Levels Of Vitamin Research Articles

Evaluation of thiamine and riboflavin in different varieties of rice grown in Kurigram district, Bangladesh

ContextRice is indeed a staple food in many parts of the world, including Bangladesh. This research aimed to evaluate the two essential vitamin levels in different processed rice sunned, parboiled, cooked sunned, cooked parboiled, and washed cooked rice. ObjectiveThe study focused on analyzing the thiamine (vitamin B1) and riboflavin (vitamin B2) contents in 10 different varieties of paddy samples grown in the Kurigram district of Bangladesh. MethodsA high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) technique assembled with fluorescence detector was employed for these analyses. Two calibration curves were generated to analyze vitamin B1 and B2 (for thiamine the regression coefficient, r2 = 0.9992 and riboflavin r2 = 0.9989). The study demonstrated a recovery rate of 96.88 % for vitamin B1 and 104.24 % for vitamin B2. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into the vitamin B1 and B2 contents across different rice samples. Results and conclusionThe results showed that the parboiled samples had the highest thiamine content, ranging from 342.50 ± 0.3 to 673.0 ± 7.5 μg/100 g, compared to the sunned samples, which had a range of 209.5 ± 0.3 to 337.4 ± 4.3 μg/100 g. Conversely, the sunned samples had the highest riboflavin content, ranging from 26.4 ± 0.2 to 59.6 ± 0.3 μg/100 g, while the parboiled samples had a range of 3.0 ± 0.1 to 26.6 ± 0.01 μg/100 g. Additionally, it was observed that the steaming process increased the thiamine content and reduced the riboflavin content in parboiled rice samples but decreased both the thiamine and riboflavin in sunned rice samples. Another study showed a gradual decrease in the levels of both vitamins B1 and B2 in sunned, cooked sunned and washed cooked sunned rice samples. SignificanceThese findings provide valuable insights into the impact of processing methods, such as parboiling and steaming, on the thiamine and riboflavin contents in rice. The results suggest that parboiled rice may be a preferable choice for individuals seeking higher thiamine content in their diet, while sunned rice may contain higher levels of riboflavin. The results shed light on the nutritional profiles of different rice varieties and highlight the potential impact of processing techniques on the vitamin content of rice.

High ratio of epi-25-(OH)-vitamin D3 to 25-(OH)-vitamin D3 increases the risk of asthma attack in American asthma adults: a population study.

The relationship between vitamin D3 and asthma remains controversial. However, previous studies have largely overlooked the impact of epi-25-(OH)-vitamin D3. This study aims to investigate the effects of different forms of vitamin D3 on asthma attack in adults. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 3,873 eligible adult participants were extracted from the national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES) database from 2007 to 2018. Based on quartiles method, different levels of vitamin D were divided into four groups (Quartile 1-4). Bivariate correlation analysis was performed for vitamin D and covariates to avoid multicollinearity. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the association between serum levels of vitamin D3 (epi-25-(OH)-vitamin D3 and 25-(OH)-vitamin D3) and asthma attack, adjusting for covariates including age, gender, race, length of time in the U.S., house poverty income ratio (PIR), education level, smoking history, hypertension history, and diabetes history. The ratio of epi-25-(OH)-vitamin D3 to 25-(OH)-vitamin D3 was used for secondary analysis of its association with asthma attack. The outcomes were assessed by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Among the 3,873 eligible adults American with asthma, 1,508 (38.94%) had experienced at least one acute asthma attack in the past year. There was no significant correlation between vitamin D and covariates. After adjusting for covariates including age, gender, race, length of time in the U.S., house poverty income ratio (PIR), education level, smoking history, hypertension history and diabetes history, we found a positive correlation between the ratio of epi-25-(OH)-vitamin D3 to 25-(OH)-vitamin D3 and asthma attack. Additionally, a high ratio of epi-25-(OH)-vitamin D3 to 25-(OH)-vitamin D3 was more common among elder, male, of normal weight, non-Hispanic American, have a long time stay in the U.S., a high house PIR, and a history of hypertension individuals. Our findings suggest that attention should be given to asthma attack associated with a high ratio of epi-25-(OH)-vitamin D3 to 25-(OH)-vitamin D3 in American adults who are elderly, male, of normal weight, non-Hispanic Americans, have long-term residence in the U.S., a high house PIR, and a history of hypertension.

Relationships of 8 - Isoprostane and Vitamin K Levels With Blood Clotting Time In Last Stage of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients

Liver diseases are one of the most serious life-threatening diseases , and among the most important of these diseases is hepatocellular carcinoma, which poses a future challenge to public health. the goal of this work is to explore the existence association between the decrease level of vitamin K and an increase level of 8-isoprostane With a high rate of blood clotting time . The (PT ( in all patients it was high, and rate ranged from ( 21.00 -25.00), while in all the control group was normal . we also found that patients who suffer from HCC substantially reduced levels of VK2, The mean levels of Human VK2 were 135.78 ± 17.15 and 170.69 ± 18.15, in HCC patients / control respectively, However, Mean levels of Human 8-Isoprostane were 3436.44 ± 894.45 and 2389.13 ± 439.66, in HCC patients / control respectively; mean level turns out that it highly significant higher than in HCC patients compare to control . It is concluded that low levels of this vitamin in HCC patients may make liver cells less able to fend off the invasion and spread of cancer cells, while high levels of Human 8-Isoprostane raise the danger of HCC illness in ill individuals and, consequently, increase the risk of death.

Association between Serum Vitamin D Level and Parkinson’s Disease: Case Control Study in a Tertiary Level Hospital, Bangladesh

Background: Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that is frequently observed in individuals who are 50 years of age or older. The etiology of this disease is still unknown, but research has shown the influence of factors like vitamin D acting as a hormone in Parkinson's disease. The current study aimed to explore the association between serum vitamin D levels and Parkinson's disease. Methods: In 2019 to 2020, the current researchers conducted this case control study on 50 patients with Parkinson’s disease and 50 healthy subjects as the control group in the department of Neurology of Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Demographic information (age, gender, and education), serum levels of vitamin D in the two groups, disease duration, disease severity, and cardinal features of the disease in the patient group were investigated. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 23 software with the t-test, Kruskal Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and adjusted logistic regression. Results: The mean age of cases was 72.30 ±454 and the control group had a mean age of 60.08±8.305. Regarding the symptoms of the cases tremor 30 (60%), rigidity 5 (10%), bradykinesia 12 (24%) and postural instability 3 (6%) and regarding disease duration (y) <5 years-26 (52%), 5 to 10 years-17 (34%), >10years 7 (14%) and disease severity 1 to 2.5 – 26 (52%) , 2.5-to-3 -18 (36%) and >3 – 6 (12%) Serum vitamin D levels of males were 17.70±6.06 ng/mL in patients and 30.31±5.59ng/mL in control groups, respectively which is clinically significant. Serum vitamin D levels of females were 20.03±5.75ng/mL in patients and 28.53±6.31ng/mL in control groups, respectively, which is clinically significant (P = 0.001). For the participants under 60 years of age, the mean serum vitamin D levels were 27.70±0.00 ng/mL and 30.78±5.44 ng/mL in patient and control groups, respectively. In participants aged 60 and older, the mean serum vitamin D levels were 18.40±5.91 ng/mL and 28.13±6.26 ng/mL in patient and control groups, respectively. These differences were statistically significant (P=0.001).Logistic regression analysis with adjusted demographic variables showed that the observed lower levels of serum vitamin D in cases compared with the control group was statistically significant(OR=4.17;95% CI:1.37,12.71;P=0.012). Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between low serum vitamin D and Parkinson’s disease. Bangladesh J Medicine 2024; 35: 180-186

The Relevance of Plant-Based Diets and Micronutrient Supplementation for Body Composition: Data from the VeggieNutri Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the anthropometry and body composition of vegetarian and omnivorous adults living in Portugal, while exploring nutritional and health parameters underlying observed differences. Methods: 425 omnivorous (OMNI), lacto-ovo-vegetarian (LOV), or vegan (VEG) healthy adults were recruited. Anthropometry was measured, and bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed. Participants answered food frequency, sociodemographic, and lifestyle questionnaires. Serum iron, ferritin, and CRP were quantified by spectrophotometry, and serum B12 vitamin and homocysteine were quantified by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Results: Total protein intake significantly decreased with increasing strictness of vegetarian habits (median (P25; P75) in g/day: 98.6 (79.5; 123.1), 90.4 (65.9; 121.0), and 87.6 (59.8; 118.5) for OMNI, LOV and VEG, respectively; p = 0.020), and carbohydrate intake was the highest in LOV (median (P25; P75) in g/day: 231.5 (178.4; 287.9), 283.9 (227.3; 342.6), and 263.0 (222.0; 348.3) for OMNI, LOV and VEG, respectively; p = 0.001). VEG were the main users of B12 vitamin (93% in VEG vs. 17% in OMNI and 59% in LOV, p = 0.001), and LOV were the main users of iron supplements (29% in LOV vs. 14% in OMNI and 13% in VEG, p = 0.042), respectively. Blood levels of B12 vitamin correlated negatively with blood homocysteine (rs = −0.386, p < 0.001) and positively with % muscle mass (rs = 0.136, p = 0.005). Participants using iron supplements presented higher C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.014) and they had lower % MM (p = 0.003). Finally, when compared to being OMNI, being LOV independently associated with: (a) having +4.8% (p = 0.002) of fat mass, which could be due to higher carbohydrate intake, and (b) having −2.2% (p = 0.043) of muscle mass. Our data suggest that the association between diet and muscle mass could be attenuated in VEG due to B12 supplementation and/or aggravated in LOV due to iron supplementation-associated inflammation.

The Effect of a 12-week Plyometric Training on Growth Hormone, IGF-1 and Bone Health Indexes in Adolescent Boys

Background: During adolescence, physical activity influences bone mass, which is determined by both genetic and environmental factors. Objectives: This study examines the effect of plyometric exercises on serum markers in male adolescents, including growth hormone, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, phosphate, and calcium. Methods: The study involved a sample of 30 male adolescents aged 15 years ± 6 months. The participants were divided into two groups: the first group, named the plyometric group (PG), included 15 adolescents who underwent plyometric training sessions three times a week for a duration of 12 weeks. The second group, called the control group (CG), consisted of 15 adolescents who only attended their normal school lessons without any physical training. Resting levels of GH, IGF-1, vitamin D, calcium, phosphate, and PTH were measured before and 48 hours after the last training session, along with bone mass density (BMD) measurements of the femoral neck, lumbar spine, and total body. To evaluate power, the vertical Sargent jump test was used. Results: The results indicate that the PG demonstrated significant improvements in BMD, explosive strength, GH, IGF-1, and vitamin D levels compared to the CG group (P < 0.05). Changes in phosphate, calcium, and PTH were not significant in the PG compared to the CG after 12 weeks of plyometric training (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The 12-week plyometric program resulted in notable enhancements in bone health, explosive strength, and anabolic hormones such as GH and IGF-1, as well as 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels.

The Serum 25(OH) Vitamin D, Calcium, and Parathyroid Hormone Levels of The Patients With The Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Background: Although there is evidence linking vitamin D to many neurochemical processes involved in sleep, the association between the obstructive sleep apnea and vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone is still unknown, as clinical research have shown inconsistent findings. In this study, we aimed to examine the hypothesis that if there is any relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and serum vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels in order to manage treatment. Methods: 56 patients (32 male, 24 female) admitted to the University of Health Sciences Adana City Training and Research Hospital otorhinolaryngology clinic between January 1st, 2022 and January 1st 2023 without any acute and chronic disease were included in the study. The range of participants was 18-70. In this study we examined the serum vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels of 32 obstructive sleep apnea patients and compared their serum vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels with the serum vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels of 24 normal patients in the control group. Results: When the serum vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels of obstructive sleep apnea patients and serum vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels of normal patients were compared we did not find a statistically significant difference which may be due to our patient density. Conclusion: Vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels are not likely related to the presence or absence of obstructive sleep apnea. More intervention studies are needed to better clarify the relation between the obstructive sleep apnea and vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid hormone.

Vitamin C and its derivatives in maintaining the good skin condition

Vitamin C is one of the most important and necessary nutrient for human health, which has great potential as cosmeceutic, which protects health and the skin good condition. Thru the collagen biosynthesis stimulation it affects to the physiology of human skin, participating in the hydroxylation process of proline and lysine, and participates in tissue reconstruction while wound healing. Deficiency of vitamin C causes irregularities in the blood vessels functioning, epidermis and dermis. Is an effective antioxidant neutralizing free radicals, prevents inflammatory and carcinogenic processes. The epidermis and dermis are most exposed to free radicals from the external environment and from the inside of the body. In inflammatory diseases of the skin, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, in the proper skin the levels of vitamin C are reduced. Therefore, delivering it to the skin using cosmetic preparations is important not only for cosmetic, but also health effect. The problem associated with the introduction of vitamin C in cosmetics is its limited penetration through the stratum corneum. Current studies are focused on searching for stable compounds of ascorbic acid and new media, which will allow for better way of delivery of ascorbic acid to the dermis in the future.

Prevalence of Hypovitaminosis D and its Association with Serum Lipids in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background Hypovitaminosis D has become worldwide public health concern affecting all age groups and both genders. Its prevalence is very high in South Asia. Many studies reported that vitamin D deficiency is concerned with diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance. The aim of this research was to find the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and its association with serum lipids among type 2 diabetic patients.MethodsA cross-sectional study, conducted among a total 162 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara. The serum level of FBS, PPBS, urea, creatinine, calcium and phosphorus, HbA1c, TG, TC, HDL-C, and vitamin D levels were measured. In the descriptive categorical data were reported in frequency with percentage and numerical data were presented as mean±SD while in inferential statistics to compare the value student t-test were used. p-value<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsThe mean±SD serum level of vitamin D was 24.48 ± 13.21 ng/mL in patients with type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 69.14% (With 95% CI as 62.02 to 76.25%) and sufficient of vitamin D in 30.86% (With 95% CI as 23.74% to 37.97%) among patients with type 2 diabetes. The serum lipids showed statistically insignificant association between hypovitaminosis D with sufficient of vitamin D.Conclusions This research showed that only in one third of the patients had Vitamin D sufficiency. The serum lipids were slightly increased in patients who had hypovitaminosis D.

Factors affecting Umbilical Cord Vitamin D Concentration and Its Association with Maternal Vitamin D Level

Objective: To analyze factors affecting maternal and umbilical cord levels of vitamin D and to understand the correlation between maternal and umbilical cord vitamin D levels.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the department of pediatrics of Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College and Research Centre, Pune, India. Maternal and umbilical cord vitamin D levels were examined in 300 pairs of mother and child over a period of two years. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. The vitamin D level was measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay and classified as either deficient, insufficient or adequate depending on specific cut-offs. Correlations between maternal and neonatal vitamin D levels and demographic factors like religion, socioeconomic status, and sun exposure were also exlored. Statistical tests were performed using the SPSS 21.0 software, with p<0.05 deemed P-valueas significant.Results: There was significantly high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in neonates, (78.67%). Key factors influencing maternal vitamin D levels were religion (p=0.027), maternal education (p=0.003), gravida status (p=0.035), and sunlight exposure, with sunlight exposure showing a very strong correlation to the deficiency (p<0.001). Moreover, maternal serum calcium levels significantly affected vitamin D status (p<0.001). A significant association was observed between maternal and cord blood vitamin D levels, with the maternal vitamin D level strongly predicted vitamin D status in neonates (p<0.001).Conclusion: The umbilical cord vitamin D level strongly correlates with the maternal vitamin D level, which is significantly affected by maternal education, residence, pregnancy status, gestational age, and sun exposure.

Exploring the Relationship between Vitamin D Levels and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Comprehensive Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

Background: A growing body of research has implicated lower levels of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The main of this study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D levels and OCD. Methodology: This meta-analysis follows the PRISMA guidelines and utilizes PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Lens databases without temporal constraints. Six pertinent studies were selected to ensure methodological consistency and robustness in our analysis. Data were pooled using a Random-Effects Model to estimate the standard mean difference (SMD) for evaluation of the strength of association analyses. Result: Our analysis revealed a noteworthy reduction in vitamin D levels among individuals with OCD compared to controls (SMD = -0.603, 95% CI = -0.8001 to -0.4053, p < 0.001, I2 = 50.86%; Q statistic p = 0.093). Conclusion: These findings underscore the significant impact of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of OCD, suggesting its potential role in both the prevention and treatment of this psychiatric disorder. However, despite the compelling evidence presented, further studies are warranted to refine our understanding and draw more precise conclusions regarding the intricate interplay between vitamin D levels and OCD. Bangladesh J Medicine 2024; 35: 156-166

Foliar application of biostimulants improves nutritional and bioactive quality of walnuts.

Owing to their health benefits, walnuts are attracting interest as a good option for nutritious meals, thereby promoting their production. Furthermore, the adoption of ecologically and environmentally friendly agriculture strengthens biostimulant use as a sustainable complement to traditional fertilizers. This study evaluated the effects of different foliar-applied biostimulants in walnut tree orchards, in northeastern Portugal, on walnuts' chemical composition and bioactivity. Walnut samples were rich in fat (particularly the polyunsaturated linoleic acid), dietary fiber and protein. Sucrose was the most prevalent soluble sugar, followed by glucose and fructose. Studied samples also showed an antioxidant activity comparable (or superior) to that of Trolox. Some plant biostimulants (e.g. Sprint Plus®) had a positive impact on the nutritional composition of walnuts, more specifically by boosting tocopherol levels, besides improving the bioactivity of walnut extracts against specific bacteria. Overall, this research demonstrated that important quality traits of walnuts can be improved using sustainable agricultural bioproducts and practices. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Risk Correlative Model for Sleep Disorders in Chinese Older Adults Based on Blood Micronutrient Levels: A Matched Case-Control Study.

The physical abilities of older adults decline with age, making them more susceptible to micronutrient deficiency, which may affect their sleep quality. This study aimed to construct a risk correlative model for sleep disorders in Chinese older adults based on blood micronutrient levels. In this matched case-control study, we recruited 124 participants with sleep disorders and 124 matched controls from the Tianjin Elderly Nutrition and Cognition cohort in China. Micronutrient levels in whole blood were measured using the dried blood spot technique. We compared the differences in micronutrient levels between the two groups and also constructed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) model and nomogram for sleep disorders. In comparison to the control group, the sleep disorders group showed lower levels of blood vitamin A, vitamin E (VE), folate, magnesium, copper, iron, and selenium (Se) in the univariate analysis (p < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis indicated that the combination of VE + folate + Se may have an excellent diagnostic effect on sleep disorders, with an area under the curve of 0.964. This VE + folate + Se was integrated into a nomogram model to demonstrate their relationship with sleep disorders. The consistency index of the model was 0.88, suggesting that the model assessed sleep disorders well. The sleep disorders risk correlative model constructed by the levels of VE, folate, and Se in whole blood might show good performance in assessing the risk of sleep disorders in older adults.

How do plant-based milks compare to cow's milk nutritionally? An audit of the plant-based milk products available in Australia.

This cross-sectional study aims to explore the nutritional composition, cost, country of origin and fortification status of plant-based milk products available for purchase in Illawarra supermarkets and make various comparisons between types of plant-based milks and cow's milk. Plant-based milk information was collected from nutrition information panels on packaging and manufacturer websites. Product ingredient lists, including fortifiers, were analysed to estimate the nutrient composition of the identified plant-based milks, including nutrients beyond those listed by manufacturers. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the characteristics of the plant-based milks identified in the audit. For non-normally distributed data, a Kruskal-Wallis H test with pairwise multiple comparisons and a Bonferroni adjustment were undertaken to explore the differences between various types of plant-based milk and cow's milk. One hundred twenty-nine plant-based milk products were identified in the audit, primarily almond, oat and soy-based beverages. Of these, 80.6% were fortified with calcium; however, fortification with other micronutrients was less common, ranging from 27.1% being fortified with vitamin B12 and 3.1% being fortified with iodine. The median plant-based milk cost was AU$3.5/L (Q1-Q3: AU$2.8-4.5/L) and 87.6% of products were Australian made. Overall, particularly due to low fortification rates, plant-based milks identified in the audit had significantly lower levels of protein, sugar, iodine, phosphorus, zinc and vitamins A, B2 and B12 compared to cow's milk. However, there was no significant difference in protein content between soy milk and cow's milk. The nutritional content of plant-based milks identified in this audit varied, and in most instances, Australian plant-based milks were found to be nutritionally different to cow's milk.

High Levels of Vitamin C Intake Modify Effects of Phthalates on Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Nationally Representative Study.

High Levels of Vitamin C Intake Modify Effects of Phthalates on Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Nationally Representative Study.

Circulating levels of vitamins and risk of lymphoma: insights from a two-sample Mendelian randomization

ABSTRACT Background To explore the genetic causal association between lymphoma and the circulating levels of vitamins through Mendelian randomization (MR). Research design and methods We performed MR analysis using publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data. Seven indicators related to the circulating levels of vitamins (vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin E, and carotene) served as exposures, while lymphoma was the outcome. The genetic causal association between these circulating levels of vitamin indicators and lymphoma was assessed using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method. Results Based on IVW method, vitamin B12 (OR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.28–5.19; p = 0.018) and folic acid (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.40–0.96; p = 0.032) both showed substantial evidence of a relationship with lymphoma. Moreover, the Weighted median method similarly indicated potential evidence of an association between vitamin B12 (OR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.18–0.90; p = 0.027) and lymphoma. The Simple mode, and Weighted mode methods showed no potential genetic causal association (p > 0.05 in the two analyses). Conclusions This study suggests a potential association between folic acid and vitamin B12 and lymphoma. Further research is required to assess the reproducibility of this finding in different contexts and to gain deeper insights into the potential underlying mechanisms.

Is There an Association Between Serum Levels of Vitamin D, Sleep Quantity, and Sleep Quality in Health Care Workers?

Is There an Association Between Serum Levels of Vitamin D, Sleep Quantity, and Sleep Quality in Health Care Workers?

Nutrigenetic Investigations in Preeclampsia.

Background: Preeclampsia is a leading cause of pregnancy-related maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Although its precise cause and prevention remain unclear, risk factors such as overweight and inadequate nutrient intake (e.g., calcium, folic acid, and vitamin D) are known to increase its incidence. Recent research has focused on the genetic predisposition to preeclampsia, identifying polymorphisms that may affect enzyme or receptor function. This study aims to review existing literature examining the relationship between genetic polymorphisms, BMI (body mass index), and nutrient levels in preeclampsia to develop more actionable therapeutic strategies. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to analyze studies on the nutrigenetic relationship between BMI, micronutrients, and preeclampsia. Results: A total of 17 studies investigating 12 genes related to BMI and 10 studies exploring 3 genes in relation to micronutrient levels were included in the analysis. Several polymorphisms associated with preeclampsia were found to be influenced by maternal BMI or serum vitamin levels. The interactions between certain gene variants and these factors suggest that both BMI and micronutrient status may modify the risk of developing preeclampsia in genetically predisposed individuals. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the potential for reanalyzing existing data by categorizing based on genotype and nutrient levels. This approach could yield more personalized dietary and therapeutic recommendations for managing preeclampsia. In the future, genetic information may support the development of tailored nutritional counseling during pregnancy to mitigate preeclampsia risk.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Maternal Diseases as Risk Factors for the Development of Macrosomia in Newborns.

Background: The aim is to assess the association between the level of vitamin D, maternal diseases, and macrosomia in newborns. Methods: This study included 258 full-term newborns (86 newborns with macrosomia; and 172 newborns with normal weight). Enzyme immunoassays for the determination of vitamin D were performed. Results: Newborns with macrosomia were statistically significantly more likely to have severe vitamin D deficiency compared with control (13.5 ± 6.7 ng/mL vs. 21.3 ± 12.1 ng/mL; p < 0.05). In the main group, severe deficiency was found in 40.7% of newborns, in the control group this rate was 5.8% (χ2 = 71,788, df = 3, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis shows that statistically significant risk factors for the development of macrosomia were vitamin D deficiency in the cord blood (OR = 2.29), maternal age over 36 years old (OR = 19.54), and hypothyroidism (OR = 9.35). Conclusion: the results of our study demonstrate relationship between macrosomia in newborns and vitamin D deficiency in the cord blood, maternal overweight and obesity, maternal age and thyroid disease.

Role of vitamin D in COVID-19 and other viral infections.

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that is naturally produced in the body or obtained through dietary sources, primarily under the influence of UVB radiation. This essential nutrient has a vital role in numerous physiological processes, encompassing immune function, cell growth, differentiation, insulin regulation, and cardiovascular well-being, along with its pivotal role in sustaining the delicate equilibrium of calcium and phosphate concentrations in the body. Moreover, vitamin D reinforces mucosal defense and bolsters the immune system through immunomodulation, making it a critical component of overall health. Numerous studies have unveiled the profound connection between vitamin D and the predisposition to respiratory tract infections, including well-known viruses such as influenza and the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Vitamin D deficiency has been consistently linked to increased severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and a heightened risk of mortality among afflicted individuals. Retrospective observational studies have further substantiated these findings, indicating that levels of vitamin D are linked with both the occurrence and severity of COVID-19 cases. Vitamin D has its influence on viral infections through a multitude of mechanisms, such as promoting the release of antimicrobial peptides and fine-tuning the responses of the immune system. Additionally, vitamin D is intertwined with the intricate network of the renin-angiotensin system, suggesting a potential impact on the development of complications related to COVID-19. While further clinical trials and extensive research are warranted, the existing body of evidence strongly hints at the possible use of vitamin D as a valuable tool in the prophylaxis and management of COVID-19 and other viral infectious diseases.