Abstract
BackgroundRecent studies have shown that inadequate vitamin D levels are associated with a poor cancer prognosis, but data regarding actual vitamin D levels in cancer survivors are limited. This study investigated the vitamin D levels and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Korean cancer survivors compared with non-cancer controls, and identified the factors associated with vitamin D deficiency.MethodsUsing the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 915 cancer survivors and 29,694 controls without a history of cancer were selected. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured; vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D levels less than 20 ng/mL. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and associated factors.ResultsVitamin D deficiency was observed in 62.7% of cancer survivors and 67.1% of controls. Among cancer survivors, vitamin D deficiency was most prevalent among 19–44 year olds (76.2%) and among managers, professionals, and related workers (79.3%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that younger cancer survivors and those who work indoors were predisposed to vitamin D deficiency.ConclusionVitamin D deficiency was prevalent among both cancer survivors and controls in Korea. The regular evaluation and management of vitamin D levels is needed for both bone health and general health in cancer survivors.
Highlights
As people spend more time indoors at home or in an office environment, they fail to obtain enough sunlight to adequately produce cutaneous vitamin D [1]
This study investigated the vitamin D levels and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Korean cancer survivors compared with non-cancer controls, and identified the factors associated with vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 62.7% of cancer survivors and 67.1% of controls
Summary
As people spend more time indoors at home or in an office environment, they fail to obtain enough sunlight to adequately produce cutaneous vitamin D [1]. Recent studies have consistently reported a surprisingly high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency across all age groups worldwide [2,3,4]. The worldwide prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is 30–50% among the general population [2, 5]. In a study using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), the mean serum level of 25(OH)D was 21.2±7.5 ng/ml in males and 18.2±7.1 ng/ml in females. Vitamin D deficiency (which is defined as less than 20 ng/ml) was found in 47.3% of males and 64.5% of females; only 13.2% of males and 6.7% of females had a serum 25(OH)D level of greater than 30 ng/ml [3]. This study investigated the vitamin D levels and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Korean cancer survivors compared with non-cancer controls, and identified the factors associated with vitamin D deficiency
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