Increase In Vitamin Research Articles

Occupational Physical Activity and Regular Exercise Are Inversely Correlated with Thyroid Function in Patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Objective: We evaluated correlations of occupational physical activity (OPA) and recreational exercise (RE), respectively, with thyroid function in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT). Methods: We included 438 individuals with clinically diagnosed HT. Information on OPA and RE were collected through a self-report questionnaire. We assessed correlations between clinical phenotypes (TSH, T3, T4, fT4, TgAb, TPOAb, thyroid volume, vitamin D) and physical activities (OPA and RE) in all HT patients (ALL) and in two severity-based subgroups of patients (MILD and OVERT). Results: The main novel findings are significant correlations between increase in OPA and (i) a decrease in fT4 (OVERT, r = −0.265, p = 0.0002 and ALL, r = −0.138, p = 0.006); (ii) an increase in TSH (ALL, r = 0.124, p = 0.014 and OVERT, r = 0.183, p = 0.013) and (iii) an increase in TPOAb antibodies (ALL, r = 0.101, p = 0.045). In contrast, we observed correlations between increase in RE and: (i) a decrease in TSH (OVERT, r = −0.238, p = 0.001); (ii) a decrease in TgAb antibodies (OVERT, r = −0.194, p = 0.01) and (iii) an increase in vitamin D levels (ALL, r = 0.146, p = 0.005 and OVERT, r = 0.173, p = 0.023). Conclusions: Our results suggest that, unlike RE, OPA correlates with decreased thyroid function and increased thyroid autoimmunity. Our study proposes that the PA health paradox also applies for the thyroid health.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers in Obese Patients with Acute and Chronic Orthopedic Conditions

Numerous studies have shown that vitamin D may play an important role in modulating the inflammatory process. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory markers in patients with orthopedic disorders and obesity. Thirty-three obese subjects were included in the study and were divided into two groups based on their medical condition: acute orthopedic diseases and chronic orthopedic diseases. Inclusion criteria for the research included age 18–75 years, BMI > 30 kg/m2, vitamin D deficiency, and no previous vitamin D supplementation. Samples were collected before and after 3 months of 4000 IU/day vitamin D supplementation. The study used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and measured serum levels of markers such as chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 17 (IL-17), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and adiponectin. After 3 months of vitamin D supplementation, a statistically significant increase in vitamin D and IL-17 levels was observed in the group with acute orthopedic diseases. Similarly, after supplementation, a statistically significant increase in vitamin D, IL-6 and TNF-α levels was observed in the group with chronic orthopedic diseases. Moreover, after vitamin D supplementation, statistically significantly higher adiponectin levels were observed in the chronic orthopedic group than in the acute orthopedic group. Despite high-dose vitamin D supplementation, inflammatory markers increased in acute and chronic orthopedic conditions. Based on our study, vitamin D does not reduce inflammation in patients with orthopedic conditions and obesity.

Nonlinear relationship between vitamin D status on admission and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants.

This research will explore non-linear relationship between vitamin D status on admission and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. Data were retrospectively collected on preterm infants ≤32 weeks gestation and ≥28 weeks gestation hospitalized in our hospital between Jan. 2019 and Jul. 2022, which were classified into BPD and non-BPD groups according to BPD diagnostic criteria. Independent influences between the two groups were staged using comparison of differences between groups, univariate analysis, multivariate analysis, smoothed curve fitting, and threshold effect staging. 255 preterm infants were enrolled in this research, including 135 males and 120 females, with a mean gestational age of 30.59 ± 0.86 weeks. Vitamin D status on admission was an independent protective factor for BPD in preterm infants, with a 6% reduction in the probability of BPD for every 1 ng/ml increase in vitamin D status on admission (p = 0.036). There was also a non-linear relationship, with each 1 ng/ml increase in vitamin D status on admission being associated with an 87% reduction in the incidence of BPD when vitamin D status was <12.82 ng/ml (p = 0.010). Vitamin D status on admission and BPD are non-linearly in preterm infants at 28-32 weeks gestation. Analyzing the relationship between vitamin D status on admission and BPD. A nonlinear relationship and turning point between vitamin D status on admission and BPD was derived by curve fitting and threshold effect. We provide a new reference point for vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of neonatal BPD and to avoid ineffective overmedication.

Elevated vitamin D levels in diurnally-active female fruit bats

Animal species have evolved to enhance their survival by focusing their temporal activity on specific parts of the diurnal-nocturnal cycle. Various factors, including inter-specific competition and anti-predator behavior, as well as anthropogenic effects like light pollution, have prompted some species to expand or shift their temporal niches. Our study focuses on the temporal niche shift of the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) to diurnal activity in Israel.Through an extensive citizen-science study, we assessed the distribution of these bats’ diurnal activity across Israel. We also documented the sex and age of bats from a colony known for its diurnal activity and collected blood samples from them for metabolic analysis.Our findings indicate that the shift toward daytime activity predominantly takes place in urban settings and is mostly exhibited by females. We found a significant physiological effect of this temporal shift, namely: diurnal bats’ vitamin D levels were significantly higher, and their parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were significantly lower than those of nocturnal bats.We suggest that the reproductive metabolic demands of female bats might be a key factor driving this shift to diurnal activity. We hypothesize that the increase in vitamin D, derived from sunlight hours, might play a crucial role in regulating calcium homeostasis, thus contributing to the bats’ physiological needs during the reproduction season.

Vitamin C and suicidal ideation: A cross-sectional and Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundStudies have shown that a history of suicide attempts is associated with low levels of antioxidant vitamins. However, the specific relationship between vitamin C and suicidal ideation remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of vitamin C on the development of suicidal ideation and to explore further the causal relationship using Mendelian randomization (MR). MethodsUsing the 2005–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset, a comprehensive, cross-sectional, stratified survey of 28,623 participants aged 20 years and older was conducted. Suicidal ideation was assessed using item 9 of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) item. The relationship between vitamin C and suicidal ideation was revealed by weighted multiple linear regression, smooth curve fitting, hierarchical analysis, and interaction test. To determine causality, MR was performed on vitamin C and suicidal ideation. ResultsIn cross-sectional studies, all models showed a negative association between vitamin C and suicidal ideation, with a 37 % reduction in the risk of suicidal ideation for each unit increase in vitamin C in the highest quartile in the fully adjusted model. The results of the subgroup analysis showed that the association between vitamin C and suicidal ideation was stable across gender, age, education, smoking status, and marital status. In the MR study, our bivariate model showed no significant causal relationship between vitamin C and the development of suicidal ideation. ConclusionsDietary vitamin C intake was negatively associated with the development of suicidal ideation. However, genetic evidence does not support causation of these associations.

Longitudinal associations between vitamin D status and biomarkers of inflammation in a pan-European cohort of children and adolescents

PurposeTo investigate longitudinal associations between the vitamin D status and inflammatory markers in children and adolescents.MethodsChildren from eight European countries from the IDEFICS/I.Family cohort with repeated measurements were included in this study. A linear mixed-effect model was used to model the association of serum 25(OH)D as independent variable and z-scores of inflammatory markers [CRP, cytokines, adipokines, combined inflammation score] as dependent variables, where one level accounts for differences between individuals and the other for changes over age within individuals.ResultsA total of 1,582 children were included in the study. In the adjusted model, 25(OH)D levels were positively associated with adiponectin (β = 0.11 [95% CI 0.07; 0.16]) and negatively with the inflammation score (β = − 0.24 [95% CI − 0.40; − 0.08]) indicating that the adiponectin z-score increased by 0.11 units and the inflammation score decreased by 0.24 units per 12.5 nmol/l increase in 25(OH)D. In children with overweight or obesity, only a positive association between 25(OH)D and IP-10 was observed while in children with normal weight adiponectin was positively and the inflammation score was negatively associated. Associations of vitamin D with adiponectin and the inflammation score were stronger in girls than in boys and a positive association with TNF-α was observed only in girls.ConclusionOur results suggest that an increase in vitamin D concentrations may help to regulate inflammatory biomarkers. However, it seems to be no benefit of a better vitamin D status in children with overweight/obesity unless their weight is managed to achieve an improved inflammatory marker status.

Analysis of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios as inflammatory biomarkers in chronic kidney disease: impact of parathyroidectomy.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is one of the causes for inflammation in CKD. We assessed the impact of parathyroidectomy (PTX) on neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (N/L) and platelet-to-lymphocyte (P/L) ratios in SHPT patients. A total of 118 patients [hemodialysis (HD, n = 81), and transplant recipients (TX, n = 37)] undergoing PTX between 2015 and 2021 were analyzed. There was a significant reduction in calcium and PTH levels in both groups, in addition to an increase in vitamin D. In the HD group, PTX did not alter N/L and P/L ratios. In the TX group, there was a reduction in N/L and P/L ratios followed by a significant increase in total lymphocyte count. N/L and P/L ratios are not reliable biomarkers of inflammation in SHPT patients undergoing PTX. Uremia, which induces a state of chronic inflammation in dialysis patients, and the use of immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients are some of the confounding factors that prevent the use of this tool in clinical practice.

Influence of ultrasonic pretreatment on the quality attributes and pectin structure of chili peppers (Capsicum spp.)

Chili peppers (Capsicum spp.) exhibit a diverse range of quality characteristics and pectin structures, which are influenced by various factors. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ultrasound (US), ultrasonic combined hot blanching (US-BL), and ultrasonic combined freezing and thawing (US-FT) on the quality characteristics and pectin structure of vacuum pulsation-dried (VP) chili peppers. The results indicated that US-BL samples exhibited the highest L* and a* values, retained maximum capsorubin, and showed an increase in vitamin C, total phenols, and rehydration by 14.28 %, 40.87 %, and 8.66 %, respectively. In contrast, the US-FT samples exhibited the highest capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin content, which increased by 54.97 % and 64.04 %, respectively. Pretreatment resulted in higher pectin linearity, a lower degree of branching, and a reduced molecular weight in the US-BL sample. Atomic force microscopy confirmed the degrading effect of pretreatment on the pectin structure. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that capsorubin, capsaicin analogs, vitamin C, and total phenols were highly correlated with pectin linearity and molecular weight. This study found that US-BL was the most effective pretreatment method for improving the quality of pulsatile chili peppers and provides theoretical support for the application of VP chili peppers.

Intra-canopy LED lighting outperformed top LED lighting in improving tomato yield and expression of the genes responsible for lycopene, phytoene and vitamin C synthesis

Greenhouses located at high latitudes and in cloudy areas often experience a low quality and quantity of light, especially during autumn and winter. This low daily light integral (DLI) reduces production rate, quality, and nutritional value of many crops. This study was conducted on Sakhiya RZ F1 tomato plants to evaluate the impact of LED lights on the growth and nutritional value of tomatoes in a greenhouse with low daily light due to cloudy weather. The treatments included LED growth lights in three modes: top lighting, intra-canopy lighting, and combined top and intra-canopy lighting. The results showed that although the combined top and intra-canopy lighting reached the maximum increase in tomato yield, exposure to intra-canopy LED lighting alone outperformed in tomato fruit yield increase (28.46%) than exposure to top LED lighting alone (12.12%) when compared to no supplemental lighting during the entire production year. Intra-canopy exposure demonstrated the highest increase in tomato lycopene (31.3%), while top and intra-canopy lighting exhibited the highest increase in vitamin C content (123.4%) compared to the control. The LED light treatment also had a very positive effect on the expression of genes responsible for metabolic cycles, including Psy1, LCY-β, and VTC2 genes, which had collinearity with the increase in tomato fruit production.

Physiological adaptations of the placenta in response to exposure to pm2.5 from wood combustion smoke: Increase in vitamin c transporter Glut-1 and SVTC-2

Physiological adaptations of the placenta in response to exposure to pm2.5 from wood combustion smoke: Increase in vitamin c transporter Glut-1 and SVTC-2

Chlorella vulgaris as a Nutraceutical Source for Broilers: Improving Meat Quality and Storage Oxidative Status.

This study aimed to assess the impact of Chlorella vulgaris supplementation in broilers' diet, alone or in combination with vitamin E, on meat quality parameters, nutritional value, and oxidative stability during storage time. An experiment was conducted on 180 COBB 500 broiler chickens (14 days old), assigned into six treatments, following a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. A corn-soybean meal diet was supplemented with three levels of C. vulgaris (0% in group C1, 1% in E1, 2% in E2), two levels of vitamin E (0% in C1, 250 ppm in C2), and a combination of them (1% C. vulgaris + 250 ppm vitamin (E3), 2% C. vulgaris + 250 ppm vitamin (E4)). Dietary incorporation of C. vulgaris, including those supplemented with vitamin E, resulted in a significant increase in meat protein content. DPA and DHA levels increased by 2.01-fold and 1.60-fold in the 2% C. vulgaris + vitamin E group. The PUFA/SFA ratio was increased across all dietary treatments (p < 0.0001). HPI and h/H registered the highest values as a result of 2% C. vulgaris supplementation, being linked with a positive effect in lowering cholesterol levels. Supplementation with 2% C. vulgaris and vitamin E exhibited a 1.45-fold increase in vitamin E concentration in thigh meat compared to the control group, being the highest level registered in thigh meat in this experiment. Metmyoglobin concentrations registered lower values in the thigh meat of the experimental groups, while deoxymyoglobin increased in the same groups when compared to the control group. The inclusion of C. vulgaris (1% and 2%) in combination with vitamin E (250 mg/kg) in broiler diets exhibited the best prevention of lipid oxidation after 7 days of refrigerated storage, defined by the highest efficiency factors assessed in terms of secondary oxidation products.

Enhancing drought-salinity stress tolerance in lettuce: Synergistic effects of salicylic acid and melatonin

Salicylic acid (SA) and melatonin (MEL) are affordable and effective phytohormones that help mitigate environmental stress. However, the combined benefits of SA and MEL in managing salt and drought stress in lettuce have not been evaluated. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of foliar spraying with 1.0 mM SA and 100 µM MEL, either alone or in combination, to enhance lettuce yield, growth, photosynthetic pigments, mineral status, quality, and antioxidant response under four different irrigation regimes. The irrigation practices used were: full irrigation (FI, irrigated with 0.18 dS m−1 at 100 % field capacity [FC]), deficit irrigation (DI, irrigated with 0.18 dS m−1 at 75 % FC), saline irrigation (SW, irrigated with 2.5 dS m−1 at 100 % FC), and deficit saline irrigation (DSW, irrigated with 2.5 dS m−1 at 75 % FC). Additionally, a control treatment (CK) was carried out with foliar application of distilled water and irrigation at 0.18 dS m−1. Compared to the CK, the application of SA, MEL, and SA+MEL increased evapotranspiration by 4.3 %, 8.6 %, and 15.1 %, and yield by 10.2 %, 16.4 %, and 23.8 %, respectively, under FI conditions. Furthermore, the joint application of SA and MEL at FI showed 25.3 % and 20.2 % higher K+/Na+ and Ca2+/Na+ ratios, respectively, compared to the CK. Additionally, the co-application of SA+MEL improved chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoid levels by 19.2 %, 17.2 %, and 20.4 %, respectively, under FI conditions, compared to the CK. Exogenous application of SA, MEL, and SA+MEL also improved total soluble solids by 17.3 %, 18.5 %, and 11.1 % and reduced nitrate content by 9.7 %, 10.4 %, and 13.5 % in lettuce under FI conditions, compared to the CK. The application of SA+MEL together resulted in a more pronounced increase in vitamin C content compared to supplying SA and MEL individually. Moreover, under DSW conditions, exogenous application of SA, MEL, and SA+MEL decreased the membrane stability index by 13.7 %, 9.4 %, and 6.3 %, increased malondialdehyde by 65.4 %, 40.8 %, and 36.6 %, and increased proline content by 68.4 %, 65.4 %, and 96.4 %, respectively, compared to the CK. Moreover, exogenous SA+MEL significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase enzymes under both SW and DSW conditions compared to the SA or MEL. Conversely, the activity of ascorbate peroxidase enzyme showed a gradual decrease in DI, SW, and DSW conditions, relative to the FI conditions. In conclusion, the integrated application of SA+MEL is an optimal strategy to enhance yield, morpho-physiological traits, nutrient homeostasis, antioxidant capacity, and quality in lettuce and mitigate the adverse effects of drought, salinity, and drought-salinity stress.

КОМБИНИРОВАННЫЕ ТВОРОЖНО-ОВОЩНЫЕ ЗАПЕКАНКИ ИЗ МЕСТНОГО СЫРЬЯ ДЛЯ РАЦИОНАЛЬНОГО ПИТАНИЯ

The aim of the study is to develop a recipe for combined curd-vegetable casseroles from local raw materials with improved organoleptic and physicochemical properties. A comprehensive study was conducted that allowed theoretically and experimentally substantiating the feasibility of using turnips as a functional ingredient in the preparation of curd-vegetable casserole. The following quality indicators were studied in the experimental samples of culinary products: mass fraction of fat, protein, total sugars, ascorbic acid content; sanitary and microbiological indicators: the number of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms (QMAFAnM), the number of yeast and mold fungi, and coliform bacteria (BGCP). The applied research methods are the mass fraction of fats according to GOST 31902-2012, the mass fraction of protein by the Kjeldahl method according to GOST 10846-91, the mass fraction of ascorbic acid was determined by titration with a solution of sodium 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenolate according to GOST 24556-89, the mass fraction of sugars – by the iodometric method, by diluting the sanitary and microbiolo¬gical indicators of QMAFAnM according to GOST 10444.15-94, counting the colonies of mold fungi and yeast according to GOST 10444.12-2013 and coliform bacteria according to GOST 31747-2012. The study was carried out at the Department of Public Catering Technology and Processing of Plant Raw Materials of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "BashSAU", Republic of Bashkortostan. In the recipe for making cottage cheese and vegetable casserole, carrots were replaced with turnips in a ratio of 25 to 100 %. It was found that 100 % replacement of carrots with turnips in a culinary product improves organoleptic properties (taste, color) and physicochemical indicators (increase in vitamin C by 5.5 times). Sanitary and microbiological indicators (QMAFAnM, coliform bacteria, yeast and mold) corresponded to the required SanPiN 2.3.2.1078-01 standards.

The problem of increased vitamin D3 level in a group of patients hospitalized in a geriatrics clinic

Taking into account the multi-directional beneficial effects of vitamin D3 and its widespread deficiency, regular supplementation is recommended. However, more and more attention is being paid to the risk of overdose with supplemented vitamin D3 and the associated serious health consequences. The concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is a routine test recommended upon admission to the Geriatrics Clinic of Wroclaw Medical University. The aim of the study was to analyze the results from January 2018 to June 2023. Additionally, information on the reported symptoms, gender and age of people with an increased level of vitamin D3 was collected. Analyzing a group of 1400 patients, it was noted that within 5 years, vitamin D3 concentrations exceeding the recommended level were recorded in 7 patients, including 3 with toxic levels. All abnormal results occurred in women. The most frequently reported symptoms included general weakness, lower limbs and joint pain, sleep disorders, low mood. People with toxic concentrations reported dizziness. In seniors there is a gradual increase in vitamin D concentration and its deficiency is less common. Higher concentrations were recorded in the group of older seniors, and concentrations considered toxic occur in the population >74 years of age. Supplements and drugs with vitamin D are most often used without consulting a doctor, without determining the appropriate dose, or without assessing the concentration of 25(OH)D in the serum. To prevent vitamin D deficiency in seniors, doses >4000 IU daily are not recommended. It is advisable to check all medications and supplements taken at each doctor's visit in terms of duplicating treatment with vitamin D. It is advisable to assess the status of vitamin D supply the concentration of 25(OH)D in order to select the appropriate dose. Assessment of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentration is recommended in cases of vitamin D toxicity. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(3).

Executive function impairment is associated with low serum vitamin D levels in children with epilepsy

PurposeExecutive function (EF) impairment and vitamin D deficiency are common clinical features among children with epilepsy (CWE). Recently, vitamin D has become a potential modification factor that affects cognitive status in individuals with neurological disorders. In this study, we investigated the association between EF status and vitamin D levels in patients with CWE. MethodsIn total, 79 CWE patients and 39 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited in this study. Each participant’s EF was assessed using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Parent form (Brief-P), and the serum level of 25-OH vitamin D was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). ResultsCompared with those in the HC group, the CWE group had higher T scores of Brief-P scale, including global executive composite (GEC) (51.01(45.12, 60.69) vs. 44.08(39.24, 49.96), p＜0.001), behavioral regulation index (BRI) (51.29(45.67, 59.13) vs. 45.67(40.06, 51.29), p＜0.001), metacognition index (MI) (51.83(46.77, 59.43) vs. 46.13(40.44, 51.83), p＜0.001), and lower serum vitamin D (14.85(10.24,23.2) vs. 22.5(16.91,30), p＜0.001) levels. After adjustment for covariates, multivariate linear regression models suggested that for every 1 ng/ml increase in vitamin D, the GEC, BRI, and MI would decrease by 0.52 (Coeff = -0.48; 95 % CI = -0.69, −0.26; p = 0.000), 0.45 (Coeff = -0.45; 95 % CI = -0.69, −0.20; p = 0.000), and 0.47 (Coeff = -0.45; 95 % CI = -0.67, −0.22; p = 0.000), respectively. ConclusionThere may be an association between decreased vitamin D levels and EF impairment in CWE. Future research should consider longitudinal variations in EF related to improving vitamin D deficiency.

Low levels of Vitamin D during pregnancy associated with gestational diabetes mellitus and low birth weight: results from the MAASTHI birth cohort.

India has a high prevalence of Vitamin D insufficiency among women of childbearing age. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and low birth weight (LBW) of newborns in the "Maternal antecedents of adiposity and studying the transgenerational role of hyperglycaemia and insulin" (MAASTHI) birth cohort. A prospective cohort study involving 230 participants was conducted in public hospitals located in urban Bengaluru, India. Healthy pregnant women who visited these hospitals for antenatal care (ANC) and who were between 14 and 36 weeks of gestational age were recruited after obtaining their informed consent. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was administered between 24 and 36 weeks of pregnancy and blood samples were preserved at -80°C for Vitamin D analysis. Follow-up at birth included recording the child's birth weight. We found that 178 (77.4%) of the study participants were vitamin D deficient, 44 (19.1%) were diagnosed with GDM, and 64 (27.8%) gave birth to LBW babies. Women in the lowest quartile of serum Vitamin D levels had three times higher odds of developing GDM than women in the higher quartiles [OR = 3.22 (95% CI: 1.03, 10.07), p = 0.04] after adjusting for age, parity, socioeconomic status, season, and adiposity. For every one-unit increase in Vitamin D levels, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) decreased by nearly 18%. Furthermore, causal mediation analysis showed that a decrease in one unit of Vitamin D is associated with a decrease of 0.015 units of fasting blood sugar (FBS) and 0.019 units of postprandial blood sugar (PPBS) as it flows through the mediator variable insulin resistance. Vitamin D-deficient women were twice at risk of giving birth to LBW babies (OR 2.04, 95% CI 0.99, 4.19, p = 0.05). Low levels of Vitamin D during pregnancy are associated with a greater risk of pregnant women developing GDM and giving birth to LBW babies in urban Bengaluru.

Vitamin D for the Prevention of Disease: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline.

Numerous studies demonstrate associations between serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and a variety of common disorders, including musculoskeletal, metabolic, cardiovascular, malignant, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. Although a causal link between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and many disorders has not been clearly established, these associations have led to widespread supplementation with vitamin D and increased laboratory testing for 25(OH)D in the general population. The benefit-risk ratio of this increase in vitamin D use is not clear, and the optimal vitamin D intake and the role of testing for 25(OH)D for disease prevention remain uncertain. To develop clinical guidelines for the use of vitamin D (cholecalciferol [vitamin D3] or ergocalciferol [vitamin D2]) to lower the risk of disease in individuals without established indications for vitamin D treatment or 25(OH)D testing. A multidisciplinary panel of clinical experts, along with experts in guideline methodology and systematic literature review, identified and prioritized 14 clinically relevant questions related to the use of vitamin D and 25(OH)D testing to lower the risk of disease. The panel prioritized randomized placebo-controlled trials in general populations (without an established indication for vitamin D treatment or 25[OH]D testing), evaluating the effects of empiric vitamin D administration throughout the lifespan, as well as in select conditions (pregnancy and prediabetes). The panel defined "empiric supplementation" as vitamin D intake that (a) exceeds the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) and (b) is implemented without testing for 25(OH)D. Systematic reviews queried electronic databases for publications related to these 14 clinical questions. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology was used to assess the certainty of evidence and guide recommendations. The approach incorporated perspectives from a patient representative and considered patient values, costs and resources required, acceptability and feasibility, and impact on health equity of the proposed recommendations. The process to develop this clinical guideline did not use a risk assessment framework and was not designed to replace current DRI for vitamin D. The panel suggests empiric vitamin D supplementation for children and adolescents aged 1 to 18 years to prevent nutritional rickets and because of its potential to lower the risk of respiratory tract infections; for those aged 75 years and older because of its potential to lower the risk of mortality; for those who are pregnant because of its potential to lower the risk of preeclampsia, intra-uterine mortality, preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age birth, and neonatal mortality; and for those with high-risk prediabetes because of its potential to reduce progression to diabetes. Because the vitamin D doses in the included clinical trials varied considerably and many trial participants were allowed to continue their own vitamin D-containing supplements, the optimal doses for empiric vitamin D supplementation remain unclear for the populations considered. For nonpregnant people older than 50 years for whom vitamin D is indicated, the panel suggests supplementation via daily administration of vitamin D, rather than intermittent use of high doses. The panel suggests against empiric vitamin D supplementation above the current DRI to lower the risk of disease in healthy adults younger than 75 years. No clinical trial evidence was found to support routine screening for 25(OH)D in the general population, nor in those with obesity or dark complexion, and there was no clear evidence defining the optimal target level of 25(OH)D required for disease prevention in the populations considered; thus, the panel suggests against routine 25(OH)D testing in all populations considered. The panel judged that, in most situations, empiric vitamin D supplementation is inexpensive, feasible, acceptable to both healthy individuals and health care professionals, and has no negative effect on health equity. The panel suggests empiric vitamin D for those aged 1 to 18 years and adults over 75 years of age, those who are pregnant, and those with high-risk prediabetes. Due to the scarcity of natural food sources rich in vitamin D, empiric supplementation can be achieved through a combination of fortified foods and supplements that contain vitamin D. Based on the absence of supportive clinical trial evidence, the panel suggests against routine 25(OH)D testing in the absence of established indications. These recommendations are not meant to replace the current DRIs for vitamin D, nor do they apply to people with established indications for vitamin D treatment or 25(OH)D testing. Further research is needed to determine optimal 25(OH)D levels for specific health benefits.

Vitamin D and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional and Mendelian Randomization Study.

Cognitive decline is a prevalent health problem in older adults, and effective treatments remain to be produced. Serum vitamin D, a commonly used biochemical marker, is widely recognized as an indicator of various diseases. Existing research has not fully elucidated the relationship between vitamin D and cognitive function. The aim of this study is to investigate the real relationship between vitamin D and cognitive function and to identify indicators that have a strong predictive effect on cognitive decline. At first, we used the dataset of the genome-wide association studies studying vitamin D and cognitive performance to conduct Mendelian randomization analysis. Subsequently, we employed linear regression and smooth curve fitting methods to assess the relationship using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Finally, we investigated other predictive features of cognitive performance utilizing a machine learning model. We found that a 1-unit increase in vitamin D is associated with a 6.51% reduction (P < .001) in the risk of cognitive decline. The correlation between vitamin D and cognitive performance is nonlinear, with the inflection point at 79.9 nmol/L (left: β = 0.043, P < .001; right: β = -0.007, P = .420). In machine learning, the top 5 predictors are vitamin D, weight, height, age, and body mass index. There is a causal relationship between vitamin D and cognitive performance. 79.9 nmol/L could be the optimal dose for vitamin D supplementation in the elderly. Further consideration of other factors in vitamin D interventions is necessary.

Effect of vitamin D2 supplementation on 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 status: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

There are known differences in biological functionality between vitamin D2 and D3. It is suspected from randomised control trial (RCT) data that vitamin D2 supplementation causes a reduction in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) concentrations (1), but the size of the effect has yet to be fully assessed across multiple studies. The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of vitamin D2 supplementation on serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations.PUBMED was searched for publications from 1st January 1975 to 1st February 2023. Of the 182 papers retrieved, 29 were included in the systematic review, and of those, 18 were suitable for meta-analysis.The meta-analysis found significant reductions in serum D3 after vitamin D2 supplementation compared with control, for both end of trial between groups data (weighted mean difference (WMD) (random) = −13.51 nmol/L; 95% CI: −20.14, −6.89; P &lt; 0.0001) and absolute change over the trial (WMD (random) = −9.25 nmol/L; 95% CI: −14.40, −4.10; P = 0.0004). Similar results were found when D2 supplementation was compared to D3 supplementation, although as expected, the magnitude of the difference was larger, with WMD (random) = −46.20 nmol/L (95% CI: −60.80, −31.60; P &lt; 0.00001) for end of trial data, and WMD (random) = −56.23 nmol/L (95% CI: -69.17, −43.28; P &lt; 0.00001) for absolute change.Overall, we found that vitamin D2 supplementation produces significant reductions in serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations, when compared to either control or vitamin D3 supplementation. An inverse relationship between vitamin D2 and D3 concentrations has been proposed in the literature (2). A regulatory mechanism that disposes of 25(OH)D after an increase in vitamin D concentrations could explain our results (3). Moreover, supplementation with vitamins D2 and D3 has differential effects on gene expression (4). However, longer-term research is needed to establish whether clinical advice should recommend vitamin D3 supplements over vitamin D2 supplements, where appropriate.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Professional Football Players during Competitive Season of Italian First Division (Serie A).

Data in the literature have demonstrated the crucial role that vitamin D plays in the human organism, and recent studies also emphasize this essential role of vitamin D in athletes. Indeed, vitamin D acts on the skeletal muscles and plays a fundamental role in numerous physiological processes involved in immune function. Many factors such as sun exposure, skin tone, body mass index and chronic illness affect vitamin D levels. The aim of the study is to evaluate vitamin D levels in professional football players in Italy and investigate the variations in vitamin D values in footballers who train at different latitudes. The study performed is a retrospective observational study analyzing 25-OH vitamin D values in professional football players of the Italian First Division (Serie A). Two teams during the competitive season were selected: team A (latitude of 41° N in southern Italy) and team B (latitude of 45° N in northern Italy). Three time periods were identified and were classified as follows: the first quarter (May, June, July, and August), the second quarter (September, October, November, and December) and the third quarter (January, February, March, and April). The purpose of this was to study the average values of vitamin D during the year corresponding to different levels of sunlight exposure. Each athlete was subjected to at least one sampling during the three quarters of the competitive season. Both vitamin D insufficiency (10.1%) and overt deficiency (1.93%) were found in Italian Serie A players. Insufficient vitamin D values are between 20 ng/mL and 29 ng/mL and overt deficiency values <20 ng/mL. At the same time, the data demonstrated a significant variation in vitamin D values depending on the period of the competitive season and the latitude of the cities of the two teams. In detail, there was no significant difference in the first quarter, while there was a significant increase in vitamin D values in team B in the second and third quarter, at p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively. Latitude and seasons have a significant impact on vitamin D levels. Therefore, it is essential to measure vitamin D in professional football players, especially during the spring and winter months, so as to monitor changes in levels in relation to the season and latitude and evaluate any supplements. Further studies should be performed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and football players' athletic performance.