Non-skeletal Effects Research Articles

Comparison of Vitamin D Level between Patients with Depressive Disorder and Apparently Healthy Individuals Attending Rajshahi Medical College Hospital

Background: Vitamin D has received considerable interest from the medical community and the public because of recent evidence for the nonskeletal effects of vitamin D combined with the finding of widespread global deficiency. It has been estimated that almost 1 billion people worldwide suffer from vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. In addition, neurobiological and neuroendocrinological substrates have been identified that indicate a link between hypovitaminosis D and several psychiatric conditions, including depression. Objectives: This study aimed to assess vitamin D level in patients with depressive disorders and to compare it with normal individuals.
 Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional type of comparative study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi, in collaboration with the outpatient department of Psychiatry Rajshahi Medical College Hospital over 12 months from January 2019 to December 2019 among the Depressive patients and healthy individuals to find out and compare the vitamin D level between the two groups. Approval from the Ethical Review Committee (ERC) was obtained before the commencement of the study. A pA pre-designed, validated, structured questionnaire was used to gather information from 108 respondents by purposive sampling. Out of the 54 were newly diagnosed depressive patients, and 54 were healthy persons. In addition, a blood sample was collected to measure 25(OH)D level, and all values were analyzed statistically.
 Results: The Result showed a significant difference in mean plasma 25(OH)D level between the patients with depressive disorder and the healthy individuals. Circulating 25(OH)D level was found to be significantly low in the group of patients with depression.
 Conclusion: The present study demonstrated a significant correlation between hypovitaminosis D in patients with depressive disorders. It is suggested that possible factors such as hypovitaminosis D should be done as a routine investigation to reduce the incidence of depression. Furthermore, vitamin D supplementation might be a complementary treatment for depression.
 TAJ 2022; 35: No-2: 159-168

Role of vitamin D in the formation of abnormal uterine bleeding in the pubertate period

The problem of the participation of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of various diseases has been attracted the attention of scientists in recent years. Vitamin D deficiency is regarded as a global problem that increases the risk of many chronic diseases. More recently, the emphasis has shifted to the non-skeletal effects of vitamin D. A lot of literature suggests that vitamin D plays an important role in the regulation of processes in the ovaries that determine female fertility, female reproductive potential. Vitamin D receptor enzymes involved in its metabolism are expressed in both the central and peripheral reproductive organs (hypothalamic-pituitary system, ovaries, uterus, placenta). All of this suggests that vitamin D is involved in the regulation of menstrual function. The aim of the study is to identify the relationships between gonadotropic and steroid hormones with the content of vitamin D in menstrual disorders in adolescent girls by type of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). 167 adolescent girls with AUB were examined. The levels of Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Prolactin (PRL), total estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), cortisol (C), vitamin D were determined. It was revealed that in 92.1% of girls with AUB have a decrease in the level of vitamin D, and 53.9% of them have a sharp reduce of its. A factorial model of the relationship between pituitary-gonadal hormones and vitamin D, on the basis of which it may be assumed that vitamin D makes a significant contribution to the formation of AUB in adolescence. It participates in the mechanisms of stimulation of gonadotropins, affects the activity of sex hormones through the promoters of receptors located both in the hypothalamic-pituitary region and in the periphery in the ovaries. This is evidenced by factor weights, which serve as analogues of the correlation ratios and show the degree of interconnection between the variables in the factors selected. The changes in the content of vitamin D revealed indicate the need and expediency of its determination in the blood of patients with AUB during puberty for early diagnosis of its abnormalities and timely prevention of serious complications in the future.

Vitamin D Fortification of Consumption Cow's Milk: Health, Nutritional and Technological Aspects. A Multidisciplinary Lecture of the Recent Scientific Evidence.

Vitamin D is essential in assuring bone health at all stages of life, but its non-skeletal effects are also essential: This vitamin impacts the physiology of the immune system, skeletal muscles and adipose tissue, glucose metabolism, skin, cardiovascular and reproductive systems, neuro-cognitive functions and cell division. The incidence of vitamin D deficiency is widespread worldwide, at any age, in young and healthy subjects, as well as in pregnant women and the elderly population, due to several factors, including inadequate sunlight exposure, skin pigmentation and coverage, adiposity, lifestyle and low dietary intakes. To overcome this problem, the fortification of foods that are consumed on a daily basis, such as milk, is strongly advisable. This opinion paper aims to discuss, in a multidisciplinary way, the current evidence supporting the importance of vitamin D in health and disease and the role of milk as an optimal carrier of this vitamin, to promote adequate intakes, highlighting its unique physico-chemical characteristics linked to both fat globule membrane and casein micelle structure. Moreover, it addresses the impact of industrial processing and storage of consumption milk on the stability of these structures, thus in determining vitamin D bioavailability and the achievement of adequate intakes.

Skeletal Effects of Early-Life Exposure to Soy Isoflavones-A Review of Evidence From Rodent Models.

Isoflavones are dietary phytoestrogens commonly found in soy-based products. The widespread presence of isoflavones in soy infant formula and breast milk may have long-lasting effects on the development of sex hormone-sensitive organs like the skeleton. Animal early-life programming models are suitable for testing the skeletal effects of pre- and neonatal exposure of soy isoflavones. This review aims to collate the impacts of early-life exposure of soy isoflavones as evidenced in animal models. The isoflavones previously studied include daidzein, genistein, or a combination of both. They were administered to rodent pups during the first few days postnatal, but prolonged exposure had also been studied. The skeletal effects were observed when the animals reached sexual maturity or after castration to induce bone loss. In general, neonatal exposure to soy isoflavones exerted beneficial effects on the skeletal system of female rodents, but the effects on male rodents seem to depend on the time of exposure and require further examinations. It might also protect the animals against bone loss due to ovariectomy at adulthood but not upon orchidectomy. The potential benefits of isoflavones on the skeletal system should be interpreted together with its non-skeletal effects in the assessment of its safety and impacts.

COMPARING VITAMIN D STATUS IN CENTRAL ASIA AND NORTHERN EUROPE

Over the past two decades, the understanding of the roles of vitamin D has expanded to include many nonskeletal effects such as reduced risk of acute respiratory tract infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, neurological diseases, and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. The role of vitamin D for optimal health is well known in Western developed countries but less so in Central Asian countries. This narrative review compares the status of vitamin D between Central Asian countries and Northern European countries. The analysis also summarizes the evidence for the beneficial effects of vitamin D and recommendations for Central Asian countries.

Benefits of Bisphosphonate Therapy: Beyond the Skeleton.

Recent evidence from clinical trials and observational studies raises the possibility that bisphosphonate use might confer a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, resulting in a mortality benefit. This review summarizes clinical and preclinical studies examining the non-skeletal effects of bisphosphonates. Data from clinical trials are conflicting regarding whether or not bisphosphonates have beneficial effects on mortality, cardiovascular events, or cancer incidence. No clinical trials have assessed these outcomes as primary endpoints, and most trials were shorter than 4years. Observational data suggest that bisphosphonate users may have lower mortality, delayed progression of vascular calcification and atherosclerotic burden, and reduced incidence of breast and colorectal cancer compared to non-users. Preclinical studies confirm that bisphosphonates can be taken up by macrophages and monocytes, and nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates have the ability to disrupt the mevalonate pathway within these cells. In this manner, bisphosphonates exert anti-atherogenic and anti-cancer effects. Bisphosphonates also appear to exert protective effects on vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells and may have direct cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. The balance of evidence does not support bisphosphonate treatment for the primary purpose of improving non-skeletal outcomes, although appropriately designed controlled trials that further explore this possibility are both justified and required. Patients with skeletal indications for bisphosphonate therapy can be reassured that these agents are not associated with increased mortality, cardiovascular disease, or cancer incidence.

VITAMIN D3 ADMINISTRATION BEFORE AND AFTER DETORSION COULD SALVAGE THE TESTICULAR ENDOCRINE FUNCTION IN AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF TESTICULAR TORSION/DETORTION

Background: Testicular torsion is one of the emergencies affecting mostly adolescent males, resulting in sub-fertility if notrapidly and efficiently managed. Oxidative stress, inflammatory response as well as immunological reactions were implicated in its pathogenesis. Recently interest in studying the non-skeletal effects of vitamin D is growing, many researches indicates its antioxidant, antiinflammatory and immuno-modulatory effects. Aim of the Work: Investigating the possible conservative effect of vitamin D3 treatment on testicular endocrinal function in testicular torsion/detorsion rat model, and elucidating its possible underlying mechanism. Materials and Methods: 24 young adult male albino rats,weighing 120-160 g., were randomly allocated into 3 groups, 8 in each group, Sham operated (SHAM), Testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) and Testicular torsion/detorsion; vitamin D3 treated (T/D; D3) groups. All rats were subjected to measurement of absolute and relative testicular weight (ATW and RTW, respectively), assessment of testicular endocrinal function by serum total testosterone and inhibin B levels. In addition to determination of serum antisperm antibody(AsAb). Testicular tissue was examined for oxidative stress markers; malondialdeyde (T. MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (T, GPx), as well as inflammatory marker; myeloperoxidase (T. MPO). Results: Testicular T/D resulted in significant reduction in ATW, RTW, serum testosterone and inhibin B levels with significant elevation in serum AsAb, T. MDA and T. MPO when compared with SHAM group. On treatment with vitamin D3, RTW was significantly increased as compared with T/D group but still significantly less than SHAM group. Serum testosterone level was significantly increased when compared with both SHAM and T/D groups. Inhibin B was significantly increased as compared with T/D group but still notnormalized as being significantly less than SHAM group. Serum AsAb, T. MDA and T. MPO were significantly decreased when compared with T/D group, being normalized for T. MDA but still significantly higher for serum AsAb and T. MPO when compared with SHAM group, however, T. GPx was significantly increased as compared with both SHAM and T/D groups.Conclusion: Vitamin D3 could retrieve the testicular endocrinal dysfunction induced by Torsion/Detorsion by its antioxidant, antiinflammatory and immuno-modulatory effects.

Targeted 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration measurements and vitamin D3 supplementation can have important patient and public health benefits.

Over the past two decades, many studies reported the benefits of higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations for nonskeletal effects. Researchers found significant benefits in reducing risk of acute respiratory tract infections, many types of cancer, type 2 diabetes mellitus, premature death, and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. In addition, 25(OH)D concentrations are low for various reasons in several categories of people, including the obese, those with dark skin living at higher latitudes, the elderly, and those who do not eat much eggs, fish, meat, or vitamin D fortified milk. Measuring 25(OH)D concentrations is one way to both increase the awareness of vitamin D's importance in maintaining good health and to encourage vitamin D supplementation or increased solar ultraviolet-B exposure to sustain well-being throughout life by reducing disease incidence. Although 20 ng/ml seems adequate to reduce risk of skeletal problems and acute respiratory tract infections, concentrations above 30 ng/ml have been associated with reduced risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. Thus, judicious testing of 25(OH)D concentrations could reduce disease incidence and make treatment expenditures more cost-effective.

Vitamin D and the Immune System. When? Why? How?

Vitamin D, called “the sunshine vitamin” is essential for the good functioning of the human body. Vitamin D generates its principal effects via the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a specific zinc-finger nuclear receptor, located primarily in the nuclei of target cells. VDR is present in most tissues and cells in the body such as in the: digestive system, cardiovascular system, immune system. This receptor represents the key to the understanding of vitamin D non-skeletal effects. Recently, some data were published on the correlation between vitamin D levels and sepsis, indicating a prevalence of vitamin D deficiency of approximately 61.6% in sepsis patients and of 74% in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU). Vitamin D deficiency in critically ill patients is associated with infection and sepsis, and this association is based on the relation between vitamin D and inflammatory cytokine. Vitamin D, via VDR influences the secretion of cytokines and antimicrobial peptides. Practically, vitamin D acts as an immunomodulator stimulating the differentiation of cells of the innate immune system and, regulating T and B cell proliferation. The data clearly show predominant effects of vitamin D on the adaptive immune function. Vitamin D modulates the T cell phenotype specially that of CD4+ helper T cells (Th1, Th2, as well as Th17 sub-grups). The amplitude of the response to vitamin D depends on a cell’s state of activation, as the number of VDR in inactive cells is low, but may increase five times after activation It was found that the intestinal expression of VDR regulates the host’s microbiome and mediates the anti-inflammatory effects of probiotics. A low level of vitamin D in ICU patients is demonstrated and has many causes. The rapid correction of this deficiency by administering very high doses of vitamin D is possible without causing adverse effects like hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria. Vitamin D is more than just a vitamin. It has clear effects on the immune system, in particular in patients with autoimmune diseases and critically ill. Currently, the majority of data strongly support the association, between low vitamin D levels and sepsis rather than a causal relation. Vitamin D is emerging as a promising and relatively safe nutrient for developing new preventive strategies and adjuvant treatments of diseases, caused by impaired immune-homeostasis. In addition, its supplmentation is very easy and safe.

Paradoxical Vitamin D deficiency in a sunny country: A narrative review of the literature from the United Arab Emirates (1992–2018)

Deficiency of Vitamin D is a global problem related to lack of sunlight exposure and reduced dietary intake. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) affects mainly skeletal structure and function but has a number of recognized nonskeletal effects that have wide ramifications. It sounds ironic that low serum Vitamin D levels are widely documented in a sunny country like the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study objective was to review the literature on VDD in the UAE. This is a narrative nonsystematic review of the literature on the epidemiological and clinical aspects of Vitamin D status in the UAE based on PubMed search using two search terms “Vitamin D” and “Emirates.” We discuss the various themes that emerged as follows: epidemiology and disease burden of VDD in the UAE population in general and in specific groups (adults, children, females, and pregnant and nursing mothers); awareness of dietary intake, climate, genetics, and metabolic factors affecting serum Vitamin D levels; and the overview of current clinical management guidelines, interventional trials, and clinical practices. VDD is a widely documented health problem in the UAE population as a whole and in several special groups. This may have serious skeletal and nonskeletal health implications.

Vitamin D status of pregnant mothers and its effect on anthropometric measures in the offspring: A preliminary study

Introduction: Many studies from the Asian region have shown the existence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant and breast feeding mothers despite abundant sunlight. Yet, we have little information on this topic in Sri Lanka. There are many skeletal and non-skeletal effects of vitamin D deficiency. Objectives: To investigate vitamin D status of pregnant mothers and its effect on growth parameters of the offspring. Method: We recruited 91 mothers who did not receive vitamin D supplementation during their pregnancy. 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase, calcium and inorganic phosphorus levels were measured during the third trimester. Weight, length and head circumference (HC) of the babies were measured at birth and at one month of age. Results: Vitamin D deficiency ( Conclusions: A significant rate of vitamin D deficiency was observed in pregnant mothers. There was no correlation between maternal vitamin-D levels and neonatal anthropometry in this study. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health , 2018; 47 : 211-214

Vitamin D in Critically Ill Patients - From Molecular Damage Interactions to Clinical Outcomes Benefits. When, Why, How?

Abstract Vitamin D - „the sunshine vitamin” is essential for the good functioning of the human body. The most important forms of the vitamin D are the vitamin D2 and the vitamin D3, both biologically inactived. Vitamin D can come from: diet or nutritiv suplimentts and skin. The activation of vitamin D is effect in two steps to the physiologically active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D]. The biological actions of Vitamin D involve regulation of gene expression at the transcriptional level and are mediated through binding to a Vitamin D Receptor (VDR). Vitamin D has multiple roles: hormonale/ nonhormonale, skeletale/nonscheletale, genomice/nongenomice. Interesting is inversely corelation between Vitamin D and total body fat (BMI) and correlation between Vitamin D and cognitive impairment, especially Alzheimer Disease or delirium during hospitalisation. The curent recomandations regarding the supplying with Vitamin D are different for regions of the globe, also differ depending on the baseline serum Vitamin D and on the desired effect. So, potential nonskeletal effects occur at levels >30ng/ml, above 50-75ng/ml, serum level who should become the target of the supplementation. The loading dose should be considered perioperatively for rapid effects. In conclusion, Vitamin D is more than just a vitamin. It is a substance with multiple roles in body’s economy, and in recent years there has been an interest in the relation be tween vitamin D deficiency and obesity or cognitive impairment. The majority of the data supports association, not causation, of low vitamin D levels. In other words, much of data does not clearly support the idea that vitamin D supplementation in a patient with low vitamin D levels reduces the risk of these diseases. But, the supplimentation is very easy and no harm might be done.

Rickets/Osteomalacia. Non-skeletal effects of vitamin D.

A variety of epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have shown that vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency not only affects bone and mineral metabolism, but is also linked to sarcopenia, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, cancer, autoimmune disease, and other diseases. There has been accumulating evidence that vitamin D deficiency, defined as a serum 25(OH)D value below 20 ng/mL, is a significant risk factor for each of these diseases. However, vitamin D supplementation has not shown a therapeutic effect in any of these diseases, and a detailed cause-and-effect relationship remains elusive. Future studies should consider non-skeletal effects when investigating cutoff levels of serum 25(OH)D for therapeutic intervention in vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency, the required supplement dose, and the length of supplementation.

Therapeutic Role of Vitamin D in Cardiovascular Disease: Emerging Evidence

While the importance of Vitamin D for calcium absorption and metabolism and bone health was recognized about a century ago, its importance for non-skeletal effects has only been generally recognized and appreciated in this century. Most of the supporting evidence is either from observational studies, including prospective studies, related to serum 25-hydroxyVitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations, or studies of Vitamin D mechanisms. A moderate amount of this evidence has been generated from clinical trials.

Non-skeletal health effects of vitamin D supplementation: A systematic review on findings from meta-analyses summarizing trial data.

BackgroundA large number of observational studies have reported harmful effects of low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels on non-skeletal outcomes. We performed a systematic quantitative review on characteristics of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) included in meta-analyses (MAs) on non-skeletal effects of vitamin D supplementation.Methods and findingsWe identified systematic reviews (SR) reporting summary data in terms of MAs of RCTs on selected non-skeletal outcomes. For each outcome, we summarized the results from available SRs and scrutinized included RCTs for a number of predefined characteristics. We identified 54 SRs including data from 210 RCTs. Most MAs as well as the individual RCTs reported null-findings on risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, weight-loss, and malignant diseases. Beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation was reported in 1 of 4 MAs on depression, 2 of 9 MAs on blood pressure, 3 of 7 MAs on respiratory tract infections, and 8 of 12 MAs on mortality. Most RCTs have primarily been performed to determine skeletal outcomes, whereas non-skeletal effects have been assessed as secondary outcomes. Only one-third of the RCTs had low level of 25OHD as a criterion for inclusion and a mean baseline 25OHD level below 50 nmol/L was only present in less than half of the analyses.ConclusionsPublished RCTs have mostly been performed in populations without low 25OHD levels. The fact that most MAs on results from RCTs did not show a beneficial effect does not disprove the hypothesis suggested by observational findings on adverse health outcomes of low 25OHD levels.

The Benefit of Vitamin D Therapy on Psychological Aspects in Children and Adolescents in Western Saudi Arabia

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a major public health problem worldwide, including in children of Saudi Arabia. Vitamin D has numerous beneficial skeletal and non-skeletal physiological effects. Vitamin D is not only essential for bone health, but also promotes proper brain development and functioning. Vitamin D also serves many important functions, such as promoting calcium absorption and reducing inflammation. Aim: To investigate the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and psychological impacts in children and adolescents, and to determine whether vitamin D therapy has beneficial psychological effects in this population. Study design: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The sample included 181 young children and adolescents between 2 and 18 years of age (88 females, 93 male) from various regions of the city. Relevant data were collected during clinic interviews. Data were analyzed using a chi-square test for nominal data. Interview data were used to compare pre- and post-vitamin D treatment factors. Results: Psychological manifestations associated with vitamin D deficiency were commonly seen between 6-12 years of age (40.9%), 2-6 years of age (38.1%), and 12-18 years of age (21.0%). Males (51.4%) exhibited higher rate of deficiency when compared to females (48.6%), although this relationship was not statistically significant (pvalue= 0.441). Most males and females displayed insufficient vitamin D levels. A significant improvement in psychological symptoms was noted with vitamin D therapy (p-value<0.05). Conclusion: A correlational relationship between vitamin D deficiency and psychological problems was revealed in children and adolescents, through comparison of improvements psychological issues following vitamin D therapy.

The Association of Vitamin D Status with Dyslipidaemia and Biomarkers of Endothelial Cell Activation in Older Australians.

Background/Aims: Vitamin D has been investigated for many non-skeletal effects. The objective of this study was to determine whether circulating lipids, systemic inflammation, and biomarkers of endothelial cell activation varied with the vitamin D status of older Australians. Methods: One hundred and one participants were proportionately and randomly sampled across tertiles of 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) from a larger cohort of free living older adults (T1 median = 97; T2 median = 74.5; T3 median = 56.8 nmol/L). Overnight fasting blood samples were assayed for 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), insulin, triacylglycerol (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Markers of systemic inflammation (high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) and endothelial activation (hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), P-selectin and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM), soluble intracellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)) were determined. A general linear model multivariate analysis with a backward elimination procedure was performed. Results: Eighty-three participants (48 women, 35 men), aged 65 ± 7.7 years, BMI 28 ± 4.5 kg/m2, with complete data were analyzed. The final parsimonious model controlled for age, gender, BMI, and McAuley’s index, but excluded season, medications, and PTH. There were significant differences across 25(OH)D tertiles in TC (T1 < T3, p = 0.003; T2 < T3, p = 0.001), LDL-C (T1 < T3, p = 0.005; T2 < T3, p = 0.001), TAG (T2 < T3, p = 0.026), HGF (T1 > T3, p = 0.009) and sVCAM (T1 > T3, P = 0.04). Conclusions: Higher vitamin D status may protect the endothelium through reduced dyslipidaemia and increased HGF.

Optimal vitamin D levels in Crohn's disease: a review.

Vitamin D deficiency is common among patients with Crohn's disease. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is the best measure of an individual's vitamin D status and current cut-off ranges for sufficiency are debatable. Several factors contribute to vitamin D deficiency in Crohn's disease. These include inadequate exposure to sunlight, inadequate dietary intake, impaired conversion of vitamin D to its active metabolite, increased catabolism, increased excretion and genetic variants in vitamin D hydroxylation and transport. The effects of low 25(OH)D on outcomes other than bone health are understudied in Crohn's disease. The aim of the present review is to discuss the potential roles of vitamin D and the possible levels required to achieve them. Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D may have roles in innate and adaptive immunity, in the immune-pathogenesis of Crohn's disease, prevention of Crohn's disease-related hospitalisations and surgery, in reducing disease severity and in colon cancer prevention. The present literature appears to suggest that 25(OH)D concentrations of ≥75nmol/l may be required for non-skeletal effects; however, further research on optimal levels is required.

Vitamin D status and related factors in newborns in Shanghai, China.

With the increasing recognition of the importance of the non-skeletal effects of vitamin D (VitD), more and more attention has been drawn to VitD status in early life. However, the VitD status of newborns and factors that influence VitD levels in Shanghai, China, remain unclear. A total of 1030 pregnant women were selected from two hospitals in Shanghai, one of the largest cities in China located at 31 degrees north latitude. Umbilical cord serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured by LC-MS-MS, and questionnaires were used to collect information. The median cord serum 25(OH)D concentration was 22.4 ng/mL; the concentration lower than 20 ng/mL accounted for 36.3% of the participants, and the concentration lower than 30 ng/mL for 84.1%. A multivariable logistic regression model showed that the determinants of low 25(OH)D status were being born during autumn or winter months and a lack of VitD-related multivitamin supplementation. The relative risk was 1.7 for both autumn (95% CI, 1.1–2.6) and winter (95% CI, 1.1–2.5) births (p < 0.05). VitD-related multivitamin supplementation more than once a day during pregnancy reduced the risk of VitD deficiency [adjusted OR (aOR) = 0.6, 95% CI (0.45–1.0) for VitD supplementation] (p < 0.05). VitD deficiency and insufficiency are common in newborns in Shanghai, China, and are independently associated with season and VitD supplementation. Our findings may assist future efforts to correct low levels of 25(OH)D in Shanghai mothers and their newborn children.

Insulin resistance in Saudi postmenopausal women with and without metabolic syndrome and its association with vitamin D deficiency

BackgroundThere is increasing interest in the non-skeletal effects of vitamin D and the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus. We aimed to investigate the relationship between surrogate indices of insulin resistance (IR), and vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in postmenopausal Saudi women with and without metabolic syndrome. MethodsThe study population consisted of 300 postmenopausal women aged 46–88 years enrolled consecutively from women attending the Outpatient Clinics of King Abdulaziz University Hospital. Demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters were recorded. Data were analyzed for women with and without metabolic syndrome. ResultsAbdominal obesity, IR, and hypovitaminosis D were highly prevalent within our population sample. Of the components used to define metabolic syndrome; waist circumference, serum triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were significantly related with all surrogate measures of IR. Significant inverse correlations were found between serum vitamin D and serum TG, FBG, and diastolic blood pressure, within the study cohort. ConclusionsThese observations suggest that hypovitaminosis D may be associated with the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Interrelationships between IR, metabolic syndrome, and hypovitaminosis D are of particular interest in Saudi population, given the high prevalence of these conditions in this region.