Lower Mean Vitamin Research Articles

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 Deficiency as a Contributing Factor to Chronic Rhinitis in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: An Epidemiological Study.

Recent studies suggest a critical role for vitamin D in respiratory diseases, including asthma and allergic rhinitis. However, the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and chronic rhinitis, particularly in middle- and older-aged populations, remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency and chronic rhinitis in middle- and older-aged adults while controlling for lifestyle and physical status factors. Data from 12,654 participants aged 40 years and older were analyzed from the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010-2012). The prevalence of chronic rhinitis and its association with serum vitamin D levels were assessed using multiple logistic regression models, adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and physical characteristics. The prevalence of chronic rhinitis was 21.1%. Participants with chronic rhinitis had a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (69.9% vs. 65.2%) and lower mean vitamin D levels (17.73 ng/mL vs. 18.19 ng/mL) compared to those without chronic rhinitis. After adjusting for confounding factors, vitamin D deficiency remained significantly associated with an increased likelihood of chronic rhinitis (OR = 1.21, 95% CI, 1.082-1.348, p = 0.001). This study identifies a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and chronic rhinitis in middle- and older-aged adults, suggesting that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels may be important in managing chronic rhinitis.

Exploring the Preventive Potential of Vitamin D against Respiratory Infections in Preschool-Age Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Recent studies hypothesized that vitamin D supplementation and subsequent higher 25(OH)D serum levels could protect against respiratory infections in children. This cross-sectional study, conducted from May 2022 to December 2023 in Timisoara, Romania, aimed to evaluate the potential influence of vitamin D supplementation on the incidence of respiratory infections among preschool-age children. This study examined 215 children over 18 months who were split into a group of patients with recurrent respiratory infections (n = 141) and another group of patients with only one respiratory tract infection in the past 12 months (n = 74). Patients were evaluated based on their serum vitamin D levels 25(OH)D, demographic characteristics, and health outcomes. The study identified that preschool-age children with recurrent infections had significantly lower mean vitamin D concentrations (24.5 ng/mL) compared to the control group (29.7 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Additionally, a higher proportion of vitamin D deficiency was observed among children with recurrent infections in the past 12 months. Notably, vitamin D supplementation above 600 IU/week significantly reduced the likelihood of respiratory infections, evidenced by an odds ratio of 0.523 (p < 0.001), indicating that preschool-age children receiving a dose of vitamin D higher than 600 IU/week were about half as likely to experience respiratory infections compared to those who did not. Furthermore, no significant associations were found between sun exposure, daily sunscreen use, and the incidence of respiratory infections. Conclusively, this study underscores the potential role of vitamin D in helping the immune system against respiratory infections in preschool-age children. The observed protective effect of vitamin D supplementation suggests a potential public health strategy to mitigate the incidence of respiratory infections in preschool children on top of the already known benefits.

Impact of Interleukin-37 and Vitamin D on children with Streptococcus pyogenes sore throat in Salah al-Din Governorate, Iraq

Sore throat is a common presentation in pediatric office settings and emergency departments. Bacterial infection due to Streptococcus pyogenes represented about 25% of sore throat in children. The study aimed to find a relationship between interleukin-37 and vitamin D levels in children with sore throat infection by S. pyogenes bacteria from Salah Al-din General Hospital and Samarra General Hospital in Salah al-Din Governorate, Iraq. The number of sore throat patients in the present study was 317, aged between 5 and 17 years old. The control group included 80 healthy individuals. Throat swabs from children were collected and aseptically inoculated on Petri plate media. Blood samples were collected from patients and control children for determination of Vitamin D and IL-37 by ELISA. The study showed that 30.28% (96 of 317) of the children studied were infected with S. pyogenes bacteria. The results revealed a significant elevation in the mean IL-37 level among children with S. pyogenes infection (96.9±12.2 pg/ml) compared to the control group (62.5±11.3 pg/ml) (p-value = 0.0001). Furthermore, children with S. pyogenes infection had a significantly lower mean vitamin D level (22.3±6.1 pg/ml) compared to the control group (52.8±3.08 pg/ml) (p-value = 0.0001). In conclusion, this study provides evidence of significant alterations in immune markers, including IL-37, and vitamin D levels, in children with S. pyogenes infection compared to the control group. These findings suggest the involvement of these immune markers in the pathogenesis of S. pyogenes infection.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Receptor Polymorphisms as Risk Factors for COVID-19

Background: Early immune responses to COVID-19 can help eliminate the virus; therefore, strategies to improve the immune system have become important in disease prevention. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 by increasing the expression of the vitamin D receptor. Objectives: This study investigated the impact of vitamin D deficiency, Fok 1, and Taq 1 Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and comorbidities on the susceptibility to COVID-19. Methods: Fok1 and Taq1 polymorphisms were analyzed using the RT-PCR method, and vitamin D levels were measured using the chemiluminescence method. A total of 200 patients, 100 with COVID-19 and 100 without, provided blood samples for analysis. Results: The COVID-19 positive group had a significantly lower mean vitamin D level of 16.2 ± 11.3 ng/mL compared to the COVID-19 negative control group, 26.7 ± 15.9 ng/mL (P &lt; 0.001). Individuals with a vitamin D level below 18.4 ng/mL had a 2.448 times higher risk of COVID-19 positivity (P &lt; 0.001). There was no significant difference in the Fok1 and Taq1 gene polymorphisms between the two groups. (P = 0.548 and P = 0.098). The COVID-19 positive group had a significantly higher number of comorbid diseases with 40 (40%) compared to the negative group with 10 (10%) participants (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Levels of vitamin D above the cut-off value of 18.4 ng/mL were found to protect against COVID-19, while the presence of comorbid diseases was identified as a risk factor. However, no association was observed between the Fok1 and Taq1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to COVID-19.

Vitamin D levels among adult psychiatric inpatients and the association with psychosis.

The association between low vitamin D levels and mental illness has been described in earlier research. The aim of our study was to examine the association between vitamin D levels with psychotic symptoms among hospitalized patients. A total of 1,456 patient records from an academic psychiatric hospital were examined. Vitamin D levels were classified as normal (>30 ng/mL); insufficient (20 to 30 ng/mL); and deficient (<20 ng/mL). We then analyzed the association among vitamin D groups and symptoms of psychosis. The average vitamin D level in our sample was 23.59 ng/mL, with 76.2% of patients presenting with vitamin D levels <30 ng/mL. There was a significant association between vitamin D levels <20 ng/mL and symptoms of psychosis (P < .05). African American patients had lower mean vitamin D levels than White patients (15.6 ± 0.2 ng/mL vs 25.8 ± 0.4 ng/mL, P < .001). There was no sex difference in vitamin D levels (females: 23.3 ± 11.5 ng/mL; males: 23.9 ± 11.0 ng/mL). Patients with vitamin D levels <30 ng/mL were 1.5 times more likely to have symptoms of psychosis. Patients who were African American, Hispanic, Asian, or biracial had lower vitamin D levels than patients who were White. Multivariate analysis found that after adjusting for age, sex, and race, the association between vitamin D and psychosis was not statistically significant. Possible explanations could include the known tendency to overdiagnose psychosis among individuals who are African American, referral bias, subgroup effect, or an epiphenomenon.

Vitamin B12 deficiency without anemia in Saudi Arabia: a single-center experience

Abstract Objectives The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in adult Saudi patients and anemia in those patients. Furthermore, the mean level of vitamin B12 in anemic and nonanemic participants was estimated. Methodology This retrospective study involved the evaluation of medical records from adult Saudi Arabian participants who underwent vitamin B12 level testing for nonspecific symptoms during 1 years (2022–2023) at a single center in the Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. The data for vitamin B12 level and anemia status among B12-deficient patients were estimated to calculate the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and the prevalence of anemia in those patients. Results The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was 11.46% among 8365 participants. The mean age among all vitamin B12-deficient patients was significantly lower compared with those with normal vitamin B12 levels. Female patients had a lower mean vitamin B12 level than male patients. The prevalence of anemia in the vitamin B12-deficient group was 23.46% among the total participants, with female patients having a significantly higher prevalence of anemia than males. The mean value for mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in anemic vitamin B12-deficient patients was normal, and the prevalence of macrocytosis was low (1.3%). The effect of gender on vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia status was significant. Conclusion The present study has provided additional evidence regarding the lack of a causal correlation between vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia. Moreover, the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia was higher in female patients than in males.

Vitamin D insufficiency and serum levels related to the incidence and stage of cutaneous melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the deadliest skin cancer, and vitamin D insufficiency has been suggested as a risk factor. We evaluated the relationship between both vitamin D insufficiency and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels with the incidence and stage of CM. Five databases were searched from inception until 11 July 2022. Inclusion criteria were cohort and case-control studies that reported mean 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels or the presence of vitamin D insufficiency in CM patients and compared with healthy controls; or those that reported vitamin D insufficiency and Breslow tumor depth or the development of metastasis in CM. Fourteen studies were included in the analysis. Statistically significant relationships were found between vitamin D level <20 ng/dl and incidence of CM [pooled RR 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-2.02]; lower mean vitamin D level and Breslow depth >1 mm (SMD 0.19, 95% CI 0.11-0.28); and vitamin D level >20 ng/dl and Breslow depth <1 mm (pooled RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.58-0.82). Statistical significance was not found in the relationships between vitamin D levels and the presence of metastasis (pooled SMD -0.13, 95% CI, -0.38 to 0.12); or mean vitamin D level and the incidence of CM (pooled SMD -0.39, 95% CI, -0.80 to 0.01). We identified an association of increased incidence of CM and vitamin D insufficiency, as well as less favorable Breslow tumor depth with lower levels of vitamin D and the presence of vitamin D insufficiency.

Serum Vitamin D Levels and Dry Eye Disease in Postmenopausal Women: A Case-Control Study at a Tertiary Care Center in Rural Haryana.

Despite the high prevalence of Vitamin-D insufficiency and high susceptibility to dry eye disease (DED) in postmenopausal women (PMW), correlation between DED and Vitamin D has not been explored in PMW in any Indian study. To explore the correlation between serum Vitamin D levels in PMW with and without DED, in a hospital-based population in rural Haryana. Subjective (ocular surface disease index [OSDI] questionnaire) and objective clinical tests were undertaken for DED diagnosis. 25(OH) Vitamin D was measured in serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; insufficient (10-30 ng/ml) and deficient (<10 ng/ml). Descriptive statistics were analyzed by mean ± standard deviation for continuous and frequencies for the categorical variables; Student's t-test used to find out mean difference in Vitamin D levels; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. One hundred and forty PMW (60.1 ± 5.32 years) were included; Group-A (Controls; no DED; n: 70); Group-B (Cases; DED diagnosed by OSDI scores; n: 70); Subgroup-B1 (clinical tests negative; n: 30) and B2 (clinical tests positive; n: 40). There was no statistically significant difference in OSDI scores between B1 and B2. Significantly lower mean Vitamin D levels were found in cases (14.36 ± 4.08 ng/ml) as compared to controls (19.19 ± 6.4 ng/ml) (P = 0.001) and in B2 (13.15 ± 3.51 ng/ml) as compared to B1 (15.57 ± 4.66 ng/ml) (P = 0.01). There were significantly low levels of Vitamin-D in clinically established DED. Evaluating Vitamin D levels as a part of the dry eye workup in PMW is recommended. OSDI scores were not aligned with the clinical test scores; questionnaire-based tests alone may not be sufficient for diagnosing DED.

Association between serum Vitamin D levels and asthma severity and control in children and adolescents.

To assess the association of serum Vitamin D (vitD) levels with asthma control and severity in children and adolescents in different seasons of the year. Longitudinal, prospective study with 7- to 17-year-old children and adolescents diagnosed with asthma. All participants underwent two assessments conducted in opposite seasons of the year which included a clinical assessment, a questionnaire for classification of asthma control (Asthma Control Test), spirometry, and blood collection to measure serum vitD levels. In total, 141 individuals with asthma were evaluated. The mean vitD was lower in females (p = 0.006) and sunlight exposure appears not to be an influencing factor for vitD levels. We found no differences in mean vitD of patients with controlled and uncontrolled asthma (p = 0.703; p = 0.956). However, the severe asthma group had lower mean Vitamin D than the mild/moderate asthma group for both assessments (p = 0.013; p = 0.032). In the first assessment, the group with vitD insufficiency had a higher prevalence of severe asthma (p = 0.015). Vitamin D was positively correlated with FEV1 in both assessments (p = 0.008; p = 0.006) and with FEF25-75% in the first assessment (p = 0.038). In a tropical climate zone, there is no evidence of association between seasonality and serum vitD levels or between serum vitD levels and asthma control in children and adolescents. However, vitD and lung function were positively correlated and the group with vitD insufficiency had a higher prevalence of severe asthma.

Relationship between vitamin D deficiency and preeclampsia

Background: Preeclampsia remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with several adverse pregnancy outcomes. Aim: The current study aimed to determine the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and preeclampsia. Research Design: A case control design. Setting: The study was conducted at the antenatal clinic at Al zahraa hospital – Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. Sample: Purposive sample (120 pregnant women), was divided into study group (n=60) and control group (n=60). Tools: Two tools for data collection. First tool: A structured interviewing questionnaire which used to assess demographic data, obstetrical history, family history, physical examination to diagnose preeclampsia and laboratory investigation to confirm the diagnosis. Second tool: Serum vitamin D levels of both groups were measured by using an Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. Result: Significant lower mean vitamin D of study group compared to control group with highly statistical significant difference between both groups. In addition, there were 3-fold increased odds of developing preeclampsia in pregnant women who had vitamin D deficiency (&lt;20 ng/ml). Also, observed that when vitamin D level decreases, the severity of preeclampsia increases. &#x0D;

Mixture analysis of air pollution and endocrine disrupting chemicals in relation to Vitamin D concentrations in pregnancy

Background and aim: Over two-thirds of pregnant women in the U.S. have insufficient Vitamin D, which can adversely impact fetal health. Several environmental pollutants may affect Vitamin D concentrations, but they have not been examined as mixtures. Methods: We analyzed data from 336 general population controls from the case-control Early Markers for Autism study of children born in Southern California in 2000-2003. Maternal serum was assayed for Vitamin D and environmental chemicals; eleven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), two organochlorine pesticides, six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and six brominated flame retardants (BFRs) were detected in &amp;#x2265; 60% of specimens and included in the study. Vitamin D was analyzed as a continuous variable, and concentrations &amp;#x3c;75 nMol/L were dichotomized as insufficient. Particulate matter &amp;#x3c;=10 microns (PM10) and &amp;#x3c;=2.5 microns, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone data for 30 days preceding specimen collection were downloaded from monitoring stations near maternal addresses. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression and Bayesian Hierarchical Modeling were used to assess an overall mixture effect of all chemicals and associations accounting for co-exposures, respectively, adjusting for demographic characteristics. Results: In the context of the mixture, PM10, BFRs as a group, and organochlorine trans-nonachlor were associated with lower continuous Vitamin D concentrations, while ozone was associated with higher concentrations. BFRs were also associated with increased odds of insufficient Vitamin D. Higher quantiles of combined exposures were associated with lower mean Vitamin D with wide credible intervals. Several null associations were also found. Conclusions: We found associations of environmental pollutants with both lower and higher Vitamin D, though cumulative exposure was associated with lower concentrations. Some findings differed from non-mixture regressions, highlighting the importance of mixtures approaches for estimating real-world associations. Keywords: Mixtures, Vitamin D, air pollution, PM10, organochlorines, PBDE, PCB, PFAS

Vitamin D Levels in Alopecia Areata and Other Alopecias

Recent research has associated alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disorder, with deficiency of Vitamin D, which regulates immune processes. This retrospective study compared Vitamin D levels in AA patients to those of other alopecia diagnoses and nonalopecia controls. When compared to controls, patients with AA or other alopecia diagnoses did not demonstrate lower Vitamin D levels. However, when compared to other alopecia diagnoses, AA patients had a statistically significantly higher proportion of patients with Vitamin D deficiency and a lower mean Vitamin D level. Our findings suggest a greater association between lower Vitamin D levels and AA compared to other alopecia diagnoses. Further prospective studies investigating Vitamin D levels and supplementation in AA patients are needed to further elucidate this association and its potential relevance.

Serum Vitamin D Level Status by Prostate Cancer Grade and Stage Among Native Africans

<i>Background:</i> Vitamin D deficiency is widely speculated to be associated with prostate cancer (PCa) incidence, progression, aggressiveness, and metastatic potentials. However, evidence of this is limited among the black population. Hence, this study was spurred by the dearth of data in this regard. <i>Methods:</i> This was a prospectively designed/executed case-controlled descriptive study carried out in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) in the Niger Delta sub-region of Nigeria. Serum Vitamin D level status was determined/compared between the 380 histologically-verified positive PCa cases and the smoking/sex-matched 380 histologically-verified negative controls using descriptive and comparative statistical tools. The relationship/association between PCa grade/stage and Vitamin D level status was ascertained using crude and adjusted regression models. Data were managed and analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23 and a p-value of <0.05 was deemed statistically significant. <i>Results:</i> The histologically-verified positive PCa patients had significantly lower mean Vitamin D level status (PCa patients: 24.55 ± 3.47 vs. controls: 49.73 ± 4.08; p<0.001) but higher mean prostate volumes, BMI status, plasma intact PTH levels, and total PSA levels compared to the histologically-verified negative controls. A decreasing trend of serum Vitamin level status was observed with worsening/increasing PCa grade and stage (p<0.05) among the biopsy positive PCa cases. An inverse relationship existed between Vitamin D level status and PCa grade/stage among the Vitamin D deficient PCa subgroup (p<0.05) but not the sufficient/insufficient PCa subgroups (p>0.05). Among the Vitamin D deficient PCa patients, this inverse relationship continued to strengthen with worsening PCa grade/stage. When compared with the PCa patients with the lowest PCa grade (ISUP grade 1) and stage (T1), an increased likelihood of Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with worsening PCa grade (ISUP 2 to 5) and stage (T2 to T4) on crude multiple logistic regression model which was subsequently amplified following adjusting for observed confounders. <i>Conclusion:</i> The study findings corroborate the epidemiologic evidence of the association of Vitamin D deficiency with PCa grade and stage; factors that define PCa aggressiveness and metastatic potentials. However, more robust studies among populations of the black race are highly recommended to validate conclusions from this current study.

The correlation between Vitamin D and Colorectal Cancer in admitted patients in Oncology teaching hospital

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between vitamin D and Colorectal Cancer. Methods: In this prospective study, data from 100 patients with newly diagnosed colon cancer were taken non-randomly and data’s from100 other control cases were taken from December 2019 to December 2020 in Rizgary Oncology Center in Erbil to find out the relation between vitamin D and colorectal cancer. Results: The current study revealed that, mean of vitamin D level of patients were 6.833(SD=2.940), while mean of vitamin D level were 14.435(SD=4.356) in control group. Concerning the level of vitamin D level based on stage IV cases have lower vitamin D level compared to other earlier stages, the stage of disease, In stage I-III cases vitamin D level was 8.456(SD=6.696), while the mean of vitamin D in stage IV colon cancer cases were 6.723(SD=3.191). Conclusion: This study found out that vitamin D deficiency is common in colon cancer cases with more than 95 percent of cases having vitamin D deficiency. Another finding of this study is that when the mean vitamin D level within the deficit group is compared to the control group within the same group. The colorectal cancer cases have lower mean vitamin D level.

Association between Serum Ferritin, Hemoglobin, Vitamin D3, Serum Albumin, Calcium, Thyrotropin-releasing Hormone with Early Childhood Caries: A Case-Control Study.

ABSTRACTAim and objectiveThis study aimed to contrast and compare serum ferritin, hemoglobin, Vitamin D3, Ca++, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and serum albumin levels between preschoolers with severe caries (SC) and measures taken for caries control.Materials and methodsA sample size of 300 children was selected but only 266 participated; 54.14% with SC and 45.86% caries-free. Blood samples for serum ferritin, hemoglobin, Vitamin D3, Ca++, TRH, and serum albumin levels were taken.ResultsThe mean age was estimated to be 40.82 + 14.09 months. The serum ferritin level estimated mean value for sample pedodontic subjects came to be 29.58 ± 17.87 μg/L whereas their hemoglobin level with mean value 115.13 ± 10.12 g/L was measured. Logistic regression analysis (LRA) suggested that children with SC were nearly two times as likely to have ferritin level depreciation and likely six times more chance of FeDA (iron deficiency anemia) than in children with caries control. Children with SC had significantly lower mean Vitamin D3 value (p < 0.001), Ca++ (p < 0.001), and serum albumin (p < 0.001) levels, and significantly higher thyrotropin-releasing factor (p < 0.001) levels than those subjects without caries.ConclusionAnalysis of children with SC at a very young age significantly showed an increased chance of low ferritin levels than children with a caries-free mouth. The level of hemoglobin was deficient in children with SC at a very young age. Children with SC at a very young age appeared to be malnourished when compared with children without dental caries. Other contrasting parameters like FeDA, Vitamin D3, Ca++, and serum albumin concentrations were significantly deficient in children with SC at a very young age, in contrast, to a sample of children with a caries-free mouth. The analysis also suggested an increased level of TRH.Clinical significanceThe following research study sets a benchmark for the dental fraternity and other health specialists to analyze serum ferritin, hemoglobin, Vitamin D3, Ca++, TRH, and serum albumin levels while generally treating pediatric patients. Accordingly, supplements should be prescribed rationally even in dental caries.How to cite this articleJha A, Jha S, Shree R, et al. Association between Serum Ferritin, Hemoglobin, Vitamin D3, Serum Albumin, Calcium, Thyrotropin-releasing Hormone with Early Childhood Caries: A Case–Control Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(5):648–651.

Evaluation of vitamin D levels in patients with primary hypothyroidism: A cross-sectional study

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and hypothyroidism have been linked in research with inconsistent outcomes. Because of the controversy surrounding these two disorders and their relatively high incidence, we undertook a case-control research comparing the prevalence of VDD in hypothyroid patients (both TPO-Ab positive and negative) to euthyroid controls. This is a cross-sectional study with a single centre. Adults (aged 18 and above) of both sexes with primary hypothyroidism (TSH &amp;#62;5.1 mIU/L) were included (n = 165), as were age and sex matched euthyroid (TSH 5 mIU/ml) controls (n = 165) from the outpatients' department. Biochemical parameters like Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4 (fT4), 25 hydroxy vitamin D (Vit D) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) were tested in both the groups.The study involved 330 patients, with 165 (mean age 46± 15 years) having primary hypothyroidism (3 having subclinical hypothyroidism) and 165 (mean age 45± 17 years) being euthyroid controls. VDD was seen in 96 percent of hypothyroid patients compared to 90 percent in the control group. The hypothyroid group had a significantly lower mean Vitamin D level than the euthyroid group (12.03± 8.6 SD vs. 17.49± 11.89 SD [ng/ml]; P= 0.001). TPO-Ab was found in two-thirds of the hypothyroid group (110/165). The mean Vitamin D level in the TPO-Ab positive hypothyroid group was 10.4± 7.2 ng/ml, compared to 15.3± 10.3 ng/ml in the TPO-Ab negative group (P = 0.004). With increased TPO-Ab titers, there was a downward trend in Vitamin D levels. A direct association between Vitamin D levels and TPO-Ab, on the other hand, did not reveal any relevance. Patients with hypothyroidism had considerably lower vitamin D levels than euthyroid controls. TPO-Ab positive individuals had lower vitamin D levels than TPO-Ab negative patients.

Vitamin D and Hospital Admission in Older Adults: A Prospective Association.

The health effects of vitamin D are well documented, with increasing evidence of its roles beyond bone. There is, however, little evidence of the effects of vitamin D on hospitalisation among older adults. This study aimed to prospectively determine the relationship of vitamin D status in older adults with hospital admission and emergency department (ED) attendance. Trinity University of Ulster Department of Agriculture (TUDA) is a large cross-sectional study of older adults with a community population from three disease-defined cohorts (cognitive dysfunction, hypertension, and osteoporosis). Participants included in this analysis were recruited between 2008 and 2012. ED and hospital admission data were gathered from the date of TUDA participation until June 2013, with a mean follow up of 3.6 years. Of the 3093 participants, 1577 (50.9%) attended the ED during the period of follow-up. Attendees had lower mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations than non-attendees (59.1 vs. 70.6 nmol/L). Fully adjusted models showed an inverse association between vitamin D and ED attendance (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.996; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.995–0.998; p < 0.001). A total of 1269 participants (41%) were admitted to hospital during the follow-up. Those admitted had lower mean vitamin D concentrations (58.4 vs. 69.3 nmol/L, p < 0.001). In fully adjusted models, higher vitamin D was inversely associated with hospital admission (HR 0.996; 95% CI 0.994–0.998; p < 0.001) and length of stay (LOS) (β = −0.95, p = 0.006). This study showed independent prospective associations between vitamin D deficiency and increased hospitalisation by older adults. The need for further evaluation of current recommendations in relation to vitamin D supplementation, with consideration beyond bone health, is warranted and should focus on randomised controlled trials.

Low vitamin D level was associated with metabolic syndrome and high leptin level in subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a community-based study

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D levels and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) parameters, such as metabolic syndrome (MS), inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor, high sensitive C-reactive protein) and adipokines (adiponectin, leptin).MethodsFrom August 2013 to August 2016, a community-based study was performed in the north-eastern region of Taiwan. All subjects received a demographic survey, blood testing and abdominal ultrasonography (US). The vitamin D level was evaluated by quartile divide or used the classification of deficiency (< 20 ng/ml), insufficiency (20–30 ng/ml) and sufficiency (> 30 ng/ml).ResultsSubjects were divided into NAFLD group and normal control (subjects number = 564 in each group) following abdominal US study and matching age and gender. The mean age was 57.1 years in NAFLD group and 57.5 in control group. Subjects in NAFLD group had a lower mean vitamin D than those in the control group (28.5 ± 9.5 ng/ml vs. 29.9 ± 10.2 ng/ml, P = 0.018). Subjects with serum vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency had higher odds for MS than those with sufficient vitamin D levels [deficiency vs. sufficiency, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =1.860 (95% CI = 1.234–2.804), P = 0.003; insufficiency vs. sufficiency, aOR = 1.669 (95% CI = 1.237–2.251), P = 0.001]. Similarly, subjects in the lowest quartile of vitamin D had higher odds for MS than those in the highest quartile of vitamin D (aOR = 2.792, 95% CI = 1.719–4.538, P < 0.001). Vitamin D level was positively correlated with age and male, but negatively correlated with serum leptin level.ConclusionSubjects with low vitamin D level had higher odds for MS, but higher levels of leptin, compared to those with high vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D abnormalities and bone turn over analysis in children with epilepsy in the Western Cape of South Africa.

Purpose: The effects of antiseizure medications (ASMs) on bone metabolism is inconsistent. Most studies are in high income settings and none from sub-Saharan Africa.Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study in a paediatric epilepsy service with a comparison group assessed vitamin D metabolism.Results: Seventy-five children with epilepsy and 75 comparison group were recruited. Median age for children with epilepsy was 9 years (range 1–17 years) and controls 3 years (range 1–12 years). Vitamin D deficiency occurred in 11(16.2%) children with epilepsy versus 6 (8.8%) control group (p = 0.29). Vitamin D insufficiency occurred in 30 (44.1%) children with epilepsy compared to 27(39.7%) control group. Children on ASMs had lower mean vitamin D levels than the control group (p = 0.02). Children on enzyme-inducing ASMs had lower mean vitamin D levels (p = 0.08), vitaminD2 (p = 0.0018), vitaminD3 (p = 0.004), serum phosphate levels (p = 0.000), and higher mean parathyroid hormone levels (p = 0.03) compared to controls. There was no difference in dietary intake and ancestry, although the dietary content of both groups was low in vitamin D products.Conclusions: Low vitamin D levels were common in children from both groups, but statistically lower for the children on ASMs. Children on enzyme-inducing ASMs need screening for vitamin D deficiency. The literature supports extending this for all children on ASMs. This is the first study to report that children on enzyme-inducing ASMs have lower levels of Vitamin D2 and D3 levels, probably as result of increased destruction of vitamin D. Improved vitamin D intake for children in vulnerable settings is important.