A novel method for rapid and quantitative detection of bisphenol A in urine.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is classified as an endocrine disruptor (ED) and it can interact with variety of hormone receptors leading to hormonal disruption and increased risk of various adverse health effects. Reducing human exposure to BPA is one of the main challenges of public health, as it is constantly present in daily life. A low-cost and commonly applied method to enable determination of BPA in the patient's body has yet to be developed. Currently available techniques are expensive, time-consuming, and require access to highly equipped analytical chemistry laboratories. Here we describe a fast and cheap engineered lateral flow assay of our design, to detect of BPA in urine samples. The technology not only provides an opportunity to perform rapid medical diagnostics without the need for an access to the central laboratory but also a means for self-diagnosis by the patient. The addition of ß-glucuronidase improves the sensitivity of detection as it releases the free BPA from glucuronide complexes in urine. This invention may become a demonstrated analytical means for lowering human exposure to BPA and probably also to other EDs and consequently, may be useful in decrease of the risk for several lifestyle diseases.

Serum Vitamin D Binding Protein Level Associated with Metabolic Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Women with the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

The objective of the study was to measure the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) and assess their relationships with cardiovascular risk factors in women with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A group of 267 women, aged 20-35 years (24.7 ± 4.9): 167 with PCOS and 100 healthy women were divided according to body mass index. Biochemical and hormonal parameters were measured. Free and bioavailable 25(OH)D were calculated using the mathematical equations. The percentage of body fat and visceral fat deposit were assessed by DXA. In the normal weight control group total, free, bioavailable 25(OH)D (p<0.001 for all) were significantly higher than in its overweight/obese counterpart, while VDBP levels were comparable. In PCOS women total 25(OH)D (p<0.001), and VDBP (p -0.006) were lower in the overweight/obese subgroups than in the normal weight ones. In both groups serum VDBP levels correlated negatively with serum insulin and positively with sex hormone binding globulin. In PCOS group, in contrast to control group, VDPB was negatively correlated with abdominal fat deposit, BMI, fasting glucose and positively with HDL. Despite lower total 25(OH)D in obese PCOS women, all women with PCOS (lean and obese) had comparable free and bioavailable 25(OH)D, which might be a result of concomitantly lowered serum VDBP levels in obese PCOS women. VDBP might play important role in the regulation of availability of active fractions of 25(OH)D in PCOS women. VDBP seems to be associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as BMI, waist circumference, visceral fat, and fasting serum insulin in women with PCOS.

The polycystic ovary syndrome: a position statement from the Polish Society of Endocrinology, the Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians, and the Polish Society of Gynaecological Endocrinology.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis and therapy still arouse a lot of controversy. Each year brings new information, so, having collected the experience of three scientific societies, we present contemporary recommendations concerning PCOS diagnostics and treat-ment. In adult female diagnosis, we still use the Rotterdam criteria, which is two out of three of the follwing characteristics: a) ovulation abnormality, b) clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and c) polycystic ovaries. In the case of teenagers, diagnostic criteria are as follows: menstruation disturbances two years after menarche and clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism. The presence of polycysti-cally abnormal ovaries is not necessary. The consensus paper presents the threats resulting from imperfect diagnostic methods applied in PCOS (hyperandrogenism diagnostics, ultrasound examination of ovaries). Suggested therapy includes personalised schemes according to the dominant PCOS phenotype, i.e. metabolic, hyperandrogenic, or reproductive ones.

Lipid accumulation product (LAP) as a criterion for the identification of the healthy obesity phenotype in postmenopausal women.

Obesity and its complications constitute a major health problem in postmenopausal women. The identification of the obesity phenotype, especially that of metabolically healthy obese (MHO) patients, is a necessary part of obesity treatment protocols. There are several methods to define MHO, but unfortunately, all of them are arbitrary and inconsistent. The aim of this work was to determine whether lipid accumulation product (LAP) could be used as a marker of the MHO phenotype in postmenopausal women. A sample of 345 Polish postmenopausal women aged 50-60years old participated in the study. Participants were classified as obese when their BMI was >27. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to estimate the best cutoff for the LAP index value to identify postmenopausal women without metabolic syndrome components. We found that the best cutoff value was LAP ≤29.9, and this value was used to define MHO individuals. With this definition, the identification of MHO individuals could be made when both of the following criteria were met: LAP index ≤29.9 and no arterial hypertension (SBP<130mmHg, DBP<85mmHg). The anthropometric and body fat distribution measurements, as well as the metabolic characteristics of MHO women identified according to the above definition, were compared with those of MHO women identified by two other methods in the literature. These methods and our definition identified similar proportions of MHO women ranging from 11.6% to 16.9%. We found that MHO women identified by all of the definitions used in this study possessed a similar metabolic status, and they did not differ in anthropometric indices or body fat distribution measurements. We concluded that the combination of LAP estimation and arterial blood pressure measurement appear to constitute a useful method for identifying the MHO phenotype in postmenopausal women.

Association of serum glypican-4 levels with cardiovascular risk predictors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome - a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Glypican-4 (Gpc4) is an adipokine which interacts with the insulin receptor and affects insulin sensitivity in proteoglycans. Insulin resistance plays a crucial role in the etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is associated with metabolic disturbances such as abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes. Thus, higher levels of Gpc4 released from visceral adipose tissue in women with PCOS may suggest an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). DESIGN: The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether the serum Gpc4 level is associated with cardiovascular risk predictors in women with PCOS. METHODS: Sixty-two women with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria (20-35 years old) and 43 healthy controls were studied. Cardiovascular risk predictors such as obesity indices, fat deposits according to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, biochemical lipid profile parameters and Homeostasis Model Assessment were estimated. RESULTS: The serum Gpc4 level in PCOS women was significantly higher (2.61 ± 1.17 ng/ml) than in the control group (1.55 ± 0.47 ng/ml) and correlated with waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, total fat and android fat deposit to gynoid fat deposit ratio only in the PCOS group. CONCLUSION: The Gpc4 level was higher in the PCOS group and correlated with CVD risk predictors, especially fat distribution.

Classic PCOS phenotype is not associated with deficiency of endogenous vitamin D and VDR gene polymorphisms rs731236 (TaqI), rs7975232 (ApaI), rs1544410 (BsmI), rs10735810 (FokI): a case-control study of lower Silesian women.

CONTEXT: The role of endogenous vitamin D and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate for the first time in women with "classic" PCOS phenotype and healthy controls the role of the serum endogenous vitamin D level and VDR gene polymorphisms in PCOS etiology. DESIGN: Ninety-two women with "classic" PCOS phenotype and 85 controls from lower Silesia with comparable body mass index (BMI) were studied. In all women the waist circumference, android/gynoid fat deposit, parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism, testosterone, free androgen index, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and vitamin D were evaluated. Also, VDR gene polymorphisms rs731236, rs7975232, rs1544410 and rs10735810 were assessed. RESULTS: Serum vitamin D levels in both groups were comparable. Also high, comparable frequencies of hypovitaminosis and vitamin D deficiency in both groups were observed. Women with "classic" PCOS phenotype had statistically significantly higher values of all measured parameters, except serum SHBG and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, which were lower. The frequency of VDR genotype polymorphism was also comparable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, we show that endogenous vitamin D deficiency and VDR polymorphisms are not associated with homogeneous "classic" PCOS phenotype.

Irisin plasma concentration in PCOS and healthy subjects is related to body fat content and android fat distribution.

Irisin (Ir), a recently identified adipo-myokine, cleaved and secreted from the protein FNDC5 in response to physical activity, has been postulated to induce the differentiation of a subset of white adipocytes into brown fat and to mediate the beneficial effects on metabolic homeostasis. Metabolic syndrome (MS), a cluster of factors leading to impaired energy homeostasis, affects a significant proportion of subjects suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between Ir plasma concentrations and metabolic disturbances. The study group consisted of 179 PCOS patients and a population of 122 healthy controls (both groups aged 25-35 years). A subset of 90 subjects with MS was isolated. A positive association between Ir plasma level and MS in the whole group and in controls was found. In subjects with high adipose body content (>40%), Ir was higher than in lean persons (<30%). Our results showed a significant positive association between Ir concentration and android type of adipose tissue in the whole study group and in the control group. Understanding the role of Ir in increased energy expenditure may lead to the development of new therapeutics for obesity and obesity-related diseases.

Polish Society of Endocrinology Position statement on endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

With the reference to the position statements of the Endocrine Society, the Paediatric Endocrine Society, and the European Society of Paediatric Endocrinology, the Polish Society of Endocrinology points out the adverse health effects caused by endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) commonly used in daily life as components of plastics, food containers, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The statement is based on the alarming data about the increase of the prevalence of many endocrine disorders such as: cryptorchidism, precocious puberty in girls and boys, and hormone-dependent cancers (endometrium, breast, prostate). In our opinion, it is of human benefit to conduct epidemiological studies that will enable the estimation of the risk factors of exposure to EDCs and the probability of endocrine disorders. Increasing consumerism and the industrial boom has led to severe pollution of the environment with a corresponding negative impact on human health; thus, there is great necessity for the biomonitoring of EDCs in Poland.

Association between vitamin D concentration and levels of sex hormones in an elderly Polish population with different genotypes of VDR polymorphisms (rs10735810, rs1544410, rs7975232, rs731236).

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D co-regulates the synthesis of sex hormones in part by interaction with its nuclear receptor. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association of vitamin D concentration vs the level of sex hormones in elderly Polish individuals with different genotypes of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rs10735810, rs1544410, rs7975232, and rs731236 polymorphisms of VDR, the serum sex hormone level, free estrogen index (FEI) and free androgen index (FAI) as well as vitamin D, were evaluated in 766 persons (362 women and 404 men) selected from 5695 Polish population, aged 65-90years from the PolSenior survey. RESULTS: We observed that women with GG (rs731236), TT (rs7975232), BB (rs1544410) and FF (rs10735810) genotypes were characterized by a significant correlation between vitamin D vs testosterone concentration and FAI value. We found a significant correlation between testosterone level and FAI vs vitamin D concentration in men with heterozygote AG in the rs731236 polymorphism and in the GG (rs7975232), the BB (rs1544410), and the Ff (rs10735810) genotypes. CONCLUSION: In elderly selected Polish population with different genotypes of VDR polymorphisms, a statistically significant relationship between vitamin D concentration vs testosterone level was observed.

Selected CNR1 polymorphisms and hyperandrogenemia as well as fat mass and fat distribution in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

The endocannabinoid system is postulated to play an important role in the etiology of obesity, insulin resistance, fat distribution and metabolic disorders. Insulin resistance associated with abdominal obesity plays a leading role in the etiology of hyperandrogenism and other clinical features of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A total of 174 women 16-38 years old, diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria are recruited. Control group consisted of 125 healthy women 18-45 years old. Medical history, physical examination, anthropometric parameters and metabolic parameters were carried out. Six CNR1 gene polymorphisms were diagnosed. We observed a significantly three times higher risk of GG genotype in the polymorphism rs12720071 in women with PCOS versus the control group (p = 0.0344, OR = 3.01). A similar, significant 8-fold higher risk (p = 0.0176, OR = 8.81) was demonstrated for genotype CC polymorphism rs806368 associated with PCOS. We observed a 3.6-fold increased risk of hyperandrogenemia (free androgen index - FAI > 7) in patients with GG genotype in the rs12720071 polymorphism and AA genotype in the polymorphism rs1049353 (OR = 2.7). Our study may indicate a role of the endocannabinoid system in the occurrence of a specific hyperandrogenemia phenotype of PCOS.

ISGE statement on oral emergency contraception.

Unintended pregnancy is an important public health problem worldwide. Unwanted pregnancies may end in induced abortion (legal or illegal, safe or unsafe) or in childbirth. In many parts of the world both can be life threatening. Even where both are safe, abortion is distressing for all concerned while unwanted births often lead to poor health and social outcomes for both the mother and her child.

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in relation to the risk of colorectal cancer in the Polish population.

The protective effect of vitamin D against several cancers including colorectal cancer is modulated by the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and its ligand, the active form of vitamin D. VDR response has been found to play a role in various genes encoding proteins involved in crucial cellular pathways. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the VDR gene that modulate its activity are located in the promoter region, exons 2-9, and their vicinity and also in the 3'UTR region. Some of them have been previously studied in relation to cancer susceptibility and prognosis. The aim of our study was to investigate four polymorphisms, BsmI, ApaI, TaqI, and FokI, of the VDR gene in Polish patients with sporadic colorectal cancer and to evaluate their association with susceptibility to cancer. We found a significant association between the BsmI genotype and cancer (individuals with the bb genotype are more susceptible to cancer compared to those with other genotypes, p = 0.025, Fisher's exact test for 2 × 2 table). Also, the TT genotype at TaqI and the AA genotype at ApaI are correlated with a higher risk of cancer (p = 0.00071 and p = 1.0 × 10(-5), respectively). We found relatively strong linkage disequilibrium between the TaqI and ApaI loci (T with A and t with a, respectively). Both of these loci are associated with cancer. We do not observe any such association for the FokI polymorphism. In conclusion, a small modification in VDR expression may play a role in such a multipathway process as tumorigenesis.

Cannabinoid receptor 1 gene polymorphisms and nonalcoholic Fatty liver disease in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and in healthy controls.

Context. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The endocannabinoid system may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Polymorphism of the cannabinoid receptor 1 gene (CNR1) may be responsible for individual susceptibility to obesity and related conditions. Objective. To determine the role of genetic variants of CNR1 in the etiopathology of NAFLD in women with PCOS. Design and Setting. Our department (a tertiary referral center) conducted a cross-sectional, case-controlled study. Subjects. 173 women with PCOS (aged 20-35) and 125 healthy, age- and weight-matched controls were studied. Methods. Hepatic steatosis was assessed by ultrasound evaluation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of CNR1 (rs806368, rs12720071, rs1049353, rs806381, rs10485170, rs6454674) were genotyped. Results. Frequency of the G allele of rs806381 (P < 0.025) and the GG genotype of rs10485170 (P < 0.03) was significantly higher in women with PCOS and NAFLD than in PCOS women without NAFLD. Frequency of the TT genotype of rs6454674 was higher in PCOS women with NAFLD (not significantly, P = 0.059). In multivariate stepwise regression, allele G of rs806381 was associated with PCOS + NAFLD phenotype. Conclusion. Our preliminary results suggest the potential role of CNR1 polymorphisms in the etiology of NAFLD, especially in PCOS women.

The influence of endocannabinoid receptor 1 gene variations on anthropometric and metabolic parameters of women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with an increasing number of metabolic comorbidities. About 50% of PCOS patients are obese, and insulin resistance affects up to 70% of these women. The endocannabinoid system contributes to human energy homeostasis. CNR1 is a biological candidate for human obesity and related metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between CNR1 polymorphisms and anthropometric and metabolic parameters in PCOS women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 130 women diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria were recruited. The control group consisted of 70 healthy women. Medical history was taken, and physical examination as well as assessment of anthropometric (body mass, height, waist and hip circumference, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio [WHR]) and metabolic parameters (glucose and insulin, the insulin resistance index HOMA, lipid profile) was carried out. Genetic studies to detect six CNR1 gene polymorphisms were performed. RESULTS: The total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in PCOS women carrying T/T genotype of rs2023239CNR1 polymorphism were higher than in those with C/T and C/C. There were no statistical differences in other metabolic parameters or in the value of BMI and WHR between the variants of rs2023239 CNR1 polymorphism. The other studied polymorphisms of the CNR1 gene were not associated with anthropometric or metabolic parameters in PCOS women. There were no differences in anthropometric or metabolic parameters between the variants of studied polymorphisms of the CNR1 gene in control women. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our study, it seems that CNR1 polymorphisms are not associated with obesity and metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance, in PCOS women.

Interrelation between genotypes of the vitamin D receptor gene and serum sex hormone concentrations in the Polish elderly population: the PolSenior study.

AIM: Vitamin D co-regulates the synthesis of sex hormones. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of certain genotypes of the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) is associated with the serum levels of sex hormones in the elderly Polish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rs10735810, rs1544410, rs7975232, and rs731236 polymorphisms of VDR, the serum levels of testosterone and estradiol, as well as free estrogen index (FEI) and free androgen index (FAI) were evaluated in 360 women and 400 men aged 65-90years selected from 5695 respondents of the PolSenior survey. RESULTS: Only the rs1544410 VDR polymorphism was associated with the serum levels of sex hormones. The prevalence of rs1544410 genotypes was 38% BB, 46% Bb, and 16% bb in women and 41% BB, 44% Bb, and 15% bb in men. In women the frequency of the B allele was p=0.61 and b allele q=0.39, while in men it was p=0.63 and q=0.37, respectively. We found significant differences in the serum testosterone level (p<0.0004) and FAI (p<0.0015) between the rs1544410 genotypes in women but not in men. Higher mean testosterone level and higher mean FAI were observed in women with a rare bb genotype in comparison to a common BB genotype. CONCLUSION: We hypothesize that in women the increase in VDR expression associated with a rare genotype of the rs1544410 polymorphism of this gene may be associated with an increase in testosterone and FAI levels.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in women with polycystic ovary syndrome - clinical and metabolic aspects and lipoprotein lipase gene polymorphism.

INTRODUCTION: The aim was to assess associations among PCOS and NAFLD, the lipoprotein lipase polymorphism gene, and metabolic disorders in PCOS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 184 women with PCOS and 125 healthy, premenopausal volunteers, sex steroids, lipids, glucose, insulin, aminotransferases, free androgen index (FAI), HOMA-IR and E2/T were calculated. Hepatic steatosis was determined by ultrasound. Whole genomic DNA was isolated from blood leucocytes. Lipoprotein lipase polymorphisms rs268 and rs328 were analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and minisequencing. RESULTS: 57.6% of PCOS women had NAFLD, while women without PCOS had NAFLD in 49.6%. PCOS-NAFLD women had higher BMI, WHR and waist circumference compared to women with PCOS without NAFLD and women without PCOS. PCOS-NAFLD women had lower SHBG, E2/T ratio, and higher FAI compared to other groups. ALT levels were higher in PCOS women with NAFLD compared to other groups. PCOS women with and without NAFLD had higher fasting glucose and insulin and HOMA compared to women without PCOS. Women with PCOS had higher triglycerides and lower HDL-C compared to women without PCOS. There was no evidence that evaluated polymorphisms influenced hepatic steatosis in women with and without PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: PCOS is not an independent factor influencing NAFLD in women. The influences on NAFLD incidence in women are BMI > 25 kg/m², glucose level > 80 mg/dL, E2/T < 80 and ALT > 19 IU/L as independent factors. Hyperandrogenism in PCOS may increase the risk of NAFLD indirectly by obesity, insulin resistance, and directly by the hepatotoxic effect. Polymorphisms rs328 and rs268 of the lipoprotein lipase gene do not affect the occurrence of NAFLD in women with PCOS or without PCOS.

Accumulation of abdominal fat in relation to selected proinflammatory cytokines concentrations in non-obese Wroclaw inhabitants.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolically obese normal weight (MONW) subjects, despite their normal BMI, present metabolic disturbances characteristic of abdominal obesity. One of the reasons might be subclinical inflammation caused by the fat tissue excess. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the accumulation of fat (especially abdominal) and the concentration of selected proinflammatory cytokines - interleukins (IL-6, IL-18) and C-reactive protein (CRP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 342 subjects (218 women, 124 men; age 20-40 years, BMI < 27 kg/m2) recruited from a community centre in Wroclaw. The group was divided based on the homeostasis assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA) value: 90 MONW subjects with HOMA > 1.69 and 252 subjects as control group. Anthropometric parameters, serum IL-6, IL-18, CRP, glucose, insulin concentrations and insulin sensitivity/resistance indexes were evaluated. RESULTS: CRP levels were significantly higher (3.26 vs. 1.97, p = 0.03) in MONW women than in the control group. Serum IL-6, IL-18 levels in males and females did not differ in both groups. IL-6 showed a significant correlation with the abdominal to gynoidal fat tissue deposit ratio in women. There were correlations between the CRP and BMI, WHR, waist circumference, total fat, abdominal fat deposit, and abdominal to gynoidal fat deposit ratio in both sexes. In women, positive correlations between CRP and HOMA, FIRI and negative with QUICKI index were present. CONCLUSIONS: Increased accumulation of abdominal adipose tissue in non-obese, young and healthy subjects is related to increased CRP levels.

Metformin for polycystic ovary syndrome.

The latest list of reimbursed medicines includes, as a new addition, metformin for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is extremely important for practicing physicians. While this paper briefly summarises the current state of knowledge on PCOS, its main aim is to remind the reader about the effectiveness of metformin in women with PCOS in controlling glycaemia, increasing tissue sensitivity to insulin and affecting endothelial function, vascular inflammation, lipid profile and other risk factors of atherosclerosis, which suggests its cardioprotective effects. The paper also discusses the clinical effect of metformin relative to hyperandrogenism, menstrual cycle disorders and ovulation induction. The paper concludes with an algorithm for the diagnosis and management of PCOS.

Practical guidelines for the supplementation of vitamin D and the treatment of deficits in Central Europe - recommended vitamin D intakes in the general population and groups at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Adequate Vitamin D intake and its concentration in serum are important for bone health and calcium-phosphate metabolism as well as for optimal function of many organs and tissues. Documented trends in lifestyle, nutritional habits and physical activity appear to be associated with moderate or severe Vitamin D deficits resulting in health problems. Most epidemiological studies suggest that Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among Central European populations. Concern about this problem led to the organising of a conference focused on overcoming Vitamin D deficiency. METHODS: After reviewing the epidemiological evidence and relevant literature, a Polish multidisciplinary group formulated theses on recommendations for Vitamin D screening and supplementation in the general population. These theses were subsequently sent to Scientific Committee members of the 'Vitamin D - minimum, maximum, optimum' conference for evaluation based on a ten-point scale.With 550 international attendees, the meeting 'Vitamin D - minimum, maximum, optimum' was held on October 19-20, 2012 in Warsaw(Poland). Most recent scientific evidence of both skeletal and non-skeletal effects of Vitamin D as well as the results of panellists' voting were reviewed and discussed during eight plenary sessions and two workshops. RESULTS: Based on many polemical discussions, including post-conference networking, the key opinion leaders established ranges of serum 25-hydroxyVitamin D concentration indicating Vitamin D deficiency [< 20 ng/mL (< 50 nmol/L)], suboptimal status [20-30 ng/mL(50-75 nmol/L)], and target concentration for optimal Vitamin D effects [30-50 ng/mL (75-125 nmol/L)]. General practical guidelines regarding supplementation and updated recommendations for prophylactic Vitamin D intakes in Central European neonates, infants, children and adolescents as well as in adults (including recommendations for pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly) were developed. CONCLUSIONS: Improving the Vitamin D status of children, adolescents, adults and the elderly must be included in the priorities of physicians,healthcare professionals and healthcare regulating bodies. The present paper offers elaborated consensus on supplementation guidance and population strategies for Vitamin D in Central Europe.