vitamin D insufficiency, low loading dose with high maintaince dose rather than the opposite to achieve steady increase in serum 25 (OH) D with no hypercalcemic side effects.

The association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and recurrent falls in the elderly population: a cohort study

Introduction

Serum vitamin D concentration is a major contributing factor for increasing the risk of fall and fall-related injuries in older adults. However, when prescribed and supplemented for these populations, the outcomes are controversial, and in several cases no improvement has been reported in reducing the risk of recurrent falls. This study aimed to examine the association between serum vitamin D concentration and recurrent falls in Iranian older adults.

Methods

This cohort study was conducted in the emergency departments of two university hospitals. A cohort of 82 elderly participants aged over 60 and suffered from an unintentional episode of falling was evaluated six months after their first ED visit. A structured, self-administered checklist was developed to obtain the participants’ demographic and clinical information. Participants also were asked about any recurrent fall experience during follow-up.

Results

The mean (SD) age of the study population was 75 (8). Over half of the participants were male (57.3%). The mean (median) serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH)D) concentration was 38 (34) ng/ml. Mean serum 25(OH)D levels varied slightly between gender groups (p=0.450). An inverse but insignificant association was found between the age of participants and their serum 25(OH)D levels (r=−0.03, p=0.7). A small but insignificant association also was found between the mean serum 25(OH)D level and the number of recurrent falls in elderly patients irrespective of their age, gender, or physical activity groups (OR=1.008, p=0.992).

Conclusion

In contrast to previous studies, no significant association of serum 25(OH)D concentration was found with recurrent falls in Iranian older adults.

Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among adolescents and its correlation with bone parameters using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are highly prevalent among adolescents in Hong Kong, which is a sub-tropical city with ample sunshine. Vitamin D level is significantly correlated with key bone density and bone quality parameters. Further interventional studies are warranted to define the role of vitamin D supplementation for improvement of bone health among adolescents.

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between bone quality parameters and vitamin D (Vit-D) status remains undefined among adolescents. The aims of this study were to evaluate Vit-D status and its association with both bone density and bone quality parameters among adolescents.

METHODS

Three hundred thirty-three girls and 230 boys (12-16 years old) with normal health were recruited in summer and winter separately from local schools. Serum 25(OH) Vit-D level, bone density and quality parameters by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) and High-Resolution peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (HR-pQCT), dietary calcium intake, and physical activity level were assessed.

RESULTS

Sixty-four point seven percent and 11.4 % of subjects were insufficient [25 ≤ 25(OH)Vit-D ≤ 50 nmol/L] and deficient [25(OH)Vit-D < 25 nmol/L] in Vit-D, respectively. The mean level of serum 25(OH)Vit-D in summer was significantly higher than that in winter (44.7 ± 13.6 and 35.9 ± 12.6 nmol/L, respectively) without obvious gender difference. In girls, areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of bilateral femoral necks, cortical area, cortical thickness, total volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and trabecular thickness were significantly correlated with 25(OH)Vit-D levels. In boys, aBMD of bilateral femoral necks, BMC of the dominant femoral neck, cortical area, cortical thickness, total vBMD, trabecular vBMD, BV/TV, and trabecular separation were significantly correlated with 25(OH)Vit-D levels.

CONCLUSION

Vit-D insufficiency was highly prevalent among adolescents in Hong Kong with significant correlation between Vit-D levels and key bone density and bone quality parameters being detected in this study. Given that this is a cross-sectional study and causality relationship cannot be inferred, further interventional studies investigating the role of Vit-D supplementation on improving bone health among adolescents are warranted.

Effect of multivitamin on serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level in postmenopausal women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of multivitamin vitamin D 300 or 600 units on serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level after 4 weeks of supplementation in postmenopausal women with vitamin D insufficiency.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

METHODS

Postmenopausal women who had vitamin D insufficiency were recruited into the study. The participants were randomized to 3 groups of 4-week treatment period with multivitamin (GPO, Governmental Pharmacy Organization) 2 tablets (contained vitamin D2 amount 600 units), multivitamin 1 tablet (contained vitamin D2 amount 300 units) or placebo. At baseline and after 4 weeks of supplementation, serum 25(OH)D were determined with electrochemilumines-cence immunoassay (Cobas, Roche Diagnostics) and level change of 25(OH)D level were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

Out of 144 participants, 49.3% had vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml) and 50.7% had vitamin D insufficiency (<30 ng/ml). However, after 4 weeks of the GPO oral multivitamin, serum 25(OH)D levels significantly increased from 19.4 ± 6.3 ng/ml at baseline to 22.2 ± 5.2 ng/ml (p = 0.01) and from 19.5 ± 5.0 ng/ml to 23.3 ± 5.2 ng/ml (p < 0.01) in the groups receiving vitamin D 300 IU and 600 IU/day, respectively. Approximately, 10% of those who took vitamin D had serum 25(OH)D level above the insufficiency level within 4 weeks. There was no significant changes of serum 25(OH)D after 4 weeks in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

Daily supplementation of the generic multivitamin containing vitamin D2 300 and 600 IU daily for 4 weeks significantly increased mean serum 25(OH)D from baseline up above the deficiency level.

Profile of oxidative stress markers is dependent on vitamin D levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C

OBJECTIVES

Although vitamin D deficiency can change liver injury progression in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV), the main molecular mechanisms involved are largely unknown. The first aim of this study was to evaluate the association between oxidative stress and hypovitaminosis D in patients with HCV. The second aim was to verify whether oxidative stress is involved in the molecular mechanisms related to liver injury.

METHODS

The study included 147 participants: 89 controls and 58 patients with HCV (vitamin D < 30, n = 32; vitamin D > 30, n = 26).

RESULTS

Patients with HCV and hypovitaminosis D presented significantly higher aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI; P = 0.0464) and viral load (P = 0.0426) levels than patients with HCV without hypovitaminosis D. Regarding oxidative stress, HCV patients with hypovitaminosis D had higher advanced oxidation protein products (P = 0.0409), nitric oxide metabolites (P = 0.0206) levels, and oxidative stress index (P = 0.0196), whereas total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (P = 0.0446) levels were significantly lower than HCV patients without hypovitaminosis D. Vitamin D in patients with HCV showed inverse correlations with levels of iron (r = -0.407, P = 0.0285), ferritin (r = -0.383, P = 0.0444), APRI (r = -0.453, P = 0.0154) and plasma lipid hydroperoxides levels (r = -0.426, P = 0.0189).

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D insufficiency contributes to the inflammatory process and oxidative stress imbalance in patients with HCV. The profile of oxidative stress markers in these patients depends on vitamin D levels, which probably change intracellular signalling pathways and increase inflammation and liver injury.