The synergistic effects of vitamin D and estradiol deficiency on metabolic syndrome in Chinese postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies show that vitamin D (VitD) deficiency is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Current evidence suggests that estrogen and VitD have similar physiological functions and potentially interact with bone health. We investigated the association between estradiol (E2) and 25-hydroxyvitamin-D [25(OH)D] with MetS and its components in Chinese postmenopausal women. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we examined 616 postmenopausal women (aged 49-86 y) from southern China who were not taking estrogen and VitD/calcium supplements. At the end of data collection, serum E2 and 25(OH)D were measured for each participant. MetS was defined according to the 2006 International Diabetes Federation standard. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between 25(OH)D and E2. Higher 25(OH)D was associated with a favorable lipid profile, blood pressure, and glucose level. E2 was negatively associated with cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. The odds ratio for MetS was 2.19 (95% CI, 1.19-4.01, P value for trend=0.009) for deficient compared with sufficient women after multivariable adjustment. This association remained unchanged after further adjusting for E2 levels. After stratified analysis by VitD status, low E2 increased MetS risk in women with VitD deficiency (odds ratio = 3.49, 95% CI, 1.45-8.05 for the lowest vs the highest tertile). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a synergistic role of VitD and E2 deficiency in MetS in Chinese postmenopausal women.

Niveles de 25(oh)-vitamina D en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 con y sin síndrome metabólico / 25(OH)-Vitamin D levels in type 2 diabetes with and without metabolic syndrome

Los bajos niveles de 25-hidroxivitamina D (25OHD) se han vinculado con el desarrollo de enfermedad cardiovascular, diabetes mellitus tipo 2, obesidad, dislipidemia e hipertensión arterial, todos componentes del síndrome metabólico (SM). Además, se ha reportado una asociación inversa entre 25OHD y el SM, resistencia a la insulina, deterioro de la función celular ß e intolerancia a la glucosa. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar los niveles de 25OHD en pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 con y sin SM. Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional de corte transversal. Se evaluaron 108 pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 (grupo DM2) y 89 pacientes sin DM2 (GC) con y sin SM, en los cuales se determinó la concentración de 25OHD total. Se calculó el cociente de probabilidad (OR) e intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC95) para la deficiencia de 25OHD (<20 ng/ml). Resultados: el grupo DM2 presentó niveles menores de 25OHD (19,8 ng/ml vs. 25,0 ng/ml) y mayor proporción de pacientes con deficiencia de 25OHD respecto del GC (50,9% vs. 28,1%, OR 2,7, IC95%: 1,5-4,8). No se halló una correlación entre 25OHD y HbA1c. Se halló asociación significativa entre deficiencia de 25OHD y presencia de diabetes, obesidad y SM. Sin embargo, en el análisis multivariado solo la presencia del SM presentó asociación negativa significativa con la deficiencia de 25OHD (OR=4,04, IC95% 1,48-11,68). En conclusión, nuestros datos demuestran una elevada prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 a expensas, principalmente, del elevado porcentaje de pacientes que padecen SM. El SM incrementa cuatro veces el riesgo de deficiencia de vitamina D independientemente de la presencia de diabetes mellitus tipo 2. (AU)

Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) have been linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension, all components of the metabolic syndrome. An inverse association has been observed between 25OHD and metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, impaired ß-cell function and glucose intolerance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the 25OHD levels in type 2 diabetic patients with and without metabolic syndrome. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out. We included 108 type 2 diabetic patients (DM2 group) and 89 patients without DM2 (CG) with and without metabolic syndrome, in which the total 25OHD levels were measured. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for 25OHD deficiency (<20 ng/ml) were estimated. Results: The DM2 group had lower 25OHD levels (19.8 ng/ml vs 25.0 ng/ml) and higher proportion of patients with a 25OHD deficiency compared to the CG (50.9% vs 28.1%, OR 2.7, 95%CI: 1.5-4.8). No correlation was found between 25OHD and HbA1c. A significant association was found between 25OHD deficiency and the presence of diabetes, obesity, and the presence of metabolic syndrome. However, in the multivariate analysis only the presence of metabolic syndrome had a significant negative association with the 25OHD deficiency (OR=4.04, 95%CI 1.48-11.68). In conclusion, we found a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in DM2 and the metabolic syndrome increases the risk of 25OHD deficiency by four times. (AU)

Vitamin D, bone metabolism and fracture risk.

Insufficient serum levels of 25OH vitamin D (25OHD) is a risk factor for osteoporosis. A new paradigm has emerged with the locally synthesized 1,25(OH)2D within osteoblasts and osteoclasts as the essential pathway for the effects of 25OHD in regulating bone remodeling via direct or indirect activation of the specific receptor VDR. Vitamin D has positive effects on fracture risk but these results have been consistently observed whenever daily doses were above 800 UI/d administered to compliant patients together with adequate calcium supplementation and with an achieved biological target of serum 25OHD levels above 30 ng/mL.

[Not Available].

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in candidates to bariatric surgery (BS) and its relationship with risk factors and components of the metabolic syndrome. Material and methods: Clinical, anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured in 56 Caucasian patients included in a protocol of BS between January and June 2014. Patients were stratified into three groups according to their vitamin D status: sufficiency (≥ 40 ng/ml), insufficiency (40-20 ng/ml) and deficiency (< 20 ng/ml). Results: Data showed vitamin D deficiency in 75% of patients. These patients had greater BMI (p = 0.006) and lower PTH concentrations in plasma (p = 0.045). In addition, there were more patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and dyslipidemia (DLPM) in the group with 25 (OH) D < 20 ng/ml levels. Another finding was that 25(OH) D levels were observed to be negatively correlated with fat mass (r = -0.504; p = 0.009), BMI (r = -0.394; p = 0.046) and hypertension (r = -0.637; p = 0.001). Conclusion: We conclude that vitamin D deficiency is extremely common among candidates to BS, who are associated with DM2 and DLPM. Although there are limited data regarding the best treatment for low Vitamin D status in BS candidate patients, screening for vitamin D deficiency should be regularly performed in cases of morbid obesity

Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D en los candidatos a cirugía bariátrica (CB) y su relación con factores de riesgo y los componentes del síndrome metabólico. Material y métodos: los parámetros clínicos, antropométricos y bioquímicos se midieron en 56 pacientes caucásicos incluidos en un protocolo de cirugía bariátrica entre enero y junio de 2014. Los pacientes fueron estratificados en tres grupos de acuerdo al status de vitamina D: suficiencia (≥ 40 ng/ml), insuficiencia (40-20 ng/ml) y deficiencia (< 20 ng/ml). Resultados: se observó deficiencia de vitamina D en el 75% de los pacientes. Estos pacientes tenían mayor índice de masa corporal (p = 0,006) y concentraciones plasmáticas mas bajas de PTH (p = 0,045). Además, hubo más pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) y dislipemia (DLPM) en el grupo con niveles de 25 (OH) D < 20 ng/ml. Asimismo la 25 (OH) D se correlacionó negativamente con la masa grasa (r = -0,504; p = 0,009), el IMC (r = -0,394; p = 0,046) y la hipertensión arterial (r = -0,637; p = 0,001). Conclusión: De nuestros hallazgos concluimos que la deficiencia de vitamina D es muy común entre los candidatos a CB y que la misma está asociada con DM2 y DLPM.Aunque hay pocos datos sobre el mejor tratamiento para el bajo nivel de vitamina D en los pacientes candidatos CB, la detección de la deficiencia de vitamina D debe realizarse de forma rutinaria en estos casos.

Increase of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels after initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy.

Although vitamin D deficiency in HIV patients reported worldwide, the mechanisms and the effect of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) on vitamin D levels are unclear. Patients were 50 male Japanese with HIV who visited Teikyo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. Patients were divided into those receiving cART (cART-experienced group, n = 30) and those who had not received cART (cART-naïve group, n = 20). Patients in the cART-experienced group had received treatment with cART for more than one year and those in the cART-naïve group were just about to start cART at study entry. Patients underwent measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and assessment of clinical factors twice at one year intervals. At study entry, 23 (76.7%) in the cART-experienced group and 19 (95.0%) in the cART-naïve group had vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. Mean 25(OH)D values were significantly higher in the cART-experienced group (25.2 ng/ml vs. 19.3 ng/ml, p = 0.01). However, levels of 25(OH)D at one year increased more in the cART-naïve group (-1.1 ng/ml vs. 5.0 ng/ml, p = 0.01), with mean 25(OH)D values in the cART-naïve group increasing to match those in the cART-experienced group. HIV infected patients who initiated cART showed increases in vitamin D levels in one year.

Maternal vitamin D deficiency and fetal programming--lessons learned from humans and mice.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cardiovascular disease partially originates from poor environmental and nutritional conditions in early life. Lack of micronutrients like 25 hydroxy vitamin D3 (25OHD) during pregnancy may be an important treatable causal factor. The present study explored the effect of maternal 25OHD deficiency on the offspring. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study analyzing the association of maternal 25OHD deficiency during pregnancy with birth outcomes considering confounding. To show that vitamin D deficiency may be causally involved in the observed associations, mice were set on either 25OHD sufficient or insufficient diets before and during pregnancy. Growth, glucose tolerance and mortality was analyzed in the F1 generation. RESULTS: The clinical study showed that severe 25OHD deficiency was associated with low birth weight and low gestational age. ANCOVA models indicated that established confounding factors such as offspring sex, smoking during pregnancy and maternal BMI did not influence the impact of 25OHD on birth weight. However, there was a significant interaction between 25OHD and gestational age. Maternal 25OHD deficiency was also independently associated with low APGAR scores 5 minutes postpartum. The offspring of 25OHD deficient mice grew slower after birth, had an impaired glucose tolerance shortly after birth and an increased mortality during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates an association between maternal 25OHD and offspring birth weight. The effect of 25OHD on birth weight seems to be mediated by vitamin D controlling gestational age. Results from an animal experiment suggest that gestational 25OHD insufficiency is causally linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Since birth weight and prematurity are associated with an adverse cardiovascular outcome in later life, this study emphasizes the need for novel monitoring and treatment guidelines of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy.

Tratamiento doble con calcifediol asociado a paricalcitol y biomarcadores de riesgo cardiovascular en hemodiálisis / Double treatment with paricalcitol-associated calcifediol and cardiovascular risk biomarkers in haemodialysis

Introducción: El déficit de 25-hidroxivitamina D (25OHD) asociado a un hiperparatiroidismo secundario son hallazgos frecuentes en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) en hemodiálisis (HD). Estos hechos se asocian con un incremento de la morbimortalidad de origen cardiovascular (CV). Niveles séricos adecuados de 25OHD, así como el uso de activadores selectivos del receptor de vitamina D (AsRVD), han demostrado tener efectos beneficiosos sobre el metabolismo óseo-mineral y el riesgo CV de manera independiente. Actualmente aún existe controversia respecto al tipo de suplementación que precisan los pacientes con ERC en HD. Objetivo: El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue evaluar si existe beneficio alguno en el tratamiento combinado de 25OHD, calcifediol oral y AsRVD, paricalcitol oral sobre el metabolismo óseo-mineral y marcadores inflamatorios, respecto al tratamiento único con cada uno de ellos, en un grupo de pacientes de HD. Material y métodos: Realizamos un estudio prospectivo de 6 meses de duración sobre 26 pacientes de nuestra (..) (AU)

Background: The deficit of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) are frequent findings in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis (HD). These events are associated with increased morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular (CV). 25OHD adequate serum levels as well as the use of selective activators of the vitamin D receptor (AsRVD) have been shown to have beneficial effects on bone metabolism and mineral and cardiovascular risk independently. Currently there is still controversy regarding the type of supplementation needed by patients with CKD on HD. Aims: The aim of our study was to evaluate whether there is benefit in combination therapy with 25OHD, calcifediol and a AsRVD, oral paricalcitol on bone-mineral metabolism and inflammatory markers, compared to single treatment with each of them in a group HD patients. Material and methods: A prospective study of 6 months, over 26 patients in our HD unit. We randomized patients into two groups: group 1 (G1) received oral paricalcitol treatment at doses of 1mcg/day. Group 2 (G2) was treated with 1 ampoule calcifediol/wk (0.266mg/wk=16.000U) orally. After 3 months of treatment, was added (..) (AU)

Longitudinal vitamin D status in pregnancy and the risk of pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Whether vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy is a cause of pre-eclampsia remains controversial. Most previous studies to date have assessed exposure at only one time-point in pregnancy. We assessed longitudinal vitamin D status during pregnancy and the risk of pre-eclampsia. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Seventeen urban obstetric hospitals, Canada. POPULATION: Pregnant women who were participants in a trial of vitamin C and E supplementation for the prevention of pre-eclampsia. Canadian participants who consented to participate in a biobank with plasma specimens available at the baseline visit were included (n = 697). METHODS: Maternal plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were measured at 12-18 and 24-26 weeks of gestation using chemiluminescence immunoassay. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pre-eclampsia. RESULTS: Of the women, 39% were vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D <50 nmol/l). A strong positive correlation was observed in maternal 25(OH)D concentrations between the two gestational age windows (r = 0.69, P < 0.0001). Mean maternal 25(OH)D concentrations at 24-26 weeks of gestation were significantly lower in women who subsequently developed pre-eclampsia compared with those who did not (mean ± SD: 48.9 ± 16.8 versus 57.0 ± 19.1 nmol/l, P = 0.03). Women with 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/l at 24-26 weeks gestation experienced an increased risk of pre-eclampsia (adjusted odds ratio 3.24, 95% confidence interval 1.37-7.69), whereas the association was not statistically significant for maternal 25(OH)D level at 12-18 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSIONS: Lower maternal 25(OH)D levels at late mid-trimester were associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia.

Cross-sectional and prospective cohort study of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and obesity in adults: the HUNT study.

Experimental studies suggest that vitamin D modulates the activity of adipocytes. The authors examined baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level in relation to prevalent and cumulative incident obesity in Norway. A cohort of 25,616 adults aged 19-55 years participated in both the second and third surveys of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT 2 (1995-1997) and HUNT 3 (2006-2008)). Serum 25(OH)D levels measured at baseline and anthropometric measurements taken at both baseline and follow-up were available for a random sample of 2,460 subjects. Overall, 40% of the 2,460 subjects had a serum 25(OH)D level less than 50.0 nmol/L, and 37% had a level of 50.0-74.9 nmol/L. The prevalence and cumulative incidence of obesity, defined as body mass index (weight (kg)/height (m)(2)) ≥30, were 12% and 15%, respectively. Lower serum 25(OH)D level was associated with a higher prevalence of obesity. In the 2,165 subjects with baseline BMI less than 30, a serum 25(OH)D level less than 50.0 nmol/L was associated with a significantly increased odds ratio for incident obesity during follow-up (adjusted odds ratio = 1.73, 95% confidence interval: 1.24, 2.41). When prevalent and incident obesity were classified according to waist circumference (≥88 cm for women, ≥102 cm for men), similar results were obtained. In addition to prevalent obesity, a serum 25(OH)D level less than 50.0 nmol/L was significantly associated with new-onset obesity in adults.

Anaemia, lead poisoning and vitamin D deficiency in low-income children: do current screening recommendations match the burden of illness?

OBJECTIVE: Low-income children are routinely screened for anaemia and elevated blood lead levels (EBLL) but not for vitamin D deficiency. We sought to determine the relative prevalence of and the relationship among vitamin D deficiency, anaemia and EBLL among healthy low-income paediatric clinic patients. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Paediatric outpatient clinic in an urban safety net hospital in a northern US state. SUBJECTS: Healthy toddlers and children under 6 years of age (n 127) who were seen for a routine well child check-up (WCC). RESULTS: The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) < 30 ng/ml) was 62 %; the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 20 ng/ml) was 29 %. These rates were far higher than those for anaemia (Hb < 11·0 g/dl) at 10 %, EBLL (Pb > 9 µg/dl) at 1 % or even mildly EBLL (Pb 5-9 µg/dl) at 4 % (range: 1-11). There was no relationship among any of the following: vitamin D status, anaemia or EBLL. The vast majority of children with vitamin D deficiency had both normal Hb (86 %) and Pb level (100 %). After controlling for child's age, gender and race/ethnicity, there was no association between Hb (continuous, g/dl) and vitamin D deficiency (adjusted OR (aOR) = 0·97, 95 % CI 0·64, 1·47; P = 0·88). The only significant predictor of vitamin D deficiency was increasing age in years (aOR = 1·39, 95 % CI 1·03, 1·86; P = 0·03). None of these associations changed materially when deficiency was defined as <15 ng/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency was far more common than anaemia or EBLL, and Hb and Pb status were not predictors of vitamin D status.

Vitamin D, race, and cardiovascular mortality: findings from a national US sample.

PURPOSE: Findings are conflicting about the relationship between vitamin D levels and cardiovascular mortality. We wanted to determine the contribution of vitamin D levels to black-white disparities in cardiovascular mortality. METHODS: We examined the association of serum 25(OH)D levels with cardiovascular mortality and its contribution to elevated risk among blacks through a retrospective cohort using baseline data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1988-1994 and cause-specific mortality through 2001 using the National Death Index. Using piecewise Poisson regression models, we examined the risk of cardiovascular death (coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke) by sample 25(OH)D quartile, adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, and compared models of adjusted race-related cardiovascular mortality with and without further adjustment for 25(OH)D levels. RESULTS: Participants with 25(OH)D levels in the lowest quartile (mean = 13.9 ng/mL) compared with those in the 3 higher quartiles (mean = 21.6, 28.4, and 41.6 ng/mL) had higher adjusted risk of cardiovascular death (incident rate ratio [IRR] = 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-1.70). The higher age- and sex-adjusted cardiovascular mortality observed in blacks vs whites (IRR = 1.38; 95% CI, 1.13-1.70) was attenuated (IRR = 1.14; 95% CI, 0.91-1.44) by adjustment for 25(OH)D levels and fully eliminated with further adjustment for income (IRR=1.01; 95% CI, 0.82-1.24). CONCLUSIONS: Low serum levels of 25(OH)D are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in a nationally representative US sample. Black-white differences in 25(OH)D levels may contribute to excess cardiovascular mortality in blacks. Interventional trials among persons with low vitamin D levels are needed to determine whether oral supplementation improves cardiovascular outcomes.

Vitamin D insufficiency and health outcomes over 5 y in older women.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D insufficiency was shown to be associated with adverse musculoskeletal and nonskeletal outcomes in numerous observational studies. However, some studies did not control for confounding factors such as age or seasonal variation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the effect of vitamin D status on health outcomes. DESIGN: Healthy community-dwelling women (n = 1471) with a mean age of 74 y were followed in a 5-y trial of calcium supplementation. 25(OH)D was measured at baseline in all women. Skeletal and nonskeletal outcomes were evaluated according to seasonally adjusted vitamin D status at baseline. RESULTS: Fifty percent of women had a seasonally adjusted 25(OH)D concentration <50 nmol/L. These women were significantly older, heavier, and less physically active and had more comorbidities than women with a seasonally adjusted 25(OH)D concentration > or =50 nmol/L. Women with a seasonally adjusted 25(OH)D concentration <50 nmol/L had an increased incidence of stroke and cardiovascular events that did not persist after adjustment for between-group differences in age or comorbidities. Women with a seasonally adjusted 25(OH)D concentration <50 nmol/L were not at increased risk of adverse consequences for any musculoskeletal outcome, including fracture, falls, bone density, or grip strength or any nonskeletal outcomes, including death, myocardial infarction, cancer, heart failure, diabetes, or adverse changes in blood pressure, weight, body composition, cholesterol, or glucose. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D insufficiency is more common in older, frailer women. Community-dwelling older women with a seasonally adjusted 25(OH)D concentration <50 nmol/L were not at risk of adverse outcomes over 5 y after control for comorbidities. Randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed to determine whether vitamin D supplementation in individuals with vitamin D insufficiency influences health outcomes. This trial was registered at www.anzctr.org.au as ACTRN 012605000242628.

Highest prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in institutionalized women compared with noninstitutionalized women: a case-control study.

The reduced capacity of older skin to synthesize vitamin D(3) under the influence of ultraviolet light makes older persons at risk of vitamin D deficiency. The risk could even be increased in institutionalized persons owing to their lower sunshine exposure. It has been reported that an inadequate vitamin D level is associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism, increased bone turnover, and bone loss, which increase fracture risk. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of inadequate serum vitamin D levels in institutionalized, postmenopausal, osteoporotic women. Assessment of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was performed in 445 institutionalized, osteoporotic women from nine countries (Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain and UK). For each institutionalized woman, three age-matched, noninstitutionalized, osteoporotic controls were also included. Four cutoffs of 25(OH)D inadequacy were fixed: less than 80, less than 75, less than 50 and less than 30 nmol/l. Mean age was 79.7 years (standard deviation [SD] = 5.8) for the institutionalized women and 79.5 years (SD = 5.5) for the noninstitutionalized women (p = 0.45). Significantly fewer institutionalized women received vitamin D supplements (13.2 vs 24.0%; p < 0.0001). In women without vitamin D supplements, the level of 25(OH)D was significantly lower in institutionalized women (56.9 [SD = 23.9] nmol/l) compared with noninstitutionalized women (63.2 [SD = 22.0] nmol/l; p < 0.0001). In institutionalized women (without vitamin D supplements), the prevalence of 25(OH)D inadequacy was 10.4, 41.2, 80.3 and 84.2% when considering cutoffs of 80, 75, 50 and 30 nmol/l, respectively. In the control group, the prevalence was 2.7, 22.9, 74.4 and 81.7%, respectively. The prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy was significantly higher in institutionalized women when considering the 75, 50 and 30 nmol/l cutoffs but not when considering the 80 nmol/l cutoff. This study highlights a high prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in institutionalized, osteoporotic women. Compared with age-matched osteoporotic controls, the prevalence of severe vitamin D inadequacy was substantially more important in institutionalized women. We believe that a greater awareness of the importance of vitamin D inadequacy is needed in order to address this public health problem.

Occurrence of metabolic osteopathy in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease manifested by maldigestion and, in an advanced stage, by malabsorption. The aim of our research was to monitor the occurrence of metabolic osteopathies (osteopenia, osteoporosis and osteomalacia) in patients with chronic pancreatitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The group consisted of 73 patients (17 women and 56 men) in different stages of chronic pancreatitis. In all patients we determined serum concentrations of Ca, P, 25-OH vitamin D, 1,25-(OH)(2) vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase and its bone isoenzyme. Bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the lumbar spine (L(1)-L(4)) and in the proximal femur. When bone pathology was identified by DXA, we determined the other to exclude other causes of secondary osteopathy and the 24-hour loss of calcium and phosphorus in the urine. RESULTS: Osteopathy was found in 39% of patients, i.e. osteopenia in 26%, osteoporosis in 5% and osteomalacia in 8% of cases. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of relatively high percentages of metabolic osteopathies in patients with chronic pancreatitis may correlate, namely in advanced stages of the disease, with the malabsorption of vitamin D to the enterohepatic circulation. In initial forms of pancreatitis, it is not possible to exclude progression of osteopathy due to changes of the intestinal flora, with disturbance of vitamin D absorption to the intestinal mucosa.

Presence of 25(OH) D deficiency in a rural North Indian village despite abundant sunshine.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Several studies have shown wide prevalence of vitamin D deficiency with serum 25(OH)D <49.9 nmol/L in urban Indians related to their poor sunshine exposure and skin pigmentation. However, there is limited information in rural Indians. We hypothesized presence of higher 25(OH)D in rural subjects as compared to urban because of farming related abundant sunshine exposure. DESIGN AND METHODS: We assessed serum 25(OH)D levels in residents of a North Indian village with 200 families, located 90 km East of Delhi during February (winter). Fifty seven subjects (32 males and 25 females) from 50 families consented for the study. RESULTS: The mean 25(OH)D values of all subjects in the rural area was 36.4 +/- 22.5 nmol/l/L. Males had significantly higher 25(OH)D values than females. When compared to urban subjects, the mean 25(OH)D value of rural males and females was six and three folds higher, respectively. However even with five hours of daily sunshine exposure only 31.5% had serum 25(OH)D levels > or = 50 nmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, with longer sunshine exposure subjects residing in rural area had better mean 25(OH)D values than that of urbans. However, 70% of them were still vitamin D deficient. These facts indicate the need for the countrywide vitamin D food fortification program irrespective of rural or urban setting.

Neonatal vitamin D status at birth at latitude 32 degrees 72': evidence of deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: With vitamin D deficiency as a serious public health problem, vitamin D status at birth was measured in neonates at latitude 32 degrees 72' (southeastern United States). STUDY DESIGN: In umbilical cord blood, vitamin D status, demonstrated by circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D, was measured and related to race and season of birth. RESULT: The mean+/-standard deviation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in 100 cord blood samples was 13.5+/-8.3 ng/ml for the cohort. African-American infants, with a mean+/-standard deviation of 10.5+/-6.0 ng/ml, demonstrated significantly lower vitamin D status than Caucasian infants, with a mean+/-standard deviation of 19.5+/-9.6 ng/ml (P<0.0001). By season, the mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D level at birth in November-March compared to April-October was 11.3 ng/ml lower in Caucasian infants (from 29.0 to 17.7 ng/ml) and 3 ng/ml lower in African-American infants (from 13.1 to 10.1 ng/ml). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency is high in this cohort. African-American infants demonstrate significantly lower vitamin D status at birth than Caucasian infants. Seasonality, while significant in both groups, had a greater impact on the vitamin D status of Caucasian newborns.

Prospective study of predictors of vitamin D status and cancer incidence and mortality in men.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D has potent anticancer properties, especially against digestive-system cancers. Many human studies have used geographic residence as a marker of solar ultraviolet B and hence vitamin D exposure. Here, we considered multiple determinants of vitamin D exposure (dietary and supplementary vitamin D, skin pigmentation, adiposity, geographic residence, and leisure-time physical activity-to estimate sunlight exposure) in relation to cancer risk in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. METHODS: Among 1095 men of this cohort, we quantified the relation of these six determinants to plasma 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] level by use of a multiple linear regression model. We used results from the model to compute a predicted 25(OH)D level for each of 47,800 men in the cohort based on these characteristics. We then prospectively examined this variable in relation to cancer risk with multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: From 1986 through January 31, 2000, we documented 4286 incident cancers (excluding organ-confined prostate cancer and nonmelanoma skin cancer) and 2025 deaths from cancer. From multivariable models, an increment of 25 nmol/L in predicted 25(OH)D level was associated with a 17% reduction in total cancer incidence (multivariable relative risk [RR] = 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.74 to 0.92), a 29% reduction in total cancer mortality (RR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.60 to 0.83), and a 45% reduction in digestive-system cancer mortality (RR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.41 to 0.74). The absolute annual rate of total cancer was 758 per 100,000 men in the bottom decile of predicted 25(OH)D and 674 per 100,000 men for the top decile; these respective rates were 326 per 100,000 and 277 per 100,000 for total cancer mortality and 128 per 100,000 and 78 per 100,000 for digestive-system cancer mortality. Results were similar when we controlled further for body mass index or physical activity level. CONCLUSIONS: Low levels of vitamin D may be associated with increased cancer incidence and mortality in men, particularly for digestive-system cancers. The vitamin D supplementation necessary to achieve a 25(OH)D increment of 25 nmol/L may be at least 1500 IU/day.

Hypovitaminosis D among healthy adolescent girls attending an inner city school.

AIMS: To determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among healthy adolescent schoolgirls attending an inner city multiethnic girls' school. METHODS: Fifty one (28%) of 182 girls (14 white, 37 non-white; median age 15.3 years, range 14.7-16.6) took part in the study. Biochemical parameters, dietary vitamin D intake, muscle function parameters, duration of daily sunlight exposure (SE), and percentage of body surface area exposed (%BSA) were measured. RESULTS: Thirty seven (73%) girls were vitamin D deficient (25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) <30 nmol/l) and 9 (17%) were severely deficient (25OHD <12.5 nmol/l). The median (range) 25OHD concentration of white girls (37.3 nmol/l (18.3-73.3)) was higher than that of non-white girls (14.8 nmol/l (5.8-42.8)). The median (range) concentration of parathyroid hormone in white girls (2.8 pmol/l (1.0-3.7)) was lower than that of non-white girls (3.4 pmol/l (1.7-34.2)). Serum Ca, inorganic phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were not different in white and non-white girls. For the whole group, 25OHD concentration was related to the estimated SE and %BSA, but not to estimated intake of vitamin D. In white girls, the estimated SE and %BSA were significantly higher than that of non-white girls. The median times taken to complete the Gower's manoeuvre and grip strength were not different in the two groups; these variables were not related to serum 25OHD. CONCLUSIONS: Hypovitaminosis D is common among healthy adolescent girls; non-white girls are more severely deficient. Reduced sunshine exposure rather than diet explains the difference in vitamin D status of white and non-white girls.