Prevalence Of Low Vitamin Research Articles

Prevalence of low vitamin D levels among older US Asian and Pacific Islander adults.

US Asian and Pacific Islander (PI) adults generally have lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels than non-Hispanic White (NHW) adults, but subgroup data remain limited. We compared sex- and ethnicity-specific prevalence of low 25(OH)D among older Asian/PI and NHW adults. Data from 102,556 Asian/PI and 381,724 NHW adults aged 50-89years with measured 25(OH)D in 2012-2019 and body mass index (BMI, within ± 1year) were examined in a California healthcare system. Low 25(OH)D < 20ng/mL (50nmol/L) was examined by race and ethnicity. Covariates included age, smoking, BMI, and season of measurement. Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios (aPR), adjusting for covariates. Among 31,287 Asian/PI men and 71,269 Asian/PI women, the prevalence of low 25(OH)D was 22.6% and 14.7%, respectively, significantly higher than observed for 122,162 NHW men (12.3%) and 259,562 NHW women (9.9%). Within Asian/PI subgroups, low 25(OH)D prevalence ranged from 17 to 18% (Korean, Japanese, Filipino), 22 to 24% (Chinese, Vietnamese), 28% (South Asian), and 35% (Native Hawaiian/PI) among men and 11 to 14% (Japanese, Filipina, Chinese, Korean), 17 to 18% (South Asian, Vietnamese), and 26% (Native Hawaiian/PI) among women. The corresponding aPRs (NHW reference) for men and women were as follows: NativeHawaiian/PI, 2.70 and 2.34; South Asian, 2.56 and 2.07; Vietnamese, 2.17 and 2.31; Chinese, 2.04 and 1.89; Korean, 1.60 and 1.85; Filipino, 1.58 and 1.52; and Japanese, 1.58 and 1.49 (p < 0.001). In a large US healthcare population of older Asian/PI adults, low 25(OH)D prevalence was 1.5- to 2.7-fold higher for Asian/PI compared to NHW adults, with substantial variation by sex and ethnicity.

Novel protective circulating miRNA are associated with preserved vitamin D levels in patients with mild COVID-19 presentation at hospital admission not progressing into severe disease.

Low vitamin D levels were reported to negatively influence the outcomes of acute COVID-19, as well as other biochemical markers were linked to COVID-19, including microRNAs (miRNAs). This study aimed to prospectively evaluate miRNAs and vitamin D relationship in predicting COVID-19 outcomes. COVID-19 patients were part of a previously reported cohort and enrolled in a matched-ratio based on the presence/or not of severe disease at hospital admission. 25(OH) vitamin D levels and miRNAs expression were evaluated. Patients affected by non-severe COVID-19 were characterized by a higher expression of miRNAs hsa-miR-3115 and hsa-miR-7151-3p, as compared to those affected by severe disease. In non-severe patients, these miRNAs were more frequently expressed in those who subsequently did not develop worsening outcomes. In addition, patients with miRNA-7151 expression and without worsening disease were characterized by higher 25(OH) vitamin D levels and lower prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. The expression of two novel miRNAs was reported for the first-time to be associated with a less severe COVID-19 form and to prospectively predict the occurrence of disease outcome. Furthermore, the association observed between vitamin D deficiency and lack of miRNA-7151 expression in COVID-19 patients with worse outcomes may support the hypothesis that the co-existence of these two conditions may have a strong negative prognostic role.

High Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Vitamin D Deficiency Among Chinese Hospital Staff: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To determine the current status of vitamin D status and the associated factors for its deficiency among Chinese hospital staff. The physical examination data of 2509 hospital staff members was analyzed alongside that of 1507 patients who visited the hospital during the corresponding period of the examination. Serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) were measured in the participants. The hospital staff also completed surveys about general information, laboratory examination, and occupational characteristics. The median vitamin D status (serum 25(OH)D concentration) of the participants was 9.0 ng/mL, ranging from 6.5 to 44.7 ng/mL, and the prevalence of deficiency (<12.3 ng/mL) was 81.47% (2044/2509). The multivariable logistic regression revealed that nurses (OR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.09-2.19, p = 0.015), BMI below 18 (OR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.02-5.58, p = 0.045) associated with higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. In the contrast, age above 30 (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.53-0.91, p = 0.009) and a high level of uric acid (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.41-0.78, p = 0.001) associated with lower prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was higher among the hospital staff (81.47%) compared to the patients who visited the hospital during the same time period (65.69%). A substantial disparity was observed in the propensity score matching dataset (69.14% vs 79.94%, p < 0.001). Hospital staff are a high-risk group for vitamin D deficiency. Paying attention to vitamin D status and supplementation of this vitamin are pertinent aspects of hospital staff health care. Outdoor activities, vitamin D supplementation, and foods rich in vitamin D should be advocated.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Low Vitamin D Level in Adults with Epilepsy: A Cross-sectional Study at a Single Tertiary Neurological Center in Thailand

Background: Epilepsy has a wide-ranging impact on the quality of life in patients of all age groups. Reduced levels of active vitamin D contribute to various bone diseases and may influence seizure control. Nevertheless, the risk factors for low vitamin D levels in patients with epilepsy remain inconclusive and are not well-established. The limited number of studies in Thailand may not be sufficient to provide guideline recommendations for screening vitamin D levels in adults with epilepsy. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of low vitamin D levels in Thai adults with epilepsy taking long-term antiepileptic drugs. To provide supporting recommendations for screening vitamin D levels in patients with epilepsy for early diagnosis and appropriate vitamin supplementation. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted on 87 adults with epilepsy aged 18 to 76 years who were followed up at the Neurological Institute of Thailand between March and October 2023. Patients with comorbidities affecting vitamin D metabolism were excluded from the study. Baseline demographic data, epilepsy-related information, and anti-seizure medication information were analyzed. Blood tests for vitamin D for 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], calcium, phosphorus, and albumin were performed. Results: The prevalence of low vitamin D levels was 85%, including deficiency at 37% and insufficiency at 48%, with the mean (±SD) of serum 25(OH)D being 21.9±7.60 ng/mL. Multivariate analyses revealed that female was significantly associated with low vitamin D levels, adjusted OR 4.97 (95% CI 1.23 to 20.05). There was no significant association among epilepsy-related information, anti-seizure medications, and low vitamin D levels. Conclusion: The prevalence of low vitamin D levels in the present study was significantly higher than that observed in the previous studies, which is consistent with the findings of the recent studies in many countries. The authors strongly recommend screening for vitamin D levels in Thai adults with epilepsy, particularly in females. Early diagnosis and management of this condition are beneficial for patients with epilepsy and can help mitigate the various complications resulting from low vitamin D levels. Keywords: Epilepsy; Low vitamin D level; Vitamin D deficiency; Vitamin D insufficiency; Antiseizure medications; Prevalence; Risk factors

Low vitamin D and uric acid status in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Growing evidence reported that vitamin D and uric acid metabolism played roles in the occurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, an otoconia-related vestibular disorder. We aimed to investigate the serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) and uric acid in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and to determine the risk factor for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. This case-control study comprised 182 patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and 182 age- and gender-matched controls. All subjects' age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), uric acid and serum calcium measurements were analyzed. We found a female preponderance of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients, with a median of 60 (52-66) years old. The results showed low vitamin D status both in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and controls, with no significant difference of 25(OH)D levels between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients and controls (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo had a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and a lower prevalence of vitamin D sufficiency (P < 0.05). Uric acid was significantly lower in the benign paroxysmal positional vertigo groups (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age and uric acid were considered higher risk predictors for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Our study observed low vitamin D status in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, with no significant differences of the 25(OH)D level in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and controls. Elderly, vitamin D deficiency and low uric acid levels may be risk factors for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo occurrence.

Vitamin D Levels Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Sudanese Patients: Prevalence and Correlation to Disease Activity - A Bicentric Study.

To evaluate vitamin D levels among adult Sudanese RA patients and identify its correlation with RA disease activity. A bicentric cross-sectional analytical hospital-based study was performed in two Khartoum State Hospitals between October 2019 and January 2020, enrolling 90 Sudanese patients with RA. Serum vitamin D levels were measured with a standard reference level of 30ng/mL-100ng/mL. A detailed interview-based questionnaire was used to collect the patient's information, clinical data and lab results-disease activity was assessed via the DAS-28 score. The data was then analyzed using SPSS v-24. Vitamin D levels were low in 79 candidates (87.8%), 53 of which (67.1%) showed moderate insufficiency (10-30ng/mL), and 26 candidates (32.9%) had severe deficiency (less than 10 ng/mL). Regarding the disease activity, 57 participants (63.3%) had moderate disease activity (DAS-28=3.2-5.1), and 22 participants (24.4%) had high disease activity (DAS-28 >5.1). A significant negative correlation was reported between high DAS-28 scores and low vitamin D levels with p-value = <0.001 (95% CI: -0.8591 to 0.0015) and r = -0.44. Most adult Sudanese rheumatoid arthritis patients showed low vitamin D levels (87.8%), which was also significantly correlated with increased disease activity (P-value <0.05). Moreover, the prevalence of low vitamin D levels was significantly higher than in numerous countries worldwide.

Vitamin D Status among Women of Different Asian Subgroups Initiating Osteoporosis Therapy.

Among 1866 Asian women (901 Filipina women, 654 Chinese women, and 311 Japanese women) who had vitamin D assessment prior to initiation of osteoporosis therapy, Filipina women had a lower prevalence of vitamin D deficiency compared to Chinese women, despite higher body mass index. In multivariable analyses that adjusted for age, body mass index, and smoking status, the relative risk of low vitamin D was significantly higher for Chinese women (relative risk 1.4, 95% confidence interval 1.1-1.7) but not Japanese women (relative risk 1.2, 95% confidence interval 0.9-1.6). The 40% higher risk of low Vitamin D in Chinese compared to Filipina women emphasizes the importance of disaggregating Asian race when examining nutritional health attributes.

Vitamin D Supplementation and the Incidence of Cataract Surgery in Older Australian Adults

Observational studies suggest that higher serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration may be associated with lower risk of cataract. However, no randomized controlled trials have assessed the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the incidence of cataract. We aimed to assess whether vitamin D supplementation reduces the incidence of cataract surgery. We conducted an ancillary study of the D-Health Trial, a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial of monthly vitamin D conducted from 2014 through 2020 within the Australian general population. We invited 421 207 men and women 60 to 84 years of age to participate; including an additional 1896 volunteers, 40 824 expressed interest. Those with hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, kidney stones, osteomalacia, or sarcoidosis or those who were taking more than 500 international units (IU) supplemental vitamin D per day were excluded. A total of 21 315 were randomized, and 1390 participants did not fulfil the eligibility criteria for this analysis (linked data available, no cataract within first 6 months), leaving 19 925 included. The median follow-up was 5 years. Participants took 60 000 IU of vitamin D3 (n= 10 662) or placebo (n= 10 653) orally once per month for a maximum of 5 years. The primary outcome for this analysis was the first surgical treatment for cataract, ascertained through linkage to universal health insurance records and hospital data. Among 19 925 participants eligible for this analysis (mean age, 69.3 years; 46% women) 3668 participants (18.4%) underwent cataract surgery during follow-up (vitamin D: n= 1841 [18.5%]; placebo: n= 1827 [18.3%] ). The incidence of cataract surgery was similar between the two groups (incidence rate, 41.6 and 41.1 per 1000 person-years in the vitamin D and placebo groups, respectively; hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-1.09). In prespecified subgroup analyses, the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the incidence of cataract surgery was not modified by age, sex, body mass index, predicted serum 25(OH)D concentration, or ambient ultraviolet radiation. Routinely supplementing older adults who live in an area with a low prevalence of vitamin D deficiency with high-dose vitamin D is unlikely to reduce the need for cataract surgery. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Perspective from 2021 The Need for More Nuanced Policy Guidance

Since publishing the findings of our feasibility study on neonatal vitamin A supplementation (NVAS) in Bangladesh in 2014, new evidence confirms NVAS reduces infant mortality in South Asia in contexts where prevalence of maternal vitamin A (VA) deficiency and rates of early infant mortality are high, but not in contexts characterized by low prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and lower rates of infant mortality.1 Unfortunately, this new evidence has not led to policy recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), nor to the implementation of NVAS in appropriate country contexts. Even in Bangladesh, where both NVAS efficacy and feasibility evidence is strong, NVAS has not been scaled up. Why?

Prevalence of low vitamin D levels in patients with Hidradenitis suppurativa in Jordan: A comparative cross-sectional study.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the apocrine gland bearing skin, presenting various stages of flexural skin pain, erythema, painful nodules, abscesses, sinuses, and fistulas. We aimed to assess serum vitamin D levels in patients with (HS) in Jordan. a cross-sectional comparative study conducted among 110 patients with HS and 110 matched controls, who didn’t previously receive vitamin D therapy. Serum vitamin D was measured and classified into normal (>30 ng/ml), insufficient (20–30 ng/ml), and low (<20 ng/ml). The mean age of the cases was 43.1 ± 12.9 years and the mean disease duration was 19.4 months. The mean body mass index among patients with HS was 30 and about 34% of them were smokers. The mean Vitamin D level was 8.4 ng/ml and all HS patients were vitamin D deficient. Patients of HS were more likely to have vitamin D deficiency compared to healthy controls. Most of the study subjects and particularly all of the patients with HS have low vitamin D levels. Smoking and high BMI, were associated with HS. We suggest the implementation standard public dietary recommendations of Vitamin D supplementation, smoking cessation, and weight reduction behaviors with further assessment of disease course among HS patients.

Vitamin D and Interleukins in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Polyposis.

Vitamin D is thought to play an inflammatory modulatory role in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) & it also affects the severity of inflammation so the study was focused on the evaluation of serum vitamin D & interleukins in CRSwNP. The prospective study was conducted on clinic-radiological confirmed cases. The patients were not operated prior, clubbed under primary nasal polyposis (PNP) group and the patients were operated prior, clubbed under recurrent nasal polyposis (RNP) group. The subjective and objective severity of the disease was assessed by sino-nasal outcome score (SNOT 22) & NCCT PNS & orbit. Serum levels of cytokines (IL4, IL 5, and IL 13) were quantified using the ELISA method using the Human Interleukin antibody coated ELISA kit. Measurement of vitamin D was done by using recombinant ruthenium-labelled VDBP. There was a significant difference in Vitamin D, AEC, IL 4, IL 5, IL 13 levels in the disease groups compared to control group. Low vitamin D, high SNOT & high absolute eosinophil count (AEC) count was noticed in both disease groups. Vitamin D may play a significant role in nasal polyposis formation. For the establishment of interaction, a community based larger study is required as the prevalence of low vitamin D level is high in Indian population.

The impact of seasonal variation on anemia and nutritional status with associated factors in 6–12 years Ghanaian school age children in peri-urban communities

Malnutrition remains a public health issue among children in resource poor countries where seasonality affects food availability, food consumption, and nutritional status of a population. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of anemia, low vitamin A and associated factors in school-age children in dry and wet season in a peri-urban setting. This was a six months observational study where data and samples were collected from school age children 6–12 years in mid-March (dry season) and mid-August (rainy season) 2020. Data and biological samples collected, were analyzed to determine prevalence of adequate dietary intakes, anemia, low vitamin A, and under-nutrition among participants. The study participants had 40.9% and 32.3% prevalence of anemia, 30.1% and 19.4% prevalence of low vitamin A, 12.9% and 10.8% level of wasting, and 63.4% and 94.6% level of adequate iron intake in the dry and wet seasons respectively. The cohort of anemic participants had mean hemoglobin concentrations as 10.6(1.7)ug/dl and 11.4(91.1)ug/dl in the dry and wet seasons respectively and significantly different at p = 0.001. The prevalence of anemia among them declined from 100.0% in the dry season to 79.0% in the wet season. They had mean serum retinol concentration as 22.4(6.4)ug/dl and 25.0(8.9)ug/dl, (significantly different at p = 0.014), prevalence of low vitamin A at 36.8% and 31.6%, prevalence of wasting as 23.7% and 18.4%, and prevalence of thinness as 10.2% and 7.9% in the dry and wet seasons respectively. Anemia associated significantly with parental monthly income of 1000–1500 cedis (180–269 USD), (OR:046, p = 0.039), and low vitamin A level (<20 μg/dl), (OR: 0.319, p = 0.049) in the dry season. Anemia associated significantly with low serum retinol (<20 μg/dl) (OR:0.070, p = 0.003) and dry season’s low hemoglobin (<11.5 g/dl) (OR:0.302, p = 0.034) among the participants. Seasonal variation from the dry to wet season have consequential effect on anemia, and nutritional status with associated factors among the study participants. Anemia associated significantly with parental monthly income in the dry season and with low serum retinol and dry season’s low hemoglobin in the wet season. Nutrition interventions will be more beneficial to the study participants during the dry season.

Prevalence of Low Vitamin D Levels and Metabolic Syndrome in Patients Attending Consultation at a Tertiary Level Hospital

Vitamin D is involved in multiple metabolic alterations that affect adiposity, glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of global mortality.

135 VITAMIN D FORTIFIED MILK—EFFECT ON VITAMIN D STATUS IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Background Vitamin D fortified milk is used by some older adults to boost vitamin D status. Combined vitamin D/calcium supplements often cause gastrointestinal upset which reduces adherence. Consumption of fortified milk may be a more consistent and reliable way of increasing serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], though studies of it’s efficacy in older adults are limited. Methods We examined the vitamin D status of users of vitamin D fortified milk in participants of a longitudinal study of community dwelling Irish adults aged &amp;gt;60 yrs. Patients taking vitamin D supplements were excluded and independent effects were explored in multinomial regression models. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a 25(OH)D level &amp;lt; 30 nmol/l. Results 2496 participants were identified: mean age was 70.5 ± 7.0 years (range 60–96 yrs) and 145 (5.8%) reported using vitamin D fortified milk. In those who consumed fortified milk, there was a lower prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (17.9 vs 34.5%, P &amp;lt; 0.001). Vitamin D fortified milk also predicted less deficiency after adjusting for age, gender, season, BMI and physical frailty (OR 0.30. CI 0.19–0.48, P &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion Vitamin D fortified milk was associated with a 70% reduction in the risk of vitamin D deficiency in older adults not taking vitamin D supplements. Findings support the use of vitamin D fortified milk as an effective means of improving vitamin D status. Fortified milk also contains additional calcium and so can be used to augment daily calcium intake.

Vitamin D status and obesity markers in older adults: results from West China Health and Aging Trends study

BackgroundsVitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in older adults seems to be common, but the prevalence estimates are lacking in West China. Previous studies suggested that low vitamin D status was associated with obesity. However, most of them evaluated obesity based on body mass index (BMI) and there are no studies at present exploring the association between vitamin D status and different obesity markers. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of low vitamin D status and evaluate the association between the vitamin D status and different obesity markers among older adults in West China.MethodsData was based on the baseline of West China Health and Aging Trends study (WCHAT). All of the participants were older than 60 years old in the present study. Vitamin D status was based on laboratory data, and obesity markers were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) using the InBody 770 analyzer. Multiple linear regression was performed to find the association between the vitamin D status and various obesity markers.ResultsThe study included 2661 individuals (mean age: 67.7 ± 6.0 years; males: 41 %). The mean vitamin D level was 18.8 ± 6.3 ng/ml (range: 5 to 59 ng/ml); 5.2 % of participants had a sufficient level of vitamin D, 31.8 % had vitamin D insufficiency, and 63.0 % had vitamin D deficiency. Our results showed that vitamin D status was negatively associated with fat mass index (FMI), visceral fat area (VFA), and waist-hip ratio (WHR) in both sexes. Comparing to other obesity markers, WHR had the strongest correlation with vitamin D status in both sexes (β = -6.090, P = 0.046 in males; β = -11.253, P < 0.001 in females). No significant association was found between vitamin D status and BMI in males.ConclusionThe prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency among older adults in West China was high. Among the older adults in west China, WHR showed stronger association with vitamin D status and was better for the prediction of vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency in both sexes, compared to BMI.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1800018895.

Burden of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Deficiencies in an Aging, Rural Indian Community.

Introduction: The important role of micronutrient deficiencies in aging-related disorders including dementia is becoming increasingly evident. However, information on their burden in India is scarce, especially, among aging and rural communities.Methods: Prevalence of vitamin D, B12 and folic acid deficiency was measured in an ongoing, aging cohort, from rural India–Srinivaspura Aging Neurosenescence and COGnition (SANSCOG) study cohort. Serum level estimation of vitamin D, B12 and folic acid, using chemiluminescence immunoassay, was performed on 1648 subjects (872 males, 776 females).Results: Mean vitamin D, B12 and folic acid levels were 23.4 ± 10.6 ng/ml, 277.4 ± 194.4 pg/ml and 6 ± 3.5 ng/ml), respectively. Prevalence of low vitamin D (<30 ng/ml), vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml), B12 deficiency (<200 pg/ml) and folic acid deficiency (<3 ng/ml) were 75.7, 39.1, 42.3, and 11.1%, respectively. Significantly more women had vitamin D deficiency, whereas more men had folic acid deficiency. Women belonging to the oldest age group (≥75 years) had the maximum burden of low vitamin D (94.3%) and folic acid deficiency (21.8%).Discussion: Older, rural-dwelling Indians have high burden of vitamin D and B12 deficiencies, which is concerning given the potentially negative consequences on cognition, immunity and frailty in the aging population. Urgent public health strategies are needed to address this issue and prevent or mitigate adverse consequences.

A hospital based research to determine the incidence and severity of vitamin d insufficiency in people with type 2 diabetes

Aims: The aim of the study to assess the prevalence and severity of vitamin D deficiency in type 2 DM. Material and methods: A 5 months case-control study was carried out at Dhawan Hospital in Ludhiana, Punjab, India, at the request of the researchers. A total of 240 volunteers participated in the study, with 120 type 2 diabetes patients serving as case participants (Group A) and 120 healthy volunteers serving as control participants (Group B). Laboratory testing on a regular basis CBC, FBS, RBS, PP2BS, haemoglobin A1C, blood urea, serum creatinine, lipid profile, urine albumin, and Vitamin D3 levels were all measured using conventional techniques at the institute's central laboratory, according to the guidelines. Results: When comparing groups A and B, the mean age of group A (case) was 51.42 9.25 years, while the mean age of group B (control) was 50.12 10.18 years. The prevalence of low vitamin D levels in the healthy population was just 19.2 percent, while the prevalence in the diabetic population was 84.2 percent. Vitamin D levels were found to be sufficient, insufficient, and deficient in 18.51 percent, 61.11 percent, and 16.67 percent, respectively, in patients with controlled diabetes according to HbA1C criteria, but only 10.60 percent, 68.18 percent, and 24.24 percent in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, according to the same criteria. In contrast to diabetic patients with managed condition, a higher proportion of diabetic patients with uncontrolled state (24.24 percent) had overt vitamin D insufficiency (16.67 percent). There is a statistically significant relationship between the maintenance of euglycemia and the degree of Vitamin D deficiency in diabetic patients, as shown by a p value less than 0.05. Conclusion: All patients with type-2 diabetes should have their vitamin D levels checked, and those who are found to have insufficiency or shortage of vitamin D should be prescribed vitamin D supplements. In order to avoid vitamin D insufficiency, it is also necessary to maintain tight control over one's diabetic condition.

Low prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in adult residents in Hainan, the tropical island province of China.

Vitamin D deficiency is considered to be a global health problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and analyze its related factors among adult residents in Hainan, a tropical island province of southern China. A total of 1,700 healthy adults, aged 18-86 years (617 men and 1,073 women), were enrolled in our cross-sectional descriptive study. Binomial logistic regression analyses were performed to identify possible predictors of vitamin D status. The average serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration was 37.66±10.77 ng/mL (males 43.60±11.8 ng/mL, females 34.20±8.40 ng/mL; I<0.001). The proportions of vitamin D sufficiency [25(OH)D ≥30 ng/mL], insufficiency [20 ng/mL ≤25(OH)D <30 ng/mL], and deficiency [25(OH)D <20 ng/mL] were 76.6%, 20.5%, and 2.9%, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency in the young, middle-aged, and elderly groups were 4.2%, 2.7%, and 1.7%, respectively. Vitamin D sufficiency was found to be positively associated with male sex (P<0.0001), age >40 years (P=0.014), habitation in a rural area (P<0.0001), summer/autumn seasons (P<0.0001), and having <13 years of formal education (P<0.0001). Our study was the first to assess the vitamin D status and analyze related factors among adult residents in Hainan Province, China. We found that vitamin D deficiency has low prevalence in this population, suggesting that before developing a strategy for the clinical use of vitamin D supplements in a region, the levels of vitamin D in generally healthy populations of that region should be assessed, to avoid unnecessary supplementation.

The role of vitamin D in the development of cardiac arrhythmias in locomotive drivers

Introduction. Heart rhythm disorders in locomotive drivers are a significant disease that increases the risk of sudden death and thromboembolic complications, including during professional duties. Conditions associated with cardiac arrhythmias in locomotive drivers can create a state for disastrous situations on the railway. Identification of risk factors for heart rhythm disorders and their prevention in locomotive drivers is an important task. The study aimed to study the role of vitamin D in developing cardiac arrhythmias in locomotive drivers. Materials and methods. We recruited the patients in the cardiology department's conditions, JSC "Russian Railways" in Moscow. The study included patients with detected cardiac arrhythmias. We did not have patients with a history of surgical treatment of cardiac arrhythmias with organic myocardial diseases. Namely: ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, congenital and acquired heart defects, cardiomyopathy. Also, scientists did not study patients with somatic disorders, decompensation of chronic diseases, and endocrine and urinary systems. Results. The study revealed a widespread prevalence of low vitamin D levels among locomotive drivers with cardiac arrhythmias. The statistical analysis showed the effect of vitamin D deficiency on cardiac arrhythmias' development with a high risk of sudden death and thromboembolic complications. We revealed the negative impact of occupational stress on the development of cardiac arrhythmias in locomotive drivers. Scientists have found the relationship of vitamin D deficiency with the level of anxiety of drivers. A review of studies on the role of vitamin D deficiency in developing cardiovascular diseases, including cardiac arrhythmias, is presented. The results of the study are consistent with the data of the scientific literature. Conclusions. It is necessary to survey locomotive drivers to identify vitamin D deficiency with the subsequent correction to prevent cardiac arrhythmias.

THE PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANT FACTORS OF LOW VITAMIN D LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH PAINFUL DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

Objective: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem. Diabetic neuropathy is one of the major diabetes microvascular complications. The previous study suggests that Vitamin D deficiency plays an important role in the development and progression of diabetes and the data in Indonesia are very limited. This study aims to measure the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency and its determinant factors in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN).&#x0D; Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study. The data were obtained from 53 subjects with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. A pre-designed questionnaire was used to collect data on the patient’s age, gender, duration of diabetes, comorbidities, any diabetic complications, and current treatment for diabetes mellitus. The Vitamin D levels were measured by a standardized method in the Prodia Research Laboratory.&#x0D; Results: Study findings showed that from 53 study subjects, most of them were female (79.2%). The mean age of subjects was 57.83±8.79 years. We found a high prevalence of low Vitamin D levels in the Indonesian population as many as 98.11% and only 1.9% has sufficiency Vitamin D levels. Gender (p=0.028), hypertension (p=0.027), and controlled complications (p=0.005) were significantly associated with Vitamin D levels.&#x0D; Conclusion: All patients with PDN in this study had a high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency. This high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency also has been reported worldwide. Physician should be aware and continue to treat patients with Vitamin D deficiency.