Prevalence Of Vitamin Research Articles

Investigation of 25-hydroxy vitamin D deficiency in healthy adults aged 18-65 years in Istanbul, Türkiye

Background :To determine the prevalence of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency in healthy adult patients who presented to our hospital in Istanbul province and to present the difference between vitamin 25(OH)D levels by gender, age group, season, and month. Materials and Methods: The vitamin 25(OH)D levels of 9,778 adults who presented to the internal medicine checkup outpatient clinic of our hospital between January 2022 and December 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Individuals with chronic disorders were excluded from the study. The adult patients included in the study were divided into two groups by age (18-50 and 51-65 years). Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method. A serum 25(OH)D level was regarded as deficient if below 20 ng/mL, insufficient if 20-30 ng/mL, and sufficient if above 30 ng/mL. The 25(OH)D levels of the patients were investigated by age, gender, season, and month. Results: After measurement, vitamin D levels were deficient in 57.2% of the patients (n=5,592), insufficient in 28.2% (n=2,756), and sufficient in 14.6% (n=1,430). The mean vitamin D level of the 18-50 age group was significantly lower than that of the group 51-65 age group (p=0.001; p<0.01). The vitamin D levels did not statistically significantly differ by gender (p=0.085, p>0.05). The mean vitamin D levels were 17.99±10.88 ng/mL in winter, 18.11±12.69 ng/mL in spring, 22.08±11.58 ng/mL in summer, and 21.67±10.82 ng/mL in fall. There were statistically significant differences according to the season and month of hospital presentation (p=0.001; p<0.01). Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (below 20 ng/mL) in healthy adults aged 18-65 years in Istanbul was 57.2%. This prevalence varied across seasons and months, indicating that sunlight is not being used sufficiently. Vitamin D deficiency in Istanbul presents a major problem that needs to be remedied.

Is there any association between vitamin D status and PCOS disease?

Introduction Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. The current study sought to assess vitamin D status in women with PCOS compared to the control group and to describe the association between vitamin D deficiency and the features of PCOS. Material and methodology A descriptive retrospective study about 176 women of reproductive age was conducted. The sample was divided into two groups: individuals with PCOS (82 women) and healthy individuals without PCOS (94 women). Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum concentration less than 10 ng/ml. We used the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21 for all analyses. Results In our study, vitamin D deficiency was observed in 40.2% PCOS patients and 24% controls. The 25(OH)D level was lower in PCOS women and the incidence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were significantly higher in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, PCOS women with insulin resistance or obesity had lower 25(OH)D levels in comparison with PCOS individuals without IR or obesity. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)/body mass index (BMI) and vitamin D status. Discussion and conclusion Vitamin D deficiency could be one of the etiological mechanisms of PCOS. In fact, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in PCOS women is evident, principally in those with obesity or IR. Also, the serum 25(OH)D level was correlated with parameters of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, it is proposed that vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial for the management of PCOS patients.

Bone Mineral Density Screening in People With Epilepsy and Intellectual Disability.

Vitamin D measurements and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans are recommended in people with intellectual disability and/or epilepsy in order to prevent bone-linked harm. The prevalence of vitamin D supplementation and bone mineral density screening were evaluated in 68 people with epilepsy and intellectual disability (EID) and 68 matched controls with epilepsy without intellectual disability. DXA scans were not performed in any of the people with EID but were performed in 11.8% of the people in the control group. People with EID had a higher vitamin D supplementation rate and were treated with more antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and more AED combinations, including first generation AEDs. Increased awareness of bone health screening in people with epilepsy and especially EID is warranted.

Melatonin and vitamin D as potential synergistic adjuvants for cancer therapy (Review).

Significant advancements have been made in cancer therapy; however, limitations remain with some conventional approaches. Adjuvants are agents used alongside primary treatments to enhance their efficacy and the treatment outcomes of patients. Modern lifestyles contribute to deficiencies in melatonin and vitamin D. Limited sun exposure affects vitamin D synthesis, and artificial light at night suppresses melatonin production. Both melatonin and vitamin D possess anti‑inflammatory, immune‑boosting and anticancer properties, rendering them potential adjuvants of interest. Studies suggest melatonin and vitamin D supplementation may address antioxidant imbalances in lip, oral and pharyngeal cancers. Moreover, promising results from breast, head and neck, brain, and osteosarcoma research indicate potential for tumor growth inhibition, improved survival, and a better quality of life of patients with cancer. The radioprotective properties of melatonin and vitamin D are another exciting area of exploration, potentially enhancing radiotherapy effectiveness while reducing side effects. For its part, the sleep‑promoting effects of melatonin may indirectly benefit patients with cancer by influencing the immune system. Thus, the prevalence of vitamin D and melatonin deficiencies highlights the importance of supplementation, as lower levels can worsen side‑effects from cancer treatments. The present review explores the potential of combining melatonin and vitamin D as synergistic adjuvants for cancer therapy. These agents have shown promise individually in cancer prevention and treatment, and their combined effects warrant investigation. Therefore, large‑scale controlled trials are crucial to definitively determine the optimal dosage, safety and efficacy of this combination in improving the lives of patients with cancer.

The Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Associated Factors Among Subfertile Women: An Initial Experience From Northern Sri Lanka

The Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Associated Factors Among Subfertile Women: An Initial Experience From Northern Sri Lanka

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Fatigue and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Long COVID and its Correlation with Symptom Severity

Background: Despite the potential role of vitamin D in the acute phase of COVID-19, studies on its prevalence and association with long COVID severity are limited, leaving the relationship between vitamin D levels and long COVID symptoms unclear. Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with fatigue or neuropsychiatric symptoms of long COVID and its correlation with the severity of symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional, single-center study was conducted at Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand. The study recruited participants between the ages of 18 and 60 years who had received a diagnosis of COVID-19 and had at least one long COVID symptom, including fatigue or neuropsychiatric symptoms. Vitamin D level was collected, and clinical severity was assessed using the Chalder Fatigue Scale [CFQ-11], Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items [DASS-21], Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III [ACE], and Trail Making Test A &amp; B [TMT-A and TMT-B]. Results: A total of 82 patients were recruited; most were female [78%], with a mean age of 34.2 years. Most participants had a vitamin D deficiency [&lt;20 ng/mL, 73.2%], accounting for 23.2% vitamin D insufficiency [20-30 ng/mL], and 3.6% had an adequate vitamin D level. Only gender was associated with vitamin D levels. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the vitamin D level was not correlated with all clinical outcomes, including total CFQ, total DASS, DASS depression, DASS anxiety, total PSQI, total ACE score, and total TMT scores. Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was high in patients with long COVID, with female gender serving as predictors of lower vitamin D levels. However, no associations were found between vitamin D level and fatigue syndrome, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, or cognitive function.

Pediatric Headache Patients Are at High Risk of Vitamin D Insufficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with headaches in adults, but data for children with headaches are sparse. To describe vitamin D levels in children with headaches. We retrospectively analyzed serum 25(OH)D concentrations in children aged 2-17 years with headaches compared to children with epilepsy at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario between October 1, 2014, and August 19, 2021. Serum 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L was classified as insufficient. Vitamin D concentrations of 353 children (117 with headaches; 236 with epilepsy) were analyzed. The median age in years was 10 (interquartile range [IQR] 5, 14); 50.4% of subjects were female. The median serum 25(OH)D was 56 nmol/L (IQR 41, 69) in children with headaches and 70 nmol/L (IQR 50, 95) in children with epilepsy. Vitamin D insufficiency was present in 42% of children with headaches and 25% of children with epilepsy (P = .002). In a multivariable linear regression model adjusting for age, sex and seasonality, children with headaches had serum 25(OH)D concentrations that were on average 9 nmol/L (95% CI-16.76, -0.96) lower compared to children with epilepsy (P = .029). The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency is higher in children with headaches compared to children with epilepsy. Prospective studies are needed to assess if vitamin D supplementation may have a therapeutic effect on pediatric headaches.

A bibliometric analysis and visualization of literature on the relationship between vitamin D and obesity over the last two decades

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to employ bibliometric analysis to visualize hot spots and evolving trends in the studies on the relationship between vitamin D and obesity. MethodsFrom the Web of Science Core Collection database, articles on vitamin D and obesity from 2001 to 2021 were retrieved. For the bibliometric visualization analysis, CiteSpace was employed. Some of the figures were created using GraphPad software. Results4454 pieces of articles and reviews were found, with an average citation of 30.68 times. There are many more published papers in the area of "nutrition dietetics" (1166, 26.179 %). The United States possesses the largest number of publications (1297, 29.12 %) and demonstrates definitive leadership in this field. The League of European Research Universities generates a higher percentage of publications (256, 5.748 %) than other institutions. Major studies are funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (531, 11.922 %) and the National Institutes of Health, USA (528, 11.855 %). The top five keywords with the highest co-occurrence frequency are “obesity” (1260), “vitamin d” (943), “insulin resistance” (651), “risk” (642), and “d deficiency” (636). The biggest keyword cluster was #0 "adolescent" among the 18 keyword clusters. The three latest keywords in the keyword burst were "mineral density"、"d insufficiency" and "25 hydroxyvitamin d concentration". ConclusionThis bibliometric analysis shows an overview of the current status of the research on the association between vitamin D and obesity. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the relationship between vitamin D and metabolic syndrome in obese individuals remains hot topics. We speculate that the effect of obesity on vitamin D levels and bone mineral density, and the influence of vitamin D insufficiency on various body systems in obese populations will be future trends.

Vitamin D Supplementation Selectively Affects Peripheral Lymphocyte Subsets in Infertile Women.

This study aimed to explore the effect of vitamin D supplementation on lymphocyte subsets in infertile women. The study involved a total of 247 patients who suffered recurrent embryo implantation failure (RIF) or recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) between January and December 2019 in the Reproductive Medicine Center of Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi. The differences in the vitamin D and lymphocyte subsets of the two diseases, the correlation between the 25-hydroxy vitamin D and lymphocyte subsets, the changes in the lymphocyte subsets after vitamin D supplementation and the impact on pregnancy outcome were analysed. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 77.33% (191/247). After vitamin D supplementation, there were no significant differences in helper T cells (Th), cytotoxic T cells (Tc), Th/Tc and natural killer cells (NK) (p > 0.05), but there were significant differences in leukocyte differentiation antigens 3+ (CD3+), natural killer T cells (NKT), B lymphocytes and vitamin D (p < 0.05). Before vitamin D supplementation, the difference in the composition ratio of different vitamin D levels between the RIF and RSA groups was not statistically significant. At different vitamin D levels, there were no significant differences in CD3+, Th, Tc, Th/Tc, NK or B lymphocyte (p > 0.05), but there was a significant difference in NKT (p < 0.05). Vitamin D supplementation can reduce the level of NKT in infertile women, which may be of benefit to the pregnancy outcome of couples who experience RIF.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among Iraqi People

Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is one of common health problems and it is found in all ethnicities and all age groups, even in countries that have sun exposure all seasons of the year. Materials and Methods: 600 healthy persons aged 3–65 years were participating in this study. All subjects were lived in Baghdad, Iraq. The subjects were divided into four groups according to age and gender. First group adult male 18-65 year contains 200 participate, second group adult female 18-65 year contains 200 participate, third group children male 3-18 year contains 100 participate and fourth group children female 3-18 year contains 100 participate. venous blood samples were used to measured 25-hydroxy (25(OH) D) levels with cobas techniques method. Results: The results showed that the vitamin D deficiency (serum 25OHD level &lt; 20 ng/ml) is prevalence in 77% of the adult male and the mean value is 12.4 ng/ ml, and the ratio of deficiency is higher in female and reach to 87% of adult women and the mean value is 7.4 ng/ ml. Whereas the vitamin D deficiency in children is lower than adult and the results showed that the 23% of male children have deficiency with mean value 20.7 ng/ml also the female children have deficiency in 22% of them with mean value 20.4 mg/ml. The results showed there is significant differences between men and women in mean value of the serum 25OHD (12.4 vs 7.4 P&gt; 0.01), while there are non-significant differences between children male and children female (20.7 vs 20.4 P&gt; 0.01). Also the results showed there are significant difference between children male and adult male (20.7 vs 12.4 P&gt; 0.01) and there are significant differences between children female and adult female (20.4 vs7.4 P&gt;0.01) Conclusion: the deficiency of vitamin D in Baghdad, Iraq is very high in adult male and female and there is a need general education, health policies for investigation and treatment this problem.

Prevalence of vitamin C deficiency and its association with stroke risk among U.S. adult population: A cross-sectional analysis spanning 15 years with over 13,000 participants

Background: Stroke presents a significant global health challenge. Despite its potential for cardiovascular protection, the role of vitamin C (VTMC) in stroke risk remains contentious. Aim: This study aimed to assess VTMC deficiency in stroke patients and its association with stroke risk. Methods: We analyzed data from 13,339 adults aged 20 and above in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2003 and 2018, excluding those with missing serum VTMC and stroke status. We assessed the VTMC deficiency (&lt;11.4 µmol/L) and stroke incidence association using multivariate weighted logistic regression, adjusting for demographics, BMI, medical history, smoking, and dietary VTMC intake. Results: Stroke rates in the NHANES cycles 2003–2006 and 2017–2018 were 2.8% (95% CI [2.3–3.4]) and 3.3% (95% CI [2.7–4.2]), respectively. VTMC deficiency was more common in individuals with a history of stroke, with rates of 3.6% (95% CI [2.2–5.8]) and 5.3% (95% CI [3–9.1]) compared to 2.7% (95% CI [2.3–3.3]) and 3.2% (95% CI [2.5–4.1]) in the nonstroke population. Nevertheless, VTMC deficiency was distinctly prevalent across diverse demographic and health-related subgroups. Multivariate analyses invalidated any statistically significant association between VTMC deficiency and stroke risk across all employed analytical models within both time intervals. Conclusions: Our study does not support a link between VTMC deficiency and increased stroke risk in U.S. adults. Substantial uncertainties persist regarding the use of VTMC for stroke-related oxidative stress, dosage, and delivery methods, requiring further clinical trials. Healthcare providers should carefully consider its prevalence in specific subgroups.

To what Extent does Vitamin D and its Serum Levels Influence the Severity of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Literature Review.

Vitamin D plays a role in inflammatory skin conditions and can improve them. Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an autoinflammatory chronic skin disease in which most patients exhibit a hypovitaminosis D. However, it is uncertain whether vitamin D supplementation could relieve the severity of HS. A systematic literature search of PubMed and Web of Science was conducted on 4 September 2023. Studies that investigated vitamin D and its potential implications for the severity of HS were included. In contrast, studies that focused on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency were excluded, as well as studies on syndromic HS. Seven studies with a total of 575 patients were included in the qualitative synthesis, of which 3 utilized a cross-sectional design, 2 were pilot studies, 1 a controlled cohort study, and 1 a prospective case-control study. In all included studies, HS patients were vitamin D deficient. There was evidence indicating that serum vitamin D levels negatively correlated with the severity of the disease, and at least suggestive evidence that vitamin D supplementation could have a positive impact on the course of HS. To better understand these correlations, conducting a randomized controlled trial study on vitamin D and its effects on HS severity is imperative.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Orthopedic Trauma Patients: A Cross-Sectional Survey From a Tertiary Care Trauma Center.

Background Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent globally, with potential consequences for bone health and trauma outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in orthopedic trauma patients and investigate its correlation with various demographic and injury-related factors. Methodology A cross-sectional investigation was undertaken at a tertiary care center. An evaluation of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels was conducted on 124 individuals, aged 20 to 70 years, who were hospitalized with orthopedic injuries. Demographic information, the injury method, the bone involvement pattern, and socioeconomic status were documented. Statistical analysis was employed to evaluate the correlations between vitamin levels D and these variables. Results The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 54 (43.6%) cases, with nine (7.3%) cases exhibiting severe deficiency and 45 (36.3%) cases exhibiting moderate deficiency. Higher rates of deficiency were associated with lower socioeconomic status (p = 0.044) and low-velocity trauma (p = 0.037). No significant association was found with age, sex, or residence. Interestingly, patients with multiple fractures were more prone to deficiency compared to those with single fractures. Conclusions This survey revealed a significant vitamin D deficiency among orthopedic trauma patients. Factors such as socioeconomic status and the nature of the injury emerged as significant risk factors. While conducting routine vitamin D assessments might pose challenges in developing nations, consistent supplementation could prove advantageous in enhancing fracture healing and overall health outcomes among this demographic. There is a call for future research to delve deeper into the role of vitamin D in trauma management and refine supplementation strategies.

Survey of vitamin D supplementation practices in extremely preterm infants.

Most extremely preterm (EP) infants are vitamin D deficient (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels below 20 ng/mL), and optimal supplementation practices for EP infants remain unknown. Our objective is to assess current vitamin D supplementation practices in U.S. neonatal intensive care units (NICU) for EP infants to provide baseline information for the design of future clinical trials. We conducted an online survey to study vitamin D intake and supplementation practices in U.S. NICUs caring for EP infants. Descriptive statistics compared responses by affiliation and level of care. We analyzed responses from 253 NICUs, representing the majority of academic and level IV centers. Nearly all centers (97%) provided enteral vitamin D supplementation during the NICU stay, with 400 IU/day as the most common dosage (77%). Over half (56%) used feeding volume to initiate supplementation, with 71% of centers starting after achieving at least 120 ml/kg/day. Additionally, 94% of NICUs reported prescribing a vitamin D supplementation at discharge. Most NICUs in the U.S. supplement EP infants with 400 IU/day of enteral vitamin D. Clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation comparing the most common regimen to earlier and higher doses are needed to identify adequate regimens for EP infants. Despite the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in extremely preterm (EP) infants at birth, optimal levels and supplementation strategies remain debated. Recent studies have suggested benefits of early high-dose vitamin D supplementation (800 IU/day) for reducing complications like bronchopulmonary dysplasia, infections, and disability. There is US center variation in timing and dose of vitamin D supplementation, being the most common regimen 400 IU/d started after established feedings (≥120 ml/kg/day). These findings inform and highlight the need for clinical trials of usual vs. early, higher-dose vitamin D supplementation to advance clinical outcomes and define desirable blood levels of EP infants.

Vitamin D and metabolic bone disease in prolonged continuous kidney replacement therapy: a prospective observational study

BackgroundComplications of prolonged continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) have not been well described. Our objective was to describe mineral metabolism and bone findings in children who required prolonged CKRT.MethodsIn this single center prospective observational study, we enrolled 37 patients who required CKRT for ≥ 28 days with regional citrate anticoagulation. Exposure was duration on CKRT and outcomes were 25-hydroxy vitamin D and osteopenia and/or fractures.ResultsThe prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was 17.2% and 69.0%, respectively. 29.7% of patients had radiographic findings of osteopenia and/or fractures. There was no association between vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency with age or ethnicity. Time on CKRT and intact PTH levels were not predictive of vitamin D levels. Children with chronic liver disease were more likely to have osteopenia and/or fractures compared children with other primary diagnoses, odds ratio (3.99 (95%CI, 1.58–2.91), p = 0.003) after adjusting for age and time on CKRT.ConclusionVitamin D deficiency and/or insufficiency, and osteopenia and/or fractures are prevalent among children who require CKRT for a prolonged period. The risk for MBD may be higher with chronic liver disease. Higher doses of vitamin D may be required to maintain normal levels while on CKRT.

On-admission serum 25(OH)D level and mortality within one year in older patients

BackgroundMounting evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of many chronic non-skeletal, age-associated diseases as well as mortality.AimTo determine, in older patients aged ≥ 80, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with comorbidity, laboratory tests, length of stay and mortality within one year from blood withdrawal on admission to acute geriatrics ward.MethodsWe retrospectively surveyed electronic hospital health records of 830 older patients. The recorded data included patient demographics (e.g., age, sex, stay duration, readmissions number, death within one year from blood withdrawal on admission), medical diagnoses, laboratory results, including 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], and medications. We compared the characteristics of the patients who survived to those who died within one year.ResultsOn admission, in 53.6% patients, vitamin D levels were lower than 50 nmol/L, and in 32%, the levels were ≤ 35 nmol/L. Persons who died were likely to be older, of male sex, were likely to be admitted for pneumonia or CHF, were likely to have lower level of albumin or hemoglobin, lower level of vitamin D or higher vitamin B12 and higher level of creatinine, were also likely to have had a lengthier hospitalization stay, a greater number of hospitalizations in the last year, a higher number of comorbidities, to have consumption of ≥5 drugs or likely to being treated with insulin, diuretics, antipsychotics, anticoagulants or benzodiazepines. Higher age, male sex, on-admission CHF, higher number of drugs, lower albumin, higher vitamin B12, vitamin D < 50 nmol/L, and consumption of antipsychotics and anticoagulants – were predictors of mortality.ConclusionHypovitaminosis D is predictive of mortality in older patients within one year from hospitalization in the acute geriatric ward, but a causal relationship cannot be deduced. Nevertheless, older patients in acute care settings, because of their health vulnerability, should be considered for vitamin D testing. In the acutely ill patients, early intervention with vitamin D might improve outcomes. Accurate evaluation of mortality predictors in this age group patients may be more challenging and require variables that were not included in our study.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on response to anti-tuberculosis therapy in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis

BackgroundWe aimed to assess serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) concentrations in extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) patients and to evaluate the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on their treatment course.MethodsSerum 25(OH)D3concentrations were measured in 47 newly diagnosed EPTB patients and 42 controls. Vitamin D-deficient EPTB patients were randomly assigned to receive 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) orally once a week for 6 weeks (total 300,000 IU), followed by maintenance doses of 1000 IU a day besides anti-TB drugs or the first line anti-TB treatment only. Follow up serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations were measured after 3 months of starting vitamin D3 supplementation. Both groups were evaluated for clinical, laboratory, and radiological outcomes after treatment.ResultsSerum 25(OH)D3 concentrations were significantly lower among TB cases (17.1 ± 5.5 nmol/L) compared to healthy controls (51.8 ± 27.3 nmol/L), and vitamin D deficiency was observed in all EPTB patients (n = 47). Patients in VD3 supplementation group had significantly higher weight gain and serum albumin level at 2 months and end of treatment, higher hemoglobin concentration at the end of treatment, significantly lower CRP and ESR at 2 months and at the end of treatment. In cases with TB pleurisy, a significant higher rate of full resolution of pleural fluid after 6 months of anti-TB treatment and shorter treatment duration were noted compared to the other group.ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency is prevalent in EPTB patients, in whom, vitamin D supplementation is a useful adjunctive therapy to anti-TB drugs and improves treatment course.

The effect of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength in community-dwelling postmenopausal Asian women: a scoping review

Approximately 40% of the community-dwelling population aged over 65 experiences falls annually, leading to significant morbidity, immobility, and mortality, with reduced muscle strength identified as a major risk factor(1). In comparison to other ethnic populations, Asian older adults often demonstrate weaker muscle strength, with this decline accelerating notably in female Asian older adults as they age(2). Existing research indicates a correlation between vitamin D deficiency (circulating level of 25(OH)D below 50 nmol/L) and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults(3). Postmenopausal women, experiencing a decline in oestrogen, face an elevated risk of vitamin D deficiency(4). Notably, vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in Asian populations(5). However, the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in promoting muscle strength among community-dwelling postmenopausal Asian women has not been comprehensively investigated. This scoping review aims to provide an overview and synthesis of existing evidence in the literature concerning the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in enhancing muscle strength among community-dwelling postmenopausal Asian women.A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR recommendations(6). Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2013 to 2023 were identified through searches conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central databases. Articles would be included if they: (i) were human RCTs with a cross-over or parallel design, (ii) included community-dwelling postmenopausal women, and (iii) investigated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength. The review excluded: (i) in vivo animal studies, in vitro cell research, case reports, and observational studies; (ii) studies investigating the effect of vitamin D supplementation combined with other interventions, such as physical exercise, amino acid supplements, or other medication administration records like insulin or hormone therapy; and (iii) studies not in English. Following deduplication and relevance screening, five studies met the criteria, with Jadad scores (methodological quality assessment) of 1, 3, 5, 5, and 5, respectively.Five RCTs involving a total of 872 subjects were reviewed(7–11). The three studies with Jadad scores of 5 indicated statistically significant and meaningful increases in muscle strength, measured by handgrip strength, with p-values &lt;0.05 and effect sizes of 0.97, 1.75, and 3.83, respectively, indicating large effect sizes. The study with a Jadad score of 3 highlighted such increases only in the younger subgroup (&lt;68 years old). Conversely, the study with a Jadad score of 1 suggested no significant changes in muscle strength.In conclusion, this review suggests promising outcomes for vitamin D supplementation in enhancing muscle strength among postmenopausal Asian women. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency underscores potential health benefits, but heterogeneity in study designs, Jadad scores, and age subgroup responses necessitates cautious interpretation. Further high-quality research is imperative to elucidate optimal dosages and durations, ensuring a nuanced understanding of the relationship between vitamin D supplementation and muscle strength.

Vitamin D status and its association with the severity of COVID-19 among hospitalized patients

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing COVID-19, manifests with outcomes ranging from mild to severe, even fatal. The reason for severe symptoms remains unclear. Vitamin D is implicated in the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19, including ARDS, cytokine storms, and thrombotic complications. The aim of this study was evaluation of vitamin D status and its association with the severity of COVID-19 patients attending Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib medical University (BSMMU). Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted at BSMMU, Dhaka from January to December 2021, included 103 adult COVID-19-positive patients from both genders. Disease severity was assessed using WHO guidelines, and vitamin D levels recorded. Data were collected using a pre-designed datasheet after obtaining written informed consent. Results: Among 103 COVID-19 patients, 55.3% were vitamin D deficient, 26.2% insufficient, and 18.4% sufficient. Most were male (65%) in their sixth and seventh decades. The mean vitamin D level was 20.97±10.96 ng/ml with a median of 18.10 ng/ml. Vitamin D deficiency was highest among critical patients (84.6%), followed by severe (71.1%), moderate (41.9%), and mild (28.6%) cases (p&lt;0.001). Severe patients had a significantly higher deficiency rate (74.5%) compared to non-severe (36.5%) cases (p&lt;0.001). Symptoms such as cough (96.5%), fever (89.5%), and shortness of breath (78.9%) were prevalent in the vitamin D deficiency group. Conclusions: This study reveals a 55% prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in COVID-19 patients, correlating independently with disease severity. Hypertension and diabetes are notable comorbidities. It underscores the importance of assessing vitamin D levels in clinical practice.

Association between vitamin D and cardiovascular health in Chinese children and adolescents: Basing on Life's Essential 8

Background and aimsThe relationship between vitamin D and cardiovascular health (CVH) in children remains unclear. We aimed to explore the association between vitamin D and CVH metrics using the latest Life's Essential 8 (LE8) among Chinese children and adolescents. Methods and resultsA cross-sectional study containing 2680 participants aged 7–18 years (1340 boys and 1340 girls) was performed in South China in 2013. Vitamin D levels were categorized as follows: ≥20 ng/mL (sufficiency), 12 - < 20 ng/mL (inadequacy), and <12 ng/mL (deficiency). The CVH metrics of LE8 was assessed by overall CVH score, health behavior score, health factor score and high CVH, among which the health behaviors included diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, and sleep health, as well as the health factors contained body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure. Different regression models were used to assess the associations between vitamin D levels and CVH metrics of LE8. Results showed that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and inadequacy was 7.5% and 44.4%, respectively. Boys had lower levels in overall CVH score, health behavior score, and health factor score than girls. After adjusting for potential confounds, upward trends in diet score, health behavior score, and high CVH were observed with increasing vitamin D levels. ConclusionVitamin D levels were positively associated with high CVH based on LE8, and more attention should be paid on boys due to whose lower levels in CVH metrics.