The sunshine under our skin: public knowledge and practices about vitamin D deficiency in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

This cross-sectional study among members of public showed that people generally had good knowledge and awareness about vitamin D. However, inconsistencies between awareness and attitudes were observed. Our findings reinforce the need of educating people to improve attitude and practices toward vitamin D consumption. INTRODUCTION: Owing to its hot and dry climate, United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the top ranked vitamin D deficient countries. However, little is known about people's awareness surrounding this topic. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey to assess people's knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward vitamin D deficiency was conducted in Al Ain city of UAE. A 25-item validated self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Differences among demographic groups were analyzed using chi-square test, and simple binary logistic regressions were used to investigate the association between vitamin D awareness and other significant risk factors. RESULTS: More than 90% of the total 346 participants showed awareness toward vitamin D and its deficiency. Doctors were reported as the most common source of information. More than one-third of the participants claimed to have vitamin D deficiency with significantly more females than males. More than 70% of the sample considered sunlight as the best source of vitamin D and avoiding going out in sun as the major risk for vitamin D deficiency. Nearly half (43%) of the participants did not consume milk and only 24% claimed to be using vitamin D supplements. Females were found to be applying sunscreen and consuming vitamin supplements significantly more than their male counterparts. Participants aged 24-35 years, having bachelor degree and those who were tested for vitamin D, were found to score better for awareness questions. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate a mismatch between knowledge and awareness, and attitude implying the need of educating people to improve their attitude toward consuming vitamin D rich food and supplements.

Vitamin D Supplementation for Premenstrual Syndrome-Related inflammation and antioxidant markers in students with vitamin D deficient: a randomized clinical trial.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder in the reproductive age that negatively significant impacts on women's quality of life. This randomized clinical trial study was undertaken to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory and antioxidant markers in 44 vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) students with PMS. Participants received either 50,000 IU vitamin D3 or a placebo pearl fortnightly for 4 months. At the baseline and in the last 2 months of intervention, participants were asked to complete the PMS Daily Symptoms Rating form along with taking the pearls and their blood samples were collected to assess serum levels of 25(OH)D3, Interleukin10 and 12 (IL-10, IL-12) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). In vitamin D group, serum levels of IL-10 and IL-12 significantly decreased while TAC significantly increased post-intervention. There were significant differences regarding serum IL-12 and TAC levels between the two groups. Mean score of the total PMS symptoms showed significant improvement in 25(OH)D. Vitamin D supplementation seems to be an effective strategy to improve inflammation and antioxidant markers in vitamin D deficient women with PMS. This clinical trial was registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on 20/06/2018 (IRCT20180525039822N1).

Is Vitamin D Supplementation Useful for Weight Loss Programs? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background and Objectives: The controversy about the impact of vitamin D supplementation on weight loss treatment was observed in several randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This meta-analysis investigates the effects of vitamin D supplementation (cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol) on weight loss through holistic measurements of Body Mass Index (BMI), weight and waist circumference. Materials and Methods: Google Scholar, WOS, PubMed and Scopus were explored to collect relevant studies. The selected articles focused on vitamin D supplementation in overweight and obese individuals with different conditions. Eleven RCTs were included into this meta-analysis with a total of 947 subjects, with a mean of the follow-up from 1 to 12 months and different vitamin D interventions (from 25,000 to 600,000 IU/monthly of cholecalciferol). Results: The meta-analyzed mean differences for random effects showed that cholecalciferol supplementation deceases the BMI by -0.32 kg/m2 (CI95% -0.52, -0.12 kg/m2, p = 0.002) and the waist circumference by -1.42 cm (CI95% -2.41, -0.42 cm, p = 0.005), but does not statistically affect weight loss -0.43 kg (CI95% -1.05, +0.19 kg, p = 0.17). Conclusions: This meta-analysis lays the foundation for defining the potential clinical efficacy of vitamin D supplementation as a potential therapeutic option for weight loss programs, but further studies are needed to confirm the validity of these findings and delineate potential underlying mechanisms.

Vitamin D status and correlates of low vitamin D in schizophrenia, other psychoses and non-psychotic depression - The Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 study.

There is limited knowledge available on the association of vitamin D with psychiatric disorders in young adults. We aimed to investigate vitamin D levels and associating factors in schizophrenia, other psychoses and non-psychotic depression. We studied 4,987 participants from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (31 years) with available serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] measurements. The final sample was divided into four groups: schizophrenia (n = 40), other psychoses (n = 24), non-psychotic depression (n = 264) and control (n = 4659). To account for the influence of environmental and technical covariates, we generated a vitamin D score variable with correction for season, sex, batch effect and latitude. We further examined how vitamin D levels correlate with anthropometric, lifestyle, socioeconomic and psychiatric measures. Neither serum 25(OH)D concentration nor vitamin D score differed between schizophrenia, other psychoses, non-psychotic depression and control group. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 3.2%, insufficiency 25.5%, and sufficiency 71.3%. Low vitamin D score correlated with regular smoking in the group with schizophrenia. No difference was observed in other psychiatric conditions. We did not find any difference in vitamin D status between schizophrenia, psychoses, non-psychotic depression and control groups, but future studies are warranted to elucidate the role of vitamin D in psychiatric conditions.

The effect of vitamin D on cognitive functions in young female patients: a prospective controlled study using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment / O efeito da vitamina D nas funções cognitivas em pacientes jovens do sexo feminino: um estudo prospectivo controlado usando a avaliação cognitiva de Montreal

ABSTRACT Aim: Our aim was to determine whether there is a relationship between vitamin D [25(OH)D] and cognitive functioning in women with low 25(OH)D levels. Methods: Ninety female patients, 25-45 years of age, who attended our outpatient clinic and had 25(OH)D levels < 30 ng/mL, were included. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale was used to determine cognitive functioning; the scale is divided into seven subgroups. Patients were divided into three subgroups according to their 25(OH)D levels. After a three-month period of 25(OH) D replacement, the patients underwent a re-evaluation using the MoCA scale. Results: The total MoCA score before treatment was significantly different from the score after treatment (p < 0.05). Language and delayed recall functions were significantly different before and after treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Vitamin D levels were related to cognitive functioning in our study group.

RESUMO Objetivo: Nosso objetivo foi determinar se existe uma relação entre a vitamina D [25(OH)D] e o funcionamento cognitivo em mulheres com baixos níveis de 25(OH)D. Métodos: Noventa pacientes do sexo feminino (25-45 anos de idade) que se apresentaram ao nosso ambulatório e tinham níveis de 25(OH)D <30 ng/mL foram incluídas. A escala de avaliação cognitiva de Montreal (MoCA) foi usada para determinar o funcionamento cognitivo; a escala é dividida em sete subgrupos. As pacientes foram divididas em três subgrupos de acordo com seus níveis de 25(OH)D. Após um período de três meses de reposição de 25(OH)D, as pacientes foram submetidas a uma reavaliação de acordo com a escala MoCA. Resultados: O escore total da MoCA antes do tratamento foi significativamente diferente do escore após o tratamento (p <0,05). As funções de idioma e recordação atrasada foram mais significativamente diferentes entre antes e depois do tratamento (p <0,05). Conclusão: O nível de vitamina D foi relacionado ao funcionamento cognitivo em nosso grupo de estudo.

Vitamin D deficiency in outpatients with inflammatory bowel disease: prevalence and association with clinical-biological activity.

INTRODUCTION: there are few data on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Spain. A deficiency could be associated with a worse course of the disease. AIM: to determine the prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) deficiency in a cohort of outpatients with IBD and assess its association with clinical and biological activity, quality of life and psychological symptoms. METHODS: a cross-sectional, single-center observational study was performed. The study variables were obtained via clinical interviews, medical chart review and validated questionnaires (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Short Quality of Life in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire). 25OHD was measured in the same laboratory by an electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay. RESULTS: the study included 224 patients. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis was 33.3% and 20.3%, respectively. In Crohn's disease, vitamin D deficiency was associated with a higher clinical activity (p < 0.001) and a higher concentration of fecal calprotectin (p = 0.01). In ulcerative colitis, it was associated with clinical activity (p < 0.001), the use of steroids during the last six months (p = 0.001) and hospital admission during the previous year (p = 0.003). A sub-analysis of 149 patients failed to detect an association between vitamin D and quality of life or the scores of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. CONCLUSIONS: vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. An association was found between vitamin D concentration and clinical activity indexes, as well as fecal calprotectin levels in Crohn's disease.

Impulsivity and vitamin D in bariatric surgery candidates.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is recognized as a major health problem. Vitamin D is involved in maintaining energy metabolism by regulation of glucose transporters, uncoupling proteins, and normal brain function. We aimed to explore a relationship between impulsivity, eating behaviors, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in a sample of 322 bariatric surgery candidates. METHODS: Participants completed a questionnaire on their health, eating habits and The Eating Disorders Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Impulsivity was evaluated with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Blood samples were obtained to measure levels of 25(OH)D, lipids (cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol), and glucose. RESULTS: Overall scores on the BIS-11, along with scores on the Attentional Subscale of the BIS were significantly higher in participants with higher frequency of snack food consumption. Scores on the Attentional Subscale of the BIS were higher in participants who self-reported eating in response to emotions. Participants who reported eating at night or declared intense emotions associated with a desire-to-eat had the highest global, attentional, and non-planning impulsivity levels. Scores on the Non-planning Subscale of the BIS-11 were elevated in participants with 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations lower than 10ng/ml. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the higher level of impulsivity among the patients with obesity is associated with eating habits, and support the hypothesis that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to impulsiveness.

Vitamin D deficiency and depressive symptoms in the perinatal period.

Depression affects 1 in 7 women during the perinatal period. Women with vitamin D deficiency may be at an increased risk for depression. This study investigated the relationship between maternal and cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and maternal depressive symptoms over the perinatal period. Study objectives were to examine variations and relationships between maternal and cord blood vitamin D levels and maternal depressive symptoms over the perinatal period. At a large medical center in southern California, pregnant women (N = 126) were recruited for this longitudinal cohort study. Depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Screen, EPDS) and vitamin D status (25OHD) were measured at three time points in the perinatal period: time 1 (T1; N = 125) EPDS and 25OHD were collected in early pregnancy; time 2 (T2; N = 96) EPDS was conducted in the third trimester with blood collected at time of delivery; and time 3 (T3; N = 88) was collected postpartum. A significant inverse relationship between vitamin D status and depressive symptoms was observed between 25OHD and EPDS scores at all time points in this sample (T1 = - 0.18, P = 0.024; T2 = - 0.27, P = 0.009; T3 = - 0.22, P = 0.019). This association remained after controlling for confounders. Low cord blood 25OHD levels were inversely associated with higher EPDS scores in the third trimester (r = - 0.22, P = 0.02). Clinicians may want to consider screening women diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency for depression and vice versa. Vitamin D may represent an important biomarker for pregnant and postpartum women diagnosed with depression. Further studies examining underlying mechanisms and supplementation are needed.

Epidemic of Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Management: Awareness among Indian Medical Undergraduates.

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent across all age groups in epidemic proportions. The purpose of this study was to acquire a baseline assessment and create awareness among medical students regarding vitamin D. A cross-sectional, voluntary survey was conducted among undergraduate medical students. Data were collected using a questionnaire which assessed the level of knowledge students had with regard to where vitamin D comes from, what it does for health, how much is recommended, factors that affect its levels, and deficiency management. Majority of students were unaware that vitamin D deficiency has attained epidemic proportions. Though bone and skeletal disorders as a complication of vitamin D deficiency were known, a large number were unaware of systemic consequences (diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers). Only one-third of respondents were aware of duration and timing of sun exposure required for adequate serum vitamin D levels. However, we observed lack of awareness among students regarding the various biochemical forms, dose, and duration of vitamin D supplementation for treatment of nutritional deficiency. Our study highlighted a lack of knowledge about the importance of vitamin D, worldwide prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, and its management among medical students. Promoting vitamin D health awareness, if replicated across populations, could lead to positive health outcomes globally.

Correlates of vitamin D in psychotic disorders: A comprehensive systematic review.

People with psychosis have high prevalence of low vitamin D levels but the correlates and relevance of this deficiency are unclear. A systematic search of major databases from inception to 03/2016 was undertaken investigating correlates of vitamin D in people with psychosis. Data was summarised with a best evidence synthesis. Across 23 included studies (n=1770 psychosis, n=8171 controls) a mean difference in vitamin D levels between both groups of -11.14ng/ml±0.59 was found. 53 unique correlations between vitamin D and outcomes in people with psychosis were identified. The evidence base was broadly equivocal although season of blood sampling (67% of studies found a positive correlation with warmer seasons) and parathyroid hormone (100% of studies found a negative correlation) were associated with vitamin D levels. The most commonly non-correlated variables were: BMI (83% found no correlation), age (73%), gender (86%), smoking (100%), duration of illness (100%) and general assessment of functioning score (100%). In conclusion, whilst many unique correlates have been investigated, there is weak and inconclusive evidence regarding the consistency and meaning of the correlates of vitamin D levels in people with psychosis. Future longitudinal studies should consider the correlates of vitamin D in people with psychosis.

Lower prenatal vitamin D status and postpartum depressive symptomatology in African American women: Preliminary evidence for moderation by inflammatory cytokines.

Vitamin D deficiency and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines have each been associated individually with postpartum depression (PPD). African American women are at increased risk for prenatal vitamin D deficiency, inflammation, and prenatal and postpartum depressive symptoms, but biological risk factors for PPD in this population have rarely been tested. This prospective study tested whether low prenatal vitamin D status (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25[OH]D) predicted PPD symptomatology in pregnant African American women and whether high levels of prenatal inflammatory cytokines interacted with low 25(OH)D in effects on PPD symptoms. Vitamin D status was measured in the first trimester in a sample of 91 African American pregnant women who had a second trimester blood sample assayed for inflammatory markers. Depressive symptoms were assessed at a postpartum visit. An inverse association between prenatal log 25(OH)D and PPD symptomatology approached significance (ß = -0.209, p = 0.058), and interleukin-6 and IL-6/IL-10 ratio significantly moderated the effect. Among women with higher levels of inflammatory markers, lower prenatal log 25(OH)D was associated with significantly higher PPD symptoms (p < 0.05). These preliminary results are intriguing because, if replicable, easy translational opportunities, such as increasing vitamin D status in pregnant women with elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, may reduce PPD symptoms.

Vitamin D is independently associated with depression in overweight women with and without PCOS.

BACKGROUND: Depression, anxiety, and inflammation are common in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Inflammation may adversely impact on mood and vitamin D has been associated with both mood disorders and inflammation in the general population, but these relationships have not been studied in PCOS. The aim of this study was to investigate the association among 25 hydroxy-Vitamin D (25OHVD) status, anxiety, depression, and inflammation in women with and without PCOS. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in overweight or obese premenopausal women with (n = 50) and without (n = 23) PCOS. Primary outcome measures were 25OHVD, mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression questionnaire), and inflammation (highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP)). RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency (25OHVD<50 nmol/L) (46% versus 39%, p = 0.311) and 25OHVD (50.4 ± 22.2 nmol/L versus 51.6 ± 19.0 nmol/L, p = 0.828) were not significantly different in women with and without PCOS. For all women combined, 25OHVD was the only significant independent predictor of depression (ß = -0.063 ± 0.021, p = 0.005) and hsCRP (ß = -0.041 ± 0.015, p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency is common in both women with and without PCOS with no differences between the groups. Vitamin D is independently associated with depression and inflammation in overweight women both with and without PCOS. Further investigation to clarify the interrelationship among vitamin D, inflammation and depression is required to identify optimal prevention and treatment strategies for psychological and metabolic dysfunction in PCOS.

Higher vitamin D serum concentration increases health related quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

AIM: To investigate the effect of vitamin D (VD) concentrations and VD supplementation on health related quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. METHODS: A cohort of 220 IBD patients including 141 Crohn's disease (CD) and 79 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients was followed-up at a tertiary IBD center. A subgroup of the cohort (n = 26) took VD supplements for > 3 mo. Health related quality of life was assessed using the short IBD questionnaire (sIBDQ). VD serum concentration and sIBDQ score were assessed between August and October 2012 (summer/autumn period) and between February and April 2013 (winter/spring period). The mean VD serum concentration and its correlation with disease activity of CD were determined for each season separately. In a subgroup of patients, the effects of VD supplementation on winter VD serum concentration, change in VD serum concentration from summer to winter, and winter sIBDQ score were analyzed. RESULTS: During the summer/autumn and the winter/spring period, 28% and 42% of IBD patients were VD-deficient (< 20 ng/mL), respectively. In the winter/spring period, there was a significant correlation between sIBDQ score and VD serum concentration in UC patients (r = 0.35, P = 0.02), with a trend towards significance in CD patients (r = 0.17, P = 0.06). In the winter/spring period, VD-insufficient patients (< 30 ng/mL) had a significantly lower mean sIBDQ score than VD-sufficient patients; this was true of both UC (48.3 ± 2.3 vs 56.7 ± 3.4, P = 0.04) and CD (55.7 ± 1.25 vs 60.8 ± 2.14, P = 0.04) patients. In all analyzed scenarios (UC/CD, the summer/autumn period and the winter/spring period), health related quality of life was the highest in patients with VD serum concentrations of 50-59 ng/mL. Supplementation with a median of 800 IU/d VD day did not influence VD serum concentration or the sIBDQ score. CONCLUSION: VD serum concentration correlated with health related quality of life in UC and CD patients during the winter/spring period.

Suicidal patients are deficient in vitamin D, associated with a pro-inflammatory status in the blood.

BACKGROUND: Low levels of vitamin D may play a role in psychiatric disorders, as cross-sectional studies show an association between vitamin D deficiency and depression, schizophrenia and psychotic symptoms. The underlying mechanisms are not well understood, although vitamin D is known to influence the immune system to promote a T helper (Th)-2 phenotype. At the same time, increased inflammation might be of importance in the pathophysiology of depression and suicide. We therefore hypothesized that suicidal patients would be deficient in vitamin D, which could be responsible for the inflammatory changes observed in these patients. METHODS: We compared vitamin D levels in suicide attempters (n=59), non-suicidal depressed patients (n=17) and healthy controls (n=14). Subjects were diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, and went through a structured interview by a specialist in psychiatry. 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 were measured in plasma using liquid-chromatography-mass-spectrometry (LC-MS). We further explored vitamin D's association with plasma IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α. RESULTS: Suicide attempters had significantly lower mean levels of vitamin D than depressed non-suicidal patients and healthy controls. 58 percent of the suicide attempters were vitamin D deficient according to clinical standard. Moreover, there was a significant negative association between vitamin D and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the psychiatric patients. Low vitamin D levels were associated with higher levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1ß in the blood. CONCLUSION: The suicide attempters in our study were deficient in vitamin D. Our data also suggest that vitamin D deficiency could be a contributing factor to the elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines previously reported in suicidal patients. We propose that routine clinical testing of vitamin D levels could be beneficial in patients with suicidal symptoms, with subsequent supplementation in patients found to be deficient.

Vitamin D and depressive symptoms in children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency has been hypothesized to play a role in the development of depression. Hypovitaminosis D is almost universal in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). No studies to date have explored associations between serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), a standard measure of vitamin D, and depression in patients with CF. OBJECTIVE: This pilot study aimed to explore the relationship between 25(OH)D and the presence of depressive symptoms among youth with CF. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at an ambulatory Cystic Fibrosis Center clinic. Serum 25(OH)D and Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) scores were analyzed from 38 youths with CF ages 7-17 years. Child depressive symptoms were measured using the CDI, with scores above 12 indicating a significant level of depressive symptoms. Serum 25(OH)D concentration were measured using the liaison 25 OH vitamin D assay. Insufficient vitamin D status was defined as a circulating 25(OH)D concentration less than 30 ng/mL. RESULTS: Insufficient vitamin D levels were found in 59% of patients; 28% of patients had significant levels of depressive symptoms on the CDI (scores >12). Serum 25(OH)D was negatively associated with CDI scores (r = -0.55; p < 0.001), and the group of patients with insufficient 25(OH)D levels indeed reported significantly more depressive symptoms (t = 4.26; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: 25(OH)D insufficiency was associated with depressive symptoms in this cohort of youth with CF. Future rigorous studies investigating vitamin D and depression in CF are warranted with larger sample sizes using confirmatory methods to diagnose depressive disorders.

Vitamin D deficiency awareness among African migrant women residing in high-rise public housing in Melbourne, Australia: a qualitative study.

The aims of this study were: 1) to explore the individual perceptions, experience and understandings of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) amongst African migrant women residing in high-rise public housing, 2) to identify the most useful sources of information about VDD among this population, and 3) to document the barriers and enablers to addressing VDD. The Health Belief Model was used to guide the study. Convenience sampling was used with women living in particular high-rise public housing. Five focus group discussions were conducted (n=30). Thematic analysis was used to code and categorise the data to develop a deeper, conceptual understanding of the issue. We found that participants were aware of VDD and could identify the impacts that VDD had on their health. Barriers to addressing VDD included the women's: 1) living conditions in Australia, 2) risk of skin cancer, and 3) cultural roles in the family. The most positive strategy for preventing and addressing VDD was peer information sharing. This study has highlighted the significant need for health promotion strategies to combat VDD in this population. Future health promoting public health strategies for this population should encompass community based peer education programs. This study demonstrates the critical role of qualitative inquiry in gaining a deeper understanding of VDD in a particular migrant community. It is clear that this issue requires a coordinated solution that must involve the community themselves. Health care professionals must take into consideration the multiple barriers that exist to address VDD which is a significant public health issue.

Associations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D with fasting glucose, fasting insulin, dementia and depression in European elderly: the SENECA study.

PURPOSE: The classical consequence of vitamin D deficiency is osteomalacia, but recent insights into the function of vitamin D suggest that it may play a role in other body systems as well. The objective of this study was to examine the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and markers of glucose metabolism (n = 593), global cognitive functioning (n = 116) and depression (n = 118) in European elderly participating in the SENECA study. Moreover, we wanted to explore whether the observed associations of 25(OH)D with depression and global cognitive performance were mediated by fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels. METHODS: Cross-sectional associations between 25(OH)D and FPG, fasting plasma insulin (FPI) and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), a marker of insulin resistance, were estimated from multiple regression analyses. Associations of 25(OH)D with global cognitive functioning (Mini Mental State Examination) and depression (Geriatric Depression Scale) were examined using Poisson regression. RESULTS: An inverse association was observed between 25(OH)D and FPG (ß-0.001), indicating a 1 % decrease in FPG per 10 nmol/L increase in 25(OH)D, but after full adjustment for demographic factors, lifestyle factors and calcium intake, this association was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). Although participants with intermediate and high serum 25(OH)D levels showed a tendency towards a lower depression score after adjustment for demographic and lifestyle factors, RR and 95 % CI: 0.73 (0.51-1.04) and 0.76 (0.52-1.11), respectively, these findings were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: An inverse association of 25(OH)D with depression and FPG was observed, but this association was not statistically significant. There was no association between 25(OH)D with FPI and HOMA-IR or with global cognitive functioning. More studies are needed to further explore the possible role of vitamin D in the various body systems.

Adult vitamin D deficiency leads to behavioural and brain neurochemical alterations in C57BL/6J and BALB/c mice.

Epidemiological evidence suggests that low levels of vitamin D may predispose people to develop depression and cognitive impairment. While rodent studies have demonstrated that prenatal vitamin D deficiency is associated with altered brain development, there is a lack of research examining adult vitamin D (AVD) deficiency. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of AVD deficiency on behaviour and brain function in the mouse. Ten-week old male C57BL/6J and BALB/c mice were fed a control or vitamin D deficient diet for 10 weeks prior to, and during behavioural testing. We assessed a broad range of behavioural domains, excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in brain tissue, and, in separate groups of mice, locomotor response to d-amphetamine and MK-801. Overall, AVD deficiency resulted in hyperlocomotion in a novel open field and reduced GAD65/67 levels in brain tissue. AVD-deficient BALB/c mice had altered behaviour on the elevated plus maze, altered responses to heat, sound and shock, and decreased levels of glutamate and glutamine, and increased levels of GABA and glycine. By contrast C57BL/6J mice had a more subtle phenotype with no further behavioural changes but significant elevations in serine, homovanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Although the behavioural phenotype of AVD did not seem to model a specific disorder, the overall reduction in GAD65/67 levels associated with AVD deficiency may be relevant to a number of neuropsychiatric conditions. This is the first study to show an association between AVD deficiency and prominent changes in behaviour and brain neurochemistry in the mouse.

Photoprotection and vitamin D status: a study on awareness, knowledge and attitude towards sun protection in general population from Kuwait, and its relation with vitamin D levels.

BACKGROUND: The primary cause of skin cancers is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. And, for decades sun protection has been promoted in various public health education campaigns. Recently, however, vitamin D deficiency has been related to increased risk of skin cancers. And, skin being the primary site for the synthesis of active form of vitamin D, excessive sun protection could lead to vitamin D-deficient states. But, the results have so far been conflicting. AIMS: To study the level of awareness, knowledge and attitude of representative groups from the general population from Kuwait towards sun protection. And, also study the correlation of the level of sun protective measures used and vitamin D levels in these groups. METHODS: The study constituted of two main parts. First part comprised a questionnaire-based survey of representative group of people aged 18 and above to assess their knowledge, awareness and attitude towards sun protection. The second part consisted of measuring serum vitamin D levels in 150 volunteers amongst the responders of the questionnaire, who had been regularly using sunscreens for at least 2 years and compare to the levels seen in 150 age and sex-matched responders of similar skin phototypes, who had never used sunscreens. RESULTS: Out of the total of 1044 responders, 80% of them had adequate knowledge of the beneficial and harmful effects of sun exposure, and had been using sunscreens regularly, and adopting other sun protective measures in their daily life. The levels of vitamin D were found to be deficient in both sunscreen users and those who had never used sunscreens. The difference between the two groups was statistically insignificant (60.67% vs 54.67%; P value>0.001). CONCLUSION: Population at large seems to be adequately informed about the beneficial and deleterious effects of sun exposure. Vitamin D levels are deficient in majority of our people, and there is a need to do larger surveys covering all parts of the country and give supplemental doses of vitamin D to those found deficient.