Differences In Vitamin Research Articles

Weight Loss Induces Changes in Vitamin D Status in Women with Obesity but not in Men: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Obesity is associated with low vitamin D and recent studies have suggested a difference in vitamin D metabolism between females and males. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of weight loss on vitamin D status in individuals with obesity, and secondarily, whether vitamin D metabolism differs between women and men. Secondary analysis from a randomized placebo-controlled trial, designed to investigate the efficacy of 52 weeks of treatment with either liraglutide, exercise or combined, compared with placebo on weight loss maintenance after an 8-week low-calorie diet-induced weight loss in 195 individuals with obesity (BMI 32-43 kg/m2). The low-calorie diet-induced weight loss resulted in an increase in serum 25(OH)D in both women and men (12 nmol/L (95%CI 9-15) and 13 nmol/L (95%CI 8-17); p < 0.001 for both). Women who experienced a further weight loss during the 52 weeks of intervention had an increase in serum 25(OH)D compared with women regaining weight (14 nmol/L (95%CI 6-22); p = 0.001). Interestingly, women experiencing further weight loss at week 52 had a lower serum 25(OH)D at baseline compared with women regaining weight (54 nmol/L (SD 19) vs. 70 nmol/L (SD 25); p < 0.001). Weight loss induced by a low-calorie diet resulted in an increase in serum 25(OH)D in both women and men. Only in women, further weight loss had an additional beneficial impact on vitamin D. Additionally, initial low serum 25(OH)D was associated with successful weight loss maintenance in women, but not men.

Serum Vitamin D Testing – A Necessity Or An Injudicious Expenditure

Objective: To evaluate the serum vitamin D levels and to determine the justification for vitamin D testing in patients. Study Design: Cross-Sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemical Pathology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Rawalpindi, Pakistan from Oct to Dec 2022. Methodology: Patients of either gender coming for vitamin D level estimation were included. Vitamin D levels were analyzed on Immunoassay auto-analyzer. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: Out of 249 patients, 87(34.9%) were male while 162(65.1%) were female, with mean age 41.09±19.10 years and mean Vitamin D levels 73.08±45.86nmol/l. None of the patients (0%) had vitamin D deficiency, 174(69.9%) had vitamin D insufficiency, 72(28.9%) had vitamin D sufficiency, while 3(1.2%) had vitamin D excess. Major reasons for Vitamin D testing was bone pains, which were present in 72(28.9%) patients. A significant difference in vitamin D levels according to reason of testing (p&lt;0.05) was observed. Total expense on vitamin D testing for 249 patients was PKR 722100/- (249x2900), as compared to cost of supplementation PKR 199200/- (249x800) in clinical suspected cases. Conclusion: Majority of patients that tested for vitamin D were in lower risk group, and were not vitamin D deficient, with bone pains being the complaint due to which most patients were tested.

Sex-related differences in vitamin D testing in the Veneto Region, Italy: a retrospective analysis from 2005 to 2016

SummaryA retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the frequency of vitamin D blood testing in individuals from the Padua province, Veneto, Italy from 2005 to 2016. A significant increase in the frequency of vitamin D blood tests, particularly in females was observed and in individuals with severe vitamin D deficiency (Class I).PurposeVitamin D deficiency has been linked to negative health outcomes that extend beyond bone-related conditions. The frequency of vitamin D blood testing in residents from the Padua province, (Veneto, Italy) from 2005 to 2016 was evaluated.MethodsData were retrospectively retrieved from blood test databases (Laboratory Medicine Unit, Padua University Hospital) and information on number of vitamin D blood tests performed on residents from 2005 to 2016 was collected. Data were stratified by sex and ten birth cohorts from 1901 to 2016. Blood tests were classified into five vitamin D classes: I < 50 nmol/L, II 50–74.9 nmol/L, III 75–149 nmol/L, IV 150–250 nmol/L, and V > 250–1000 nmol/L. Blood test trends were analyzed as blood test rate and vitamin D class rate/resident population. Population analysis was analyzed by incidence rates and stratified by vitamin D class.Results293,013 vitamin D blood tests were conducted between 2005 and 2016 across 10 birth cohorts. Females accounted for 75% of tests and fewer were conducted in the youngest and oldest birth cohorts. Sex differences in vitamin D blood test frequency were observed; adjusted rates ranging from 1.7 to 35.6% for males and 8 to 81% for females from 2005 to 2016. Crude incidence rates (per 1000 from 2005 to 2016) varied from 1.5 to 10.8‰ for males and 7 to 19.4‰ for females. Crude blood test rates for vitamin D deficiency (Class I) increased from 1.1 to 9.9‰ in 2016 for males and 5 to 17.3‰ for females. Crude incidence rates (from 2005 to 2016) for Class I were 9.7–57.1‰ in males and 43.6–92.4‰ in females.ConclusionsThese findings highlight sex-related differences in vitamin D testing, providing valuable insight for healthcare planning.

Vitamin D as a Modifiable Risk Factor for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies Comparing Baseline Vitamin D in Children with JIA to Individuals Without.

The varying interactions contributing to the development of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) drive the struggle to understand its etiology. Among the environmental risk factors, vitamin D has been posited to have a component in disease progression, acting as an inflammatory mediator. To investigate the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, indicative of vitamin D, among patients diagnosed with JIA compared with control participants. The aim was to elucidate potential therapeutic implications of vitamin D in the management of JIA. A systematic search of 6 electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) was performed until February 2023. Inclusion criteria required participants to be <16 years old (either clinically diagnosed with JIA or a matched control participant), with vitamin D levels measured through serum laboratory methods. Exclusion criteria omitted studies in which participants used vitamin D supplementation or medications affecting vitamin D levels without corresponding statistical analyses on their association with vitamin D levels. Each article was reviewed by at least 2 independent reviewers to assess eligibility for analysis. Data were qualitatively analyzed to compare means of serum 25(OH)D levels (ng/mL) between patients with JIA and control participants, followed by a meta-analysis to obtain effect size. Ten eligible studies were included qualitatively, and eight were included in the meta-analysis. Seven studies found a statistically significant difference in vitamin D levels between control participants and patients with JIA, with five of these reporting a lower mean vitamin D level in patients with JIA. A random-effects model using standardized mean difference found a statistically significant difference in vitamin D levels between control participants and patients with JIA (-0.49; 95% CI, -0.92 to -0.06). The findings from the analysis indicate vitamin D levels were lower in patients with JIA as compared with healthy control participants at baseline. It is recommended that research into vitamin D supplementation and JIA should be conducted.

Vitamin D serum levels and temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThis systematic review evaluates the connection between vitamin D serum levels, deficiency, and temporomandibular disorders (TMD), offering a meta-analysis of the existing evidence in this domain. DesignThe Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Pubmed databases were searched for human studies concerning the connection between vitamin D and TMD comprising a control group. A random-effect model with forest plots was used for vitamin D serum levels mean difference (MD), vitamin D deficiency odds ratio (OR), and risk difference (RD) between subjects with and without TMD. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on ethnicity, overall risk of bias, TMD diagnosis method, and study designs. A p-value lower than 0.05 was considered significant. The certainty of the meta-evidence was evaluated according to the GRADE approach. ResultsOf the 2621 identified unique records, 15 studies were included in the study, eight of which were considered for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed a significant vitamin D deficiency OR (3.85; 95 % CI: 2.35 – 5.43; Certainty: Low) and RD (22 %; 95 % CI: 11 % - 32 %; Certainty: Very low), and vitamin D serum levels MD (-5.03 ng/mL; 95 % CI: −9.92 – −0.13; Certainty: Very low) between subjects with and without TMD. Among subgroup analyses, only the difference in vitamin D MD between Middle Eastern and European patients was significant (P < 0.01). ConclusionConsidering the low to very low certainty of the evidence, vitamin D serum levels are significantly lower, and vitamin D deficiency is significantly more prevalent in TMD patients.

The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation with or without Calcium on Vitamin D Epimer and Metabolites.

A possible role of vitamin D epimers and metabolites in the measurement and response to treatment of vitamin D has been reported recently. Furthermore, the influence of underlying vitamin D receptor (VDR) genetic polymorphisms which have been linked to diseases such as obesity remains unclear. We therefore aimed to examine the influence of vitamin D3 and calcium supplements on vitamin D epimer and metabolite concentrations in subjects with and those without vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms. A total of 277 participants who were part of a randomized intervention trial of vitamin D3 and calcium or a placebo for 6 months had clinical and anthropometric assessments. Blood samples were taken for measurements of vitamin D, epimers and metabolites of vitamin D, four vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism SNPs, namely, BsmI, FokI, TaqI, and ApaI, metabolic and inflammatory markers, and related biochemical variables. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to assess the between-group difference in cumulative changes in vitamin D epimers and metabolites at 6 months after adjusting for the presence of the 4 VDR genotypes and allele gene polymorphisms. Overall, 277 participants, with a mean (±SD) age of 41 ± 12 and 204 (74%) of whom were female, were included in the study. We found no statistically significant differences in vitamin D metabolites or (epimers) between male and females or younger subjects compared to those over 40 years of age except in 7C4 BL (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations between subjects with and those without genotypes AG and the allele G SNP2_Taql VDR gene polymorphism. Vitamin D3 concentrations were also significantly lower in subjects with the CC SNP3_Apal gene polymorphism compared to those without the CC SNP3 gene. No statistically significant effects were seen on vitamin D epimers and metabolites concentration in response to supplements before or after adjusting for the presence of the 4 VDR genotypes and allele gene polymorphisms. The CC SNP3 gene had statistically significant influence on vitamin D3 levels. Vitamin D and/or calcium supplements, however, had no effects on vitamin D epimer and metabolite concentration before or after adjusting for the presence of the 4 VDR genotypes and alleles.

Understanding the additional impact of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus on vitamin C requirements in people living with obesity

Obesity and diabetes are known to negatively affect vitamin C status. However, whether the presence of diabetes, in addition to obesity, contributes an additional impact on vitamin C status is currently uncertain. In a cohort of 152 adults living with obesity, we assessed metabolic and nutrient parameters in participants without diabetes (n = 92), and with prediabetes (n = 22) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM; n = 35). Vitamin C concentrations were measured in plasma and leukocytes using HPLC and vitamin C intakes were assessed using 24-hour dietary recall. Metabolic severity scores were derived using gender, ethnicity, height, weight, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, HDL, and triglyceride values. In people living with obesity, those with prediabetes and T2DM had increased metabolic dysregulation and decreased vitamin C status relative to those without diabetes (P < .05). Vitamin C deficiency was observed in a high proportion (23%-32%) of participants with prediabetes and T2DM and ≥50% had hypovitaminosis C. However, there was no difference in vitamin C intake between those without diabetes and those with prediabetes or T2DM (P > .05). There was a significant inverse correlation between plasma vitamin C status and metabolic severity score (r = -0.290, P < .001). Linear regression indicated that for every 1-unit increase in metabolic severity score, there was a 6.5 µmol/L decrease in vitamin C status. Thus, the enhanced metabolic dysregulation observed with prediabetes and T2DM is associated with an increased demand for vitamin C in people living with obesity.

Calcium-Phosphorus Metabolism in Females with Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism

Thyroid dysfunction is frequently associated with disturbances of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. Previous studies on bone and mineral metabolism in women with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and hypothyroidism have conflicting results. The aim of the present work was to study the parameters of calcium-phosphorus metabolism in women with newly diagnosed autoimmune hypothyroidism and to compare them with those of the control group of healthy women. The study included 64 women with newly diagnosed autoimmune hypothyroidism. A comparison was made with the data of 75 age-, BMI- and menopausal state-matched healthy women. FT3, FT4, TSH, TPO-Ab, TG-Ab, total and ionized serum calcium, inorganic phosphate, magnesium, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25(OH) vitamin D were studied. Total and ionized calcium were lower in hypothyroid women in the absence of statistically significant difference compared to the controls. Intergroup analysis revealed no differences in serum phosphorus and 25(OH)D levels. Serum magnesium and PTH were significantly higher in hypothyroid group. These results coincide with some of the studies that examine the parameters of bone and mineral metabolism in hypothyroidism. Bone turnover is suppressed due to impaired mobilization of calcium from the bone, leading to decreased serum calcium levels and elevated PTH. We found a significant effect of thyroid hormones on magnesium homeostasis. The study did not find differences in vitamin D status between the groups. The observed inverse correlation between 25(OH)D and TgAb supports the concept of pathogenic relationship between vitamin D and the development of AIT.

The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome severity and vitamin D levels in sera

Aims: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a disorder characterized by complete or partial upper airway obstruction episodes and frequently decreased arterial oxygen saturation. Etiological factors and risk factors of OSAS are still investigated and studies in this topic continue. Until recently, researches were focused on the major effects of vitamin D on the bone metabolism and calcium homeostasis. Today; it has been found that vitamin D plays roles in many cells and tissues of human body additional to its functions in the musculoskeletal system. In our study, we aimed to examine vitamin D levels in patients who are diagnosed as OSAS and to investigate the relationship between OSAS and vitamin D deficiency. Methods: 83 volunteers, who were suspected to have OSAS, were included in the study. They all underwent polysomnography (PSG) in the Sleep Disorders Center in Pulmonary Department, between January 2015 – May 2015. Twenty cases with apnea hypopnea index (AHİ) &lt; 5/hour were evaluated as simple snoring/control group. Cases with AHİ &gt; 5/hour were diagnosed as OSAS; 22 patients were diagnosed as mild, 20 patients were diagnosed as moderate and 21 patients were diagnosed as severe OSAS. Blood samples of these patients were studied for the measurement of vitamin D [25(OH)D3], parathormone (PTH) , calcium (Ca), phosphor (P) levels and the samples were quickly delivered to biochemistry laboratory Results: A statistically significant difference in vitamin D levels were observed (p&lt;0.05) between the control and OSAS groups. However, no statistically significant difference was found in PTH, Ca, P levels among these groups (p&gt;0.05). Vitamin D levels in the control group were significantly higher than the mild and the severe OSAS patients. No statistically significant difference was observed in PTH, Ca, P levels between these patients. Conclusion: Our study indicates that there is a significant relationship between vitamin D deficiency and OSAS. This finding suggests that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the OSAS physiopathology. There are few studies exists about the association between vitamin D deficiency and OSAS. In this regard, we think our study will contribute to the literature. Moreover; prospective, randomized, controlled studies with large series were needed.

Differences in Vitamin A Levels and Their Association with the Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in China.

This study evaluates the association between vitamin A levels, AIP (the atherogenic index of plasma), and subclinical hypothyroidism. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving a representative sample of 3530 Chinese adults. Linear and logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate the associations between AIP and subclinical hypothyroidism, stratified by vitamin A levels. These analyses were further differentiated by sex and age groups to identify any demographic-specific associations. In the vitamin A-sufficient group, an increase in AIP was associated with elevated total triiodothyronine (TT3) levels (β = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.09, 0.41, p = 0.003). Conversely, in the group with severe vitamin A deficiency, higher AIP levels were linked to increased free triiodothyronine (fT3) and TT3 levels and decreased free thyroxine (fT4) levels (β = 0.12, 0.03, and -0.29, respectively). Additionally, severe vitamin A deficiency increased the risk associated with AIP and subclinical hypothyroidism (OR = 1.66, 95%CI: 1.07, 2.58, p = 0.025). This risk was notably more pronounced in women and older adults, with odds ratios of 2.44 (95%CI: 1.55, 3.86, p < 0.001) and 2.14 (95%CI: 1.36, 3.38, p = 0.001), respectively. Vitamin A deficiency may increase the risk of the association between AIP and subclinical hypothyroidism, particularly among women and the elderly.

Some parameters of hydroponic and soil Rhubarb cultivated in the Ararat Valley of Armenia

Background: Today, the rhubarb plant is selectively included in the diet. Rhubarb juice offers a unique flavor with a surprising range of potential health benefits. Rhubarb is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for its red hue. These antioxidants are believed to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, potentially aiding in the fight against various health concerns. Rhubarb juice is an excellent source of vitamins C, and K, crucial for bone health and blood clotting, and also contains vitamin A, contributing to healthy skin and vision. Context and purpose of this study: to investigate for the first time the cultivation of rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) in the Ararat Valley of Armenia in both hydroponic and soil conditions. The research focuses on identifying the optimal growth period to maximize key quality indicators of rhubarb stalks and juice for food and medicinal applications: Brix value, juice density, total titratable acidity, and vitamin C content. Results: Hydroponic cultivation significantly (by three folds) increased the fresh weight of rhubarb petioles (stalks) compared to soil plants. The maximum accumulation of vitamin C in hydroponic plants was observed at the beginning (June) and end (September) of the growing season (19.4 and 17.3 mg%) respectively. However, there was not a significant difference in vitamin C content during July and August (14.3 and 14.0 mg% respectively). Soil plants showed the highest accumulation of vitamin C in September (41.5 mg%), exceeding the values in June by 1.2 times and from July to August by 1.5 times. Total titratable acidity showed seasonal variations: the highest acidity (1.2 to 1.3-fold higher) of hydroponic rhubarb juice was observed in July compared to other months. Soil-grown rhubarb reached peak acidity at the beginning of the growing season (approximately 1.2 times higher than in other months). The Brixo value and juice density peaked in July for hydroponic rhubarb and in August for soil rhubarb. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of hydroponics for maximizing rhubarb yield and potentially influencing the vitamin C content and acidity profile throughout the growing season in Armenia. The results of further research could be used to optimize nutrient composition and environmental parameters for even greater control over rhubarb quality for food and medicinal purposes. Keywords: Vitamin C, Total titratable acidity, Brixo, Juice density

Effect modification by sex of genetic associations of vitamin C related metabolites in the Canadian Longitudinal study on aging.

Introduction: Vitamin C is an essential nutrient. Sex differences in serum vitamin C concentrations have been observed but are not fully known. Investigation of levels of metabolites may help shed light on how dietary and other environmental exposures interact with molecular processes. O-methylascorbate and ascorbic acid 2-sulfate are two metabolites in the vitamin C metabolic pathway. Past research has found genetic factors that influence the levels of these two metabolites. Therefore, we investigated possible effect modification by sex of genetic variant-metabolite associations and characterized the biological function of these interactions. Methods: We included individuals of European descent from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging with available genetic and metabolic data (n = 9004). We used linear mixed models to tests for genome-wide associations with O-methylascorbate and ascorbic acid 2-sulfate, with and without a sex interaction. We also investigated the biological function of the important genetic variant-sex interactions found for each metabolite. Results: Two genome-wide statistically significant (p value < 5 × 10-8) interaction effects and several suggestive (p value < 10-5) interaction effects were found. These suggestive interaction effects were mapped to several genes including HSD11B2, associated with sex hormones, and AGRP, associated with hunger drive. The genes mapped to O-methylascorbate were differently expressed in the testis tissues, and the genes mapped to ascorbic acid 2-sulfate were differently expressed in stomach tissues. Discussion: By understanding the genetic factors that impact metabolites associated with vitamin C, we can better understand its function in disease risk and the mechanisms behind sex differences in vitamin C concentrations.

Vitamin D status in children in the South Marmara Region in Turkey

Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate the age, gender and seasonal differences in vitamin D levels in children and to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Materials and Methods: Between January 2022 and December 2023, the records of children aged 0-17 years who underwent serum 25-hydroxyvitaminD (25 (OH) D) levels in the pediatric outpatient clinics of our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Children were divided into four groups according to age (0-1, 2-5, 6-11 and 12-17 years); three groups according to 25 (OH) D levels (vitamin D deficiency (below 12 ng/mL), vitamin D insufficiency (between 12-20 ng/mL) and vitamin D sufficiency (above 20 ng/mL)); and four groups according to seasons. Results: The 25(OH)D levels of 41899 children, 19738 (47.1%) boys and 22161 (52.9%) girls, was 18.6 ng/mL (3-145); and was lower in girls than boys (16.8 ng/mL (3-136) in girls and 20.3 ng/mL (3-145) in boys p

Dairy consumption and vitamin D concentration in adolescents with challenge-confirmed cow's milk allergy during infancy.

Milk is an important source of dietary calcium and, if fortified, vitamin D. Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is treated with a milk elimination diet. Although most children become tolerant by age 3 years, some continue dairy avoidance. It remains unclear whether adolescents with a history of CMA adopt similar milk consumption as their peers. We assessed dairy consumption and concentration of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in adolescents with either confirmed CMA or a negative CMA challenge in infancy (CMA-refuted group) and age-matched controls. This study is based on a previously reported randomized controlled trial from 1999 to 2002 on the treatment effect of probiotics on atopic eczema in participants aged <12 months (n = 230) with data on CMA status. We followed up these participants, aged 15-18 years, in 2017 (n = 104). A 20-item food frequency questionnaire assessed dairy consumption. An automated immunoassay measured 25(OH)D concentration. Median dairy product consumption did not differ between adolescents with CMA (449 g/d, n = 40), the CMA-refuted group (566 g/d, n = 36), and controls (235 g/d, n = 51) (P = 0.117). Median 25(OH)D concentrations were 76.0, 79.3, and 80.8 nmol/l, respectively (P = 0.844). Among participants, 93% were vitamin D sufficient (25(OH)D ≥ 50 nmol/l), with no differences between groups (P = 0.914). Among adolescents with a history of CMA during infancy, our study found no reintroduction failure of milk and no difference in vitamin D insufficiency rate compared with peers. Current management of CMA seems to adequately minimize later nutritional disadvantages associated with a cow's milk elimination diet.

Differences in Vitamin D Receptor Levels Between Women With Primary Infertility and Women Without Infertility

Differences in Vitamin D Receptor Levels Between Women With Primary Infertility and Women Without Infertility

Ethnic differences in vitamin D status, bone and body composition in South Asian indian and caucasian men

BackgroundHigh prevalence of metabolic abnormalities and poor bone health in ethnic minorties may stem from differences in body composition and alterations in endocrine milieu. South Asian Indians (SAIs) are at greater risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS) and poor bone health than Caucasians. Often these differences are reported later in life and/or in a resident immigrant population compared to a Caucasian population. In this study, we determined whether vitamin D status, bone, body composition differed in young SAIs and Caucasians. Notably we compared differences amongst recent SAI immigrants and Caucasians. MethodsWe examined differences in bone density, body composition, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (s25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (sPTH), vitamin D binding protein (sDBP), osteocalcin (sOC), and dietary intakes in young healthy SAI and Caucasian men. ResultsSixty men (N = 30 SAIs and N = 30 Caucasians) with a mean age of 27.8 ± 7.4 years completed the study. Compared to the Caucasians, SAIs had statistically significantly lower s25(OH)D and higher sPTH (p < 0.05). We also found that s25(OH)D was negatively associated with sPTH only among the SAIs (r = - 0.389, p = 0.037). Also, lean mass% (LM%) and fat-free mass% (FFM%) were lower in SAIs (p < 0.05) compared to caucasians. s25(OH)D correlated with nearly all body composition parameters, while sPTH correlated negatively with LM% and FFM%, and positively with FM% (all p < 0.05) in the Caucasian group. Bone mineral density at most sites were also significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the SAI's compared to caucasians. ConclusionYoung SAIs have a poor vitamin D status and less favorable bone and body composition parameters compared to Caucasians. These findings highlight the possible complex interplay between skeletal and metabolic health in different ethnicities which may be evident early on in life. Interventions to improve bone and metabolic health should therefore target younger ethnic minorities.

The Association of Vitamin D Levels and Dental Caries in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Most research examining vitamin D and dental caries focuses on children and younger adults. This study investigated the association between vitamin D levels and dental caries in older adults using data from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2016. Data were analyzed from 2723 participants aged 65 years and older who completed both dental examinations and serum 25(OH)D tests. Dental caries assessments included the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and the presence of untreated dental caries. Vitamin D levels were measured as serum 25(OH)D concentrations and categorized as severely deficient (<25 nmol/L), deficient (25-49.9 nmol/L), insufficient (50-74.9 nmol/L), and normal (≥75 nmol/L). Logistic regression and Poisson regression models were used to assess the association between vitamin D levels and dental caries, adjusting for demographic factors. The mean DMFT score was 17.73 ± 8.34, with 35.1% of participants having untreated dental caries. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with a 1.44 times higher likelihood of untreated caries (95% CI: 1.15, 1.81), which weakened after adjustment for demographic factors (adjusted OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.55). Severe vitamin D deficiency correlated with a 1.13 times higher DMFT score (95% CI: 1.06, 1.20), with the association remaining similar after adjustment (adjusted RR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.20). Significant differences in vitamin D levels were observed across gender, race/ethnicity, and country of birth. This study suggests the potential importance of adequate vitamin D levels for maintaining dental health among older adults. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of poorer DMFT scores. Public health strategies that include vitamin D screening and supplementation, particularly for high-risk groups, may improve oral health outcomes in the older adult population. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which vitamin D influences dental health and the potential for vitamin D supplementation to reduce the burden of dental caries in older adults.

The effect of vitamin D on the development of Hashimoto's disease and the reduction of the inflammatory process in its course - review

Introduction Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. It is a common condition, more frequent in women. Its diagnosis is based on the presence of specific antithyroid antibodies in the patient's blood which lead to the destruction of the thyroid gland. This can result in the development of hypothyroidism, requiring levothyroxine replacement therapy. Aim of the review A summary of the information gathered so far on the involvement of vitamin D in the development and course of Hashimoto's disease. Results The articles analyzed have mixed results. Most of them show a positive correlation between vitamin D and Hashimoto's disease, paying particular attention to the contribution of vitamin D in moderating the inflammatory process in HT. Other studies show significant differences in vitamin D levels between groups with different HT severity. Others show a negative correlation between vitamin D levels and the development of Hashimoto's disease. Conclusions Large well-controlled randomized double blind trials are needed in order to determine the exact role of vitamin D in Hashimoto’s disease.

Supplementation of vitamin E as an addition to a commercial renal diet does not prolong survival of cats with chronic kidney disease

BackgroundThe aim of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to investigate the effect of vitamin E supplementation as an addition to a commercial renal diet on survival time of cats with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition, we were interested whether vitamin E supplementation affects selected oxidative stress and clinical parameters. Thirty-four cats with CKD and 38 healthy cats were included in the study. Cats with CKD were classified according to the IRIS Guidelines; seven in IRIS stage 1, 15 in IRIS stage 2, five in IRIS stage 3 and seven in IRIS stage 4. Cats with CKD were treated according to IRIS Guidelines. Cats with CKD were randomly assigned to receive vitamin E (100 IU/cat/day) or placebo (mineral oil) for 24 weeks in addition to standard therapy. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) concentrations, DNA damage of peripheral lymphocytes and plasma vitamin E concentrations were measured at baseline and four, eight, 16 and 24 weeks thereafter. Routine laboratory analyses and assessment of clinical signs were performed at each visit.ResultsVitamin E supplementation had no effect on the survival time and did not reduce the severity of clinical signs. Before vitamin E supplementation, no significant differences in vitamin E, MDA and PC concentrations were found between healthy and CKD cats. However, plasma MDA concentration was statistically significantly higher (p = 0.043) in cats with early CKD (IRIS stages 1 and 2) than in cats with advanced CKD (IRIS stages 3 and 4). Additionally, DNA damage was statistically significantly higher in healthy cats (p ≤ 0.001) than in CKD cats. Plasma vitamin E concentrations increased statistically significantly in the vitamin E group compared to the placebo group four (p = 0.013) and eight (p = 0.017) weeks after the start of vitamin E supplementation. During the study and after 24 weeks of vitamin E supplementation, plasma MDA and PC concentrations and DNA damage remained similar to pre-supplementation levels in both the placebo and vitamin E groups.ConclusionsVitamin E supplementation as an addition to standard therapy does not prolong survival in feline CKD.

Vitamin C Levels in Pregnant Women and the Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplements in Preventing Premature Rupture of Membranes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is defined as the leakage of amniotic fluid before the onset of labor and delivery contractions. Some studies found that women who experienced PROM had significantly lower vitamin C blood levels than those who did not, while others found no significant differences. Previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the efficacy of vitamin C in the prevention of PROM had conflicting results. Conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine if there was a significant difference in vitamin C blood levels in women who had PROM versus the control group who did not and to determine if vitamin C supplements could help prevent it. Systematic review and meta-analysis. We registered our protocol with PROSPERO (CRD42022371644). We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus through February 15, 2024. Additionally, backward and forward citation searches were conducted. Studies were selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Meta-Essentials: Workbooks for Meta-Analysis (version 1.5) was used for analysis. Twenty-five studies (26 reports) met all eligibility criteria, with 18 studies (18 reports) assessing vitamin C levels and seven studies (eight reports) evaluating efficacy. Women with PROM, whether preterm or term, had significantly lower vitamin C levels [Hedges’ g, -1.48; 95% confidence interval (CI): -2.82, -0.14; p = 0.020; I2 = 94.08%) and specifically preterm PROM after removing the outlying study [Hedges’ g, -1.29; 95% CI: -1.85, -0.73; p < 0.001; I2 = 87.35%). Vitamin C supplementation significantly reduced the risk of preterm or term PROM [risk ratio (RR), 0.57; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.81; p < 0.001; I2 = 12.17%), particularly for preterm PROM (RR, 0.67; 95% CI: 0.45, 0.99; p = 0.001; I2 = 0.00%). There were no significant differences in vitamin C levels between women with term PROM and controls, and there were no differences in the risk of developing term PROM between women taking vitamin C supplements and controls. Results were not robust in all sensitivity analyses. Women with PROM, particularly those who developed it preterm, appear to have significantly lower vitamin C levels, and vitamin C supplementation appears to be effective in reducing the risk of PROM, particularly preterm PROM. More high-quality studies with low risk of bias, more homogenous, and larger samples are needed to confirm these findings.