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Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Micronutrients and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 January 2022) | Viewed by 887594

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Spyridon N. Karras

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, Medical School of Aristotle University, 55535 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: intermittent fasting; periodic fasting; religious fasting: fasting glucose; obesity; impaired fasting glucose; non-fasting triglycerides; fasting blood glucose; caloric restriction; meal frequency; calorie restriction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Pawel Pludowski

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: vitamin D and its pleiotropic action; guidelines of vitamin D supplementation; disturbances of calcium-phosphate metabolism; disturbances of bone tissue metabolism; body composition and biological development; basics of statistics; GLP; research methodology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

Vitamin D has been the focus of tremendous ongoing scientific research during the past two decades. Its primogenetic undisputed role in bone mineralization has been expanded to a strikingly disparate amalgamation of transparent scientific cases and observational studies, randomized controlled trials of doubtful design, and sporadically personal aphorisms and dogma. This phenomenon configures a burgeoning scientific field in which substantial controversy is inevitably reflected in daily clinical practice resulting in a precarious interpretation of not necessarily available results, lifestyle-affected vitamin D supplementation in vitamin D sufficient populations, and ineffective dosing and time regimens.

In this context, somewhere in between the dipole of inordinate enthusiasm and critical opposition, the vast majority of healthcare providers worldwide, involved in some part of the developed vitamin D daily agenda, postulate a sound individualized scientific approach unbiased from quandaries, oriented to improve long term health outcomes and patient quality of life, beyond the platonic caves of available knowledge in the field.

This Special Issue will draw attention to all intriguing and conflicting aspects of vitamin D research, including the following: Vitamin D deficiency and its widespread epidemiology, musculoskeletal, and extra-skeletal effects, critical updates on published vitamin D supplementation prevention RCTs (cancer/ CVD), with a discourse on the future agenda with the main questions: What has changed so far in the field? What are the future research milestones? In collecting the available results reported here, the editors have not endeavored to achieve any sort of completeness, but rather to shed light on the ongoing controversy of the vitamin D “friendly” perspective versus vitamin D skepticism, with a discourse on clinical implications and physicians’ daily decision making, into the beginning of the new decade.

Dr. Spyridon N. Karras
Dr. Pawel Pludowski
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Vitamin D
  • Nutrition
  • Infections
  • Epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Osteomalacia
  • Fasting
  • acute infections
  • chronic metabolic diseases
  • nutrition

Published Papers (37 papers)

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14 pages, 3009 KiB  
Article
25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Cancer Patients Admitted to Palliative Care: A Post-Hoc Analysis of the Swedish Trial ‘Palliative-D’
by Maria Helde Frankling, Caritha Klasson and Linda Björkhem-Bergman
Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 602; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14030602 - 29 Jan 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1961
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels in patients with cancer in the palliative phase in relation to season, sex, age, tumor type, colectomy, and survival. To this end, we performed a post-hoc analysis of ‘Palliative-D’, a randomized [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study is to explore 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels in patients with cancer in the palliative phase in relation to season, sex, age, tumor type, colectomy, and survival. To this end, we performed a post-hoc analysis of ‘Palliative-D’, a randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind trial investigating the effect of daily supplementation with 4000 IU of vitamin D for 12 weeks on pain in patients in palliative cancer care. In the screening cohort (n = 530), 10% of patients had 25-OHD levels < 25 nmol/L, 50% < 50, and 84% < 75 nmol/L. Baseline 25-OHD did not differ between seasons or tumor type and was not correlated with survival time. In vitamin D deficient patients supplemented with vitamin D (n = 67), 86% reached sufficient levels, i.e., >50 nmol/L, after 12 weeks. An increase in 25-OHD was larger in supplemented women than in men (53 vs. 37 nmol/L, p = 0.02) and was not affected by season. In the placebo-group (n = 83), decreased levels of 25-OHD levels were noted during the study period for patients recruited during the last quarter of the year. In conclusion, cancer patients in palliative phase have adequate increase in 25-OHD after vitamin D supplementation regardless of season, age, tumor type, or colectomy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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10 pages, 566 KiB  
Article
Vitamin D Intake May Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Infection Morbidity in Health Care Workers
by Tatiana L. Karonova, Alena T. Chernikova, Ksenia A. Golovatyuk, Ekaterina S. Bykova, William B. Grant, Olga V. Kalinina, Elena N. Grineva and Evgeny V. Shlyakhto
Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 505; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14030505 - 24 Jan 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6003
Abstract
In the last 2 years, observational studies have shown that a low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level affected the severity of infection with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This study aimed to analyze the potential effect of vitamin D supplementation in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection morbidity [...] Read more.
In the last 2 years, observational studies have shown that a low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level affected the severity of infection with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This study aimed to analyze the potential effect of vitamin D supplementation in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection morbidity and severity in health care workers. Of 128 health care workers, 91 (consisting of 38 medical doctors (42%), 38 nurses (42%), and 15 medical attendants (16%)) were randomized into two groups receiving vitamin D supplementation. Participants of group I (n = 45) received water-soluble cholecalciferol at a dose of 50,000 IU/week for 2 consecutive weeks, followed by 5000 IU/day for the rest of the study. Participants of group II (n = 46) received water-soluble cholecalciferol at a dose of 2000 IU/day. For both groups, treatment lasted 3 months. Baseline serum 25(OH)D level in health care workers varied from 3.0 to 65.1 ng/mL (median, 17.7 (interquartile range, 12.2; 24.7) ng/mL). Vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and normal vitamin D status were diagnosed in 60%, 30%, and 10%, respectively. Only 78 subjects completed the study. Vitamin D supplementation was associated with an increase in serum 25(OH)D level, but only intake of 5000 IU/day was accompanied by normalization of serum 25(OH)D level, which occurred in 53% of cases. Neither vitamin D intake nor vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency were associated with a decrease in SARS-CoV-2 morbidity (odds ratio = 2.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.72 to 7.12). However, subjects receiving high-dose vitamin D had only asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 in 10 (26%) cases; at the same time, participants who received 2000 IU/day showed twice as many SARS-CoV-2 cases, with mild clinical features in half of them. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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14 pages, 285 KiB  
Article
Upregulation of Irisin and Vitamin D-Binding Protein Concentrations by Increasing Maternal 25-Hydrovitamin D Concentrations in Combination with Specific Genotypes of Vitamin D-Binding Protein Polymorphisms
by Spyridon N. Karras, Erdinç Dursun, Merve Alaylıoglu, Duygu Gezen-Ak, Fatme Al Anouti, Stefan Pilz, Pawel Pludowski, Edward Jude and Kalliopi Kotsa
Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 90; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14010090 - 26 Dec 2021
Viewed by 2627
Abstract
Dyshomeostasis of vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and adverse metabolic profiles in the offspring. VDBP polymorphisms have been consistently reported to contribute to this intriguing interplay. Until recently, [...] Read more.
Dyshomeostasis of vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and adverse metabolic profiles in the offspring. VDBP polymorphisms have been consistently reported to contribute to this intriguing interplay. Until recently, the effects of VDBP polymorphism heterogeneity on maternal and neonatal adipomyokine profiles have not been investigated, specifically after incorporating the different maternal and neonatal 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration cut-offs at birth. We aimed to investigate the potential effects of maternal and neonatal VDBP polymorphisms on adiponectin, irisin, and VDBP concentrations at birth, according to different cut-offs of vitamin D status, in maternal–neonatal dyads recruited from the sunny region of Northern Greece. We obtained blood samples from 66 mother–child pairs at birth. Results indicated that (i) Neonatal serum biomarkers were not affected by any included neonatal VDBP polymorphism according to different cut-offs of neonatal vitamin D status at birth, (ii) neonatal VDBP concentration was elevated in neonates with maternal rs7041 GG genotype, (iii) maternal 25(OH)D at ≤75 nmol/L resulted in increased concentrations of maternal VBDP and irisin concentrations in women with CC genotype for rs2298850 and rs4588,whereas this effect was also evident for this cut-off for neonatal VDBP concentrations at birth for GC genotype for rs 7041, and (iv) no significant effect of neonatal VDBP polymorphisms was observed on neonatal VDBP, adiponectin, or irisin levels when stratified according to maternal 25(OH)D cut-offs. In conclusion, these findings confirm that among women with the combination of CC genotype for rs2298850 and rs4588, a specific high cut-off of maternal 25(OH)D results in increasing maternal VBDP concentrations, hence providing a mechanistic rationale for aiming for specific cut-offs of vitamin D after supplementation during pregnancy, in daily clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
14 pages, 764 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Vitamin D Metabolism in Patients with Cushing’s Disease in Response to 150,000 IU Cholecalciferol Treatment
by Alexandra Povaliaeva, Viktor Bogdanov, Ekaterina Pigarova, Artem Zhukov, Larisa Dzeranova, Zhanna Belaya, Liudmila Rozhinskaya, Galina Mel’nichenko and Natalia Mokrysheva
Nutrients 2021, 13(12), 4329; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13124329 - 30 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2882
Abstract
In this study we aimed to assess vitamin D metabolism in patients with Cushing’s disease (CD) compared to healthy individuals in the setting of bolus cholecalciferol treatment. The study group included 30 adults with active CD and the control group included 30 apparently [...] Read more.
In this study we aimed to assess vitamin D metabolism in patients with Cushing’s disease (CD) compared to healthy individuals in the setting of bolus cholecalciferol treatment. The study group included 30 adults with active CD and the control group included 30 apparently healthy adults with similar age, sex and BMI. All participants received a single dose (150,000 IU) of cholecalciferol aqueous solution orally. Laboratory assessments including serum vitamin D metabolites (25(OH)D3, 25(OH)D2, 1,25(OH)2D3, 3-epi-25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3), free 25(OH)D, vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) as well as serum and urine biochemical parameters were performed before the intake and on Days 1, 3 and 7 after the administration. All data were analyzed with non-parametric statistics. Patients with CD had similar to healthy controls 25(OH)D3 levels (p > 0.05) and higher 25(OH)D3/24,25(OH)2D3 ratios (p < 0.05) throughout the study. They also had lower baseline free 25(OH)D levels (p < 0.05) despite similar DBP levels (p > 0.05) and lower albumin levels (p < 0.05); 24-h urinary free cortisol showed significant correlation with baseline 25(OH)D3/24,25(OH)2D3 ratio (r = 0.36, p < 0.05). The increase in 25(OH)D3 after cholecalciferol intake was similar in obese and non-obese states and lacked correlation with BMI (p > 0.05) among patients with CD, as opposed to the control group. Overall, patients with CD have a consistently higher 25(OH)D3/24,25(OH)2D3 ratio, which is indicative of a decrease in 24-hydroxylase activity. This altered activity of the principal vitamin D catabolism might influence the effectiveness of cholecalciferol treatment. The observed difference in baseline free 25(OH)D levels is not entirely clear and requires further study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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19 pages, 791 KiB  
Article
Rapid and Effective Vitamin D Supplementation May Present Better Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Patients by Altering Serum INOS1, IL1B, IFNg, Cathelicidin-LL37, and ICAM1
by Mustafa Sait Gönen, Merve Alaylıoğlu, Emre Durcan, Yusuf Özdemir, Serdar Şahin, Dildar Konukoğlu, Okan Kadir Nohut, Seval Ürkmez, Berna Küçükece, İlker İnanç Balkan, H. Volkan Kara, Şermin Börekçi, Hande Özkaya, Zekayi Kutlubay, Yalım Dikmen, Yılmaz Keskindemirci, Spyridon N. Karras, Cedric Annweiler, Duygu Gezen-Ak and Erdinç Dursun
Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 4047; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13114047 - 12 Nov 2021
Cited by 44 | Viewed by 13843
Abstract
Background: We aimed to establish an acute treatment protocol to increase serum vitamin D, evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplementation, and reveal the potential mechanisms in COVID-19. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 867 COVID-19 cases. Then, a prospective study was [...] Read more.
Background: We aimed to establish an acute treatment protocol to increase serum vitamin D, evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplementation, and reveal the potential mechanisms in COVID-19. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 867 COVID-19 cases. Then, a prospective study was conducted, including 23 healthy individuals and 210 cases. A total of 163 cases had vitamin D supplementation, and 95 were followed for 14 days. Clinical outcomes, routine blood biomarkers, serum levels of vitamin D metabolism, and action mechanism-related parameters were evaluated. Results: Our treatment protocol increased the serum 25OHD levels significantly to above 30 ng/mL within two weeks. COVID-19 cases (no comorbidities, no vitamin D treatment, 25OHD <30 ng/mL) had 1.9-fold increased risk of having hospitalization longer than 8 days compared with the cases with comorbidities and vitamin D treatment. Having vitamin D treatment decreased the mortality rate by 2.14 times. The correlation analysis of specific serum biomarkers with 25OHD indicated that the vitamin D action in COVID-19 might involve regulation of INOS1, IL1B, IFNg, cathelicidin-LL37, and ICAM1. Conclusions: Vitamin D treatment shortened hospital stay and decreased mortality in COVID-19 cases, even in the existence of comorbidities. Vitamin D supplementation is effective on various target parameters; therefore, it is essential for COVID-19 treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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10 pages, 273 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Role of Functional Polymorphism of Maternal and Neonatal Vitamin D Binding Protein in the Context of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Cutoffs as Determinants of Maternal-Neonatal Vitamin D Status Profiles in a Sunny Mediterranean Region
by Spyridon N. Karras, Erdinç Dursun, Merve Alaylıoğlu, Duygu Gezen-Ak, Cedric Annweiler, Fatme Al Anouti, Hana M. A. Fakhoury, Alkiviadis Bais and Dimitrios Kiortsis
Nutrients 2021, 13(9), 3082; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13093082 - 01 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2188
Abstract
Recent results indicate that dysregulation of vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) could be involved in the development of hypovitaminosis D, and it comprises a risk factor for adverse fetal, maternal and neonatal outcomes. Until recently, there was a paucity of results regarding the effect [...] Read more.
Recent results indicate that dysregulation of vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) could be involved in the development of hypovitaminosis D, and it comprises a risk factor for adverse fetal, maternal and neonatal outcomes. Until recently, there was a paucity of results regarding the effect of maternal and neonatal VDBP polymorphisms on vitamin D status during pregnancy in the Mediterranean region, with a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D. We aimed to evaluate the combined effect of maternal and neonatal VDBP polymorphisms and different maternal and neonatal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) cut-offs on maternal and neonatal vitamin D profile. Blood samples were obtained from a cohort of 66 mother–child pairs at birth. Our results revealed that: (i) Maternal VDBP polymorphisms do not affect neonatal vitamin D status at birth, in any given internationally adopted maternal or neonatal cut-off for 25(OH)D concentrations; (ii) neonatal VDBP polymorphisms are not implicated in the regulation of neonatal vitamin D status at birth; (iii) comparing the distributions of maternal VDBP polymorphisms and maternal 25(OH)D concentrations, with cut-offs at birth, revealed that mothers with a CC genotype for rs2298850 and a CC genotype for rs4588 tended to demonstrate higher 25(OH)D (≥75 nmol/L) during delivery (p = 0.05 and p = 0.04, respectively), after adjustments for biofactors that affect vitamin D equilibrium, including UVB, BMI and weeks of gestation. In conclusion, this study from Southern Europe indicates that maternal and neonatal VDBP polymorphisms do not affect neonatal vitamin D status at birth, whereas mothers with CC genotype for rs2298850 and CC genotype for rs4588 demonstrate higher 25(OH)D concentrations. Future larger studies are required to establish a causative effect of these specific polymorphisms in the attainment of an adequate (≥75 nmol/L) maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
14 pages, 1392 KiB  
Article
Vitamin D Status, Bone Mineral Density, and VDR Gene Polymorphism in a Cohort of Belarusian Postmenopausal Women
by Pavel Marozik, Alena Rudenka, Katsiaryna Kobets and Ema Rudenka
Nutrients 2021, 13(3), 837; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13030837 - 04 Mar 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4060
Abstract
Vitamin D plays an important role in bone metabolism and is important for the prevention of multifactorial pathologies, including osteoporosis (OP). The biological action of vitamin is realized through its receptor, which is coded by the VDR gene. VDR gene polymorphism can influence [...] Read more.
Vitamin D plays an important role in bone metabolism and is important for the prevention of multifactorial pathologies, including osteoporosis (OP). The biological action of vitamin is realized through its receptor, which is coded by the VDR gene. VDR gene polymorphism can influence individual predisposition to OP and response to vitamin D supplementation. The aim of this work was to reveal the effects of VDR gene ApaI rs7975232, BsmI rs1544410, TaqI rs731236, FokI rs2228570, and Cdx2 rs11568820 variants on bone mineral density (BMD), 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, and OP risk in Belarusian women. Methods. The case group included 355 women with postmenopausal OP, and the control group comprised 247 women who met the inclusion criteria. TaqMan genotyping assay was used to determine VDR gene variants. Results. Rs7975232 A/A, rs1544410 T/T, and rs731236 G/G single variants and their A-T-G haplotype showed a significant association with increased OP risk (for A-T-G, OR = 1.8, p = 0.0001) and decreased BMD (A-T-G, −0.09 g/cm2, p = 0.0001). The rs11568820 A-allele showed a protective effect on BMD (+0.22 g/cm2, p = 0.027). A significant dose effect with 25(OH)D was found for rs1544410, rs731236, and rs11568820 genotypes. Rs731236 A/A was associated with the 25(OH)D deficiency state. Conclusion. Our novel data on the relationship between VDR gene variants and BMD, 25(OH)D level, and OP risk highlights the importance of genetic markers for personalized medicine strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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12 pages, 995 KiB  
Article
Adequate Vitamin D Intake Cannot Be Achieved within Carbon Emission Limits Unless Food Is Fortified: A Simulation Study
by Maaike J. Bruins and Ulla Létinois
Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 592; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13020592 - 11 Feb 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3907
Abstract
This study applied linear programming using a Dutch “model diet” to simulate the dietary shifts needed in order to optimize the intake of vitamin D and to minimize the carbon footprint, considering the popularity of the diet. Scenarios were modelled without and with [...] Read more.
This study applied linear programming using a Dutch “model diet” to simulate the dietary shifts needed in order to optimize the intake of vitamin D and to minimize the carbon footprint, considering the popularity of the diet. Scenarios were modelled without and with additional fortified bread, milk, and oil as options in the diets. The baseline diet provided about one fifth of the adequate intake of vitamin D from natural food sources and voluntary vitamin D-fortified foods. Nevertheless, when optimizing this diet for vitamin D, these food sources together were insufficient to meet the adequate intake required, unless the carbon emission and calorie intake were increased almost 3-fold and 2-fold, respectively. When vitamin D-fortified bread, milk, and oil were added as options to the diet, along with increases in fish consumption, and decreases in sugar, snack, and cake consumption, adequate intakes for vitamin D and other nutrients could be met within the 2000 kcal limits, along with a relatively unchanged carbon footprint. Achieving vitamin D goals while reducing the carbon footprint by 10% was only possible when compromising on the popularity of the diet. Adding vitamin D to foods did not contribute to the total carbon emissions. The modelling study shows that it is impossible to obtain adequate vitamin D through realistic dietary shifts alone, unless more vitamin D-fortified foods are a necessary part of the diet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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18 pages, 1646 KiB  
Article
Effect of Selected Factors on the Serum 25(OH)D Concentration in Women Treated for Breast Cancer
by Agnieszka Radom, Andrzej Wędrychowicz, Stanisław Pieczarkowski, Szymon Skoczeń and Przemysław Tomasik
Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 564; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13020564 - 09 Feb 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2607
Abstract
Maintaining an optimal vitamin D concentration reduces the risk of recurrence and extends survival time in patients after breast cancer treatment. Data on vitamin D deficiency among Polish women after breast cancer therapy are limited. Thus, the aim of the study was the [...] Read more.
Maintaining an optimal vitamin D concentration reduces the risk of recurrence and extends survival time in patients after breast cancer treatment. Data on vitamin D deficiency among Polish women after breast cancer therapy are limited. Thus, the aim of the study was the analysis of vitamin D status in post-mastectomy patients, considering such factors as seasons, social habits, vitamin D supplementation and its measurements. The study involved 94 women after breast cancer treatment. Serum vitamin D concentration was measured, and a questionnaire, gathering demographic and clinical data regarding cancer, diet, exposure to sun radiation, and knowledge of recommendations on vitamin D supplementation, was delivered twice, in both winter and in summer. The control group consisted of 94 age-matched women with no oncological history. In women after breast cancer treatment, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency was much more frequent than in the general population. Only about half of the patients supplemented vitamin D at the beginning of the study. After the first test and the issuing of recommendations on vitamin D supplementation, the percentage of vitamin D supplemented patients increased by about 30% in study groups. The average dose of supplement also increased. None of the women that were not supplementing vitamin D and were tested again in winter had optimal 25(OH)D concentration. It was concluded that vitamin deficiency is common in women treated for breast cancer. Medical advising about vitamin D supplementation and monitoring of 25(OH)D concentration should be improved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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11 pages, 281 KiB  
Article
Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Surrogate Markers of Fertility in PCOS Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Elisabeth Lerchbaum, Verena Theiler-Schwetz, Martina Kollmann, Monika Wölfler, Stefan Pilz, Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch and Christian Trummer
Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 547; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13020547 - 07 Feb 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5939
Abstract
Vitamin D (VD) might play an important role in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and female fertility. However, evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCT) is sparse. We examined VD effects on anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and other endocrine markers in PCOS and non-PCOS women. This [...] Read more.
Vitamin D (VD) might play an important role in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and female fertility. However, evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCT) is sparse. We examined VD effects on anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and other endocrine markers in PCOS and non-PCOS women. This is a post hoc analysis of a single-center, double-blind RCT conducted between December 2011 and October 2017 at the endocrine outpatient clinic at the Medical University of Graz, Austria. We included 180 PCOS women and 150 non-PCOS women with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations <75 nmol/L in the trial. We randomized subjects to receive 20,000 IU of VD3/week (119 PCOS, 99 non-PCOS women) or placebo (61 PCOS, 51 non-PCOS women) for 24 weeks. Outcome measures were AMH, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and androstenedione. In PCOS women, we observed a significant treatment effect on FSH (mean treatment effect 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.087 to 1.799, p = 0.031) and LH/FSH ratio (mean treatment effect −0.335, 95% CI −0.621 to 0.050, p = 0.022), whereas no significant effect was observed in non-PCOS women. In PCOS women, VD treatment for 24 weeks had a significant effect on FSH and LH/FSH ratio but no effect on AMH levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
12 pages, 904 KiB  
Article
Effect of Monthly Vitamin D Supplementation on Preventing Exacerbations of Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Older Adults: Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
by Carlos A. Camargo, Jr., Les Toop, John Sluyter, Carlene M. M. Lawes, Debbie Waayer, Kay-Tee Khaw, Adrian R. Martineau and Robert Scragg
Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 521; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13020521 - 06 Feb 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4576
Abstract
Randomized controlled trials have suggested that vitamin D supplementation can prevent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. For COPD, the benefit appears to be limited to individuals with baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels <25 nmol/L. We performed a post hoc analysis [...] Read more.
Randomized controlled trials have suggested that vitamin D supplementation can prevent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. For COPD, the benefit appears to be limited to individuals with baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels <25 nmol/L. We performed a post hoc analysis of data from a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the effect that monthly, high-dose vitamin D supplementation (versus placebo) had on older adults with asthma and/or COPD. Specifically, we investigated whether vitamin D supplementation prevented exacerbations of these conditions. Participants were randomly assigned either to an initial oral dose of 200,000 IU vitamin D3 followed by 100,000 IU monthly or to placebo, with an average follow-up period of 3.3 years. Among the 5110 participants, 775 had asthma or COPD at the beginning of the study, and were eligible for inclusion in this analysis. Exacerbations were defined by the prescription of a short-burst of oral corticosteroids. The mean age of the participants was 67 years old, and 56% were male. The mean baseline blood 25OHD level was 63 nmol/L; 2.3% were <25 nmol/L. Overall, we found that vitamin D supplementation did not affect the exacerbation risk (hazard ratio 1.08; 95%CI 0.84–1.39). Among those with baseline 25OHD <25 nmol/L, however, the hazard ratio was 0.11 (95%CI 0.02–0.51); p for interaction = 0.001. Although monthly vitamin D supplementation had no overall impact on risk of exacerbations of asthma or COPD, we found evidence of a probable benefit among those with severe vitamin D deficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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17 pages, 319 KiB  
Article
Diverse Effects of Combinations of Maternal-Neonatal VDR Polymorphisms and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations on Neonatal Birth Anthropometry: Functional Phenocopy Variability Dependence, Highlights the Need for Targeted Maternal 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Cut-Offs during Pregnancy
by Spyridon N. Karras, Erdinç Dursun, Merve Alaylıoğlu, Duygu Gezen-Ak, Cedric Annweiler, Dimitrios Skoutas, Dimosthenis Evangelidis and Dimitrios Kiortsis
Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 443; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13020443 - 29 Jan 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1993
Abstract
Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms have been associated with a plethora of adverse pregnancy and offspring outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of maternal and neonatal VDR polymorphisms (ApaI, TaqI, BsmI, FokI, Tru9I) and different maternal and [...] Read more.
Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms have been associated with a plethora of adverse pregnancy and offspring outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of maternal and neonatal VDR polymorphisms (ApaI, TaqI, BsmI, FokI, Tru9I) and different maternal and neonatal 25(OH)D cut-offs on neonatal birth anthropometry. This cross-sectional study included data and samples from a cohort of mother–child pairs at birth. A detailed neonatal anthropometry analysis at birth was also conducted. Different 25(OH)D cut-offs for neonates and mothers were included, according to their vitamin D status at birth: for neonates, cut-offs of [25(OH)D ≤ 25 and > 25 nmol/L] and [25(OH)D ≤ 50 nmol/L] were adopted, whereas for mothers, a 25(OH)D cut-off of [25(OH)D ≤ 50 and > 50 nmol/L)] was investigated. Following this classification, maternal and neonatal VDR polymorphisms were evaluated to investigate the potential different effects of different neonatal and maternal 25(OH)D cut-offs on neonatal birth anthropometry. A total of 69 maternal-neonatal dyads were included in final analysis. Weight, neck rump length, chest circumference, abdominal circumference, abdominal circumference (iliac), high thigh circumference, middle thigh circumference, lower arm radial circumference, and lower leg calf circumference of neonates who had the TAQl SNP TT genotype and maternal 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L were significantly higher than that of neonates who had the Tt or tt genotypes (p = 0.001, Hg = 1.341, p = 0.036, Hg = 0.976, p = 0.004, Hg = 1.381, p = 0.001, Hg = 1.554, p = 0.001, Hg = 1.351, p = 0.028, Hg = 0.918, p = 0.008, Hg = 1.090, p = 0.002, Hg = 1.217, and p = 0.020, Hg = 1.263, respectively). Skin fold high anterior was significantly lower in neonates who had the BSMI SNP BB genotype compared to that of neonates with Bb or bb genotypes (p = 0.041, Hg = 0.950), whereas neck rump length was significantly higher in neonates who had the FOKI SNP FF genotype compared to that of neonates who had Ff or ff genotypes (p = 0.042, Hg = 1.228). Regarding neonatal VDR polymorphisms and cut-offs, the abdominal circumference (cm) of neonates who had the TAQI SNP TT genotype and 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L were significantly higher than that of neonates who had the Tt or tt genotypes (p = 0.038, Hg = 1.138). In conclusion, these results indicate that the maternal TAQI VDR polymorphism significantly affected neonatal birth anthropometry when maternal 25(OH) concentrations were <50 nmol/L, but not for a higher cut-off of >50 nmol/L, whereas this effect is minimally evident in the presence of neonatal TAQI polymorphism with neonatal 25(OH)D values <25 nmol/L. The implication of these findings could be incorporated in daily clinical practice by targeting a maternal 25(OH)D cut-off >50 nmol/L, which could be protective against any effect of genetic VDR variance polymorphism on birth anthropometry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
16 pages, 1694 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Impact of Individual UVB Radiation Levels on Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Women Living in High Versus Low Latitudes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from the D-SOL Study
by Marcela M. Mendes, Kathryn H. Hart, Susan A. Lanham-New and Patrícia B. Botelho
Nutrients 2020, 12(12), 3805; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12123805 - 11 Dec 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2583
Abstract
Vitamin D can be synthesized in the skin via sunlight exposure as well as ingested through diet. Vitamin D deficiency is currently a major global public health issue, with increasing prevalence in both low and high latitude locations. This cross-sectional analysis aimed to [...] Read more.
Vitamin D can be synthesized in the skin via sunlight exposure as well as ingested through diet. Vitamin D deficiency is currently a major global public health issue, with increasing prevalence in both low and high latitude locations. This cross-sectional analysis aimed to compare the intensity of individual Ultraviolet B radiation levels between women of the same ethnicity living in England and Brazil, respectively; and to investigate the association with circulating 25(OH)D concentrations. We analysed data from 135 Brazilian women (England, n = 56, 51° N; Brazil, n = 79, 16° S) recruited for the D-SOL study (Interaction between Vitamin D Supplementation and Sunlight Exposure in Women Living in Opposite Latitudes). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), individual UVB radiation via UVB dosimeter badges and dietary intake via 4-day diet diaries. Anthropometric, skin phototype, sociodemographic and lifestyle patterns were also assessed. Mean serum 25(OH)D concentration of England residents was significantly lower than Brazil residents. Daily individual UVB radiation level showed a strong significant positive correlation with serum 25(OH)D concentrations. The required UVB radiation to achieve 75 nmol/L was 2.2 SED and 38.8% of the total variance in 25(OH)D concentrations was explained uniquely by daily individual UVB radiation, after controlling for the influence of age and body mass index. Thus, these results highlight the strong positive association between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and individual UVB radiation and the influence of different individual characteristics and behaviours. Collectively, these factors contribute to meaningful, country-specific, public health strategies and policies for the efficient prevention and treatment of vitamin D inadequacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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13 pages, 3248 KiB  
Article
Ultra-Marathon-Induced Increase in Serum Levels of Vitamin D Metabolites: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
by Jan Mieszkowski, Błażej Stankiewicz, Andrzej Kochanowicz, Bartłomiej Niespodziński, Tomasz Kowalik, Michał A. Żmijewski, Konrad Kowalski, Rafał Rola, Tomasz Bieńkowski and Jędrzej Antosiewicz
Nutrients 2020, 12(12), 3629; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12123629 - 25 Nov 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3471
Abstract
Purpose: While an increasing number of studies demonstrate the importance of vitamin D for athletic performance, the effects of any type of exercise on vitamin D metabolism are poorly characterized. We aimed to identify the responses of some vitamin D metabolites to ultra-marathon [...] Read more.
Purpose: While an increasing number of studies demonstrate the importance of vitamin D for athletic performance, the effects of any type of exercise on vitamin D metabolism are poorly characterized. We aimed to identify the responses of some vitamin D metabolites to ultra-marathon runs. Methods: A repeated-measures design was implemented, in which 27 amateur runners were assigned into two groups: those who received a single dose of vitamin D3 (150,000 IU) 24 h before the start of the marathon (n = 13) and those (n = 14) who received a placebo. Blood samples were collected 24 h before, immediately after, and 24 h after the run. Results: In both groups of runners, serum 25(OH)D3, 24,25(OH)2D3, and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 levels significantly increased by 83%, 63%, and 182% after the ultra-marathon, respectively. The increase was most pronounced in the vitamin D group. Body mass and fat mass significantly decreased after the run in both groups. Conclusions: Ultra-marathon induces the mobilization of vitamin D into the blood. Furthermore, the 24,25(OH)2D3 and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 increases imply that the exercise stimulates vitamin D metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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9 pages, 232 KiB  
Article
Improving Glucose Homeostasis after Parathyroidectomy for Normocalcemic Primary Hyperparathyroidism with Co-Existing Prediabetes
by Spyridon Karras, Cedric Annweiler, Dimitris Kiortsis, Ioannis Koutelidakis and Kalliopi Kotsa
Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3522; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12113522 - 16 Nov 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2123
Abstract
We have previously described increased fasting plasma glucose levels in patients with normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT) and co-existing prediabetes, compared to prediabetes per se. This study evaluated the effect of parathyroidectomy (PTx) (Group A), versus conservative follow-up (Group B), in a small cohort [...] Read more.
We have previously described increased fasting plasma glucose levels in patients with normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT) and co-existing prediabetes, compared to prediabetes per se. This study evaluated the effect of parathyroidectomy (PTx) (Group A), versus conservative follow-up (Group B), in a small cohort of patients with co-existing NPHPT and prediabetes. Sixteen patients were categorized in each group. Glycemic parameters (levels of fasting glucose (fGlu), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting insulin (fIns)), the homeostasis model assessment for estimating insulin secretion (HOMA-B) and resistance (HOMA-IR), and a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test were evaluated at baseline and after 32 weeks for both groups. Measurements at baseline were not significantly different between Groups A and B, respectively: fGlu (119.4 ± 2.8 vs. 118.2 ± 1.8 mg/dL, p = 0.451), HbA1c (5.84 ± 0.3 %vs. 5.86 ± 0.4%, p = 0.411), HOMA-IR (3.1 ± 1.2 vs. 2.9 ± 0.2, p = 0.213), HOMA-B (112.9 ± 31.8 vs. 116.9 ± 21.0%, p = 0.312), fIns (11.0 ± 2.3 vs. 12.8 ± 1.4 μIU/mL, p = 0.731), and 2-h post-load glucose concentrations (163.2 ± 3.2 vs. 167.2 ± 3.2 mg/dL, p = 0.371). fGlu levels demonstrated a positive correlation with PTH concentrations for both groups (Group A, rho = 0.374, p = 0.005, and Group B, rho = 0.359, p = 0.008). At the end of follow-up, Group A demonstrated significant improvements after PTx compared to the baseline: fGlu ((119.4 ± 2.8 vs. 111.2 ± 1.9 mg/dL, p = 0.021) (−8.2 ± 0.6 mg/dL)), and 2-h post-load glucose concentrations ((163.2 ± 3.2 vs. 144.4 ± 3.2 mg/dL, p = 0.041), (−18.8 ± 0.3 mg/dL)). For Group B, results demonstrated non-significant differences: fGlu ((118.2 ± 1.8 vs. 117.6 ± 2.3 mg/dL, p = 0.031), (−0.6 ± 0.2 mg/dL)), and 2-h post-load glucose concentrations ((167.2 ± 2.7 vs. 176.2 ± 3.2 mg/dL, p = 0.781), (+9.0 ± 0.8 mg/dL)). We conclude that PTx for individuals with NPHPT and prediabetes may improve their glucose homeostasis when compared with conservative follow-up, after 8 months of follow-up. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
11 pages, 1140 KiB  
Article
Vitamin D Supplementation Associated to Better Survival in Hospitalized Frail Elderly COVID-19 Patients: The GERIA-COVID Quasi-Experimental Study
by Gaëlle Annweiler, Mathieu Corvaisier, Jennifer Gautier, Vincent Dubée, Erick Legrand, Guillaume Sacco and Cédric Annweiler
Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3377; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12113377 - 02 Nov 2020
Cited by 189 | Viewed by 57844
Abstract
Background. The objective of this quasi-experimental study was to determine whether bolus vitamin D supplementation taken either regularly over the preceding year or after the diagnosis of COVID-19 was effective in improving survival among hospitalized frail elderly COVID-19 patients. Methods. Seventy-seven patients consecutively [...] Read more.
Background. The objective of this quasi-experimental study was to determine whether bolus vitamin D supplementation taken either regularly over the preceding year or after the diagnosis of COVID-19 was effective in improving survival among hospitalized frail elderly COVID-19 patients. Methods. Seventy-seven patients consecutively hospitalized for COVID-19 in a geriatric unit were included. Intervention groups were participants regularly supplemented with vitamin D over the preceding year (Group 1), and those supplemented with vitamin D after COVID-19 diagnosis (Group 2). The comparator group involved participants having received no vitamin D supplements (Group 3). Outcomes were 14-day mortality and highest (worst) score on the ordinal scale for clinical improvement (OSCI) measured during COVID-19 acute phase. Potential confounders were age, gender, functional abilities, undernutrition, cancer, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, glycated hemoglobin, number of acute health issues at admission, hospital use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, and pharmacological treatments of respiratory disorders. Results. The three groups (n = 77; mean ± SD, 88 ± 5 years; 49% women) were similar at baseline (except for woman proportion, p = 0.02), as were the treatments used for COVID-19. In Group 1 (n = 29), 93.1% of COVID-19 participants survived at day 14, compared to 81.2% survivors in Group 2 (n = 16) (p = 0.33) and 68.7% survivors in Group 3 (n = 32) (p = 0.02). While considering Group 3 as reference (hazard ratio (HR) = 1), the fully-adjusted HR for 14-day mortality was HR = 0.07 (p = 0.017) for Group 1 and HR = 0.37 (p = 0.28) for Group 2. Group 1 had longer survival time than Group 3 (log-rank p = 0.015), although there was no difference between Groups 2 and 3 (log-rank p = 0.32). Group 1, but not Group 2 (p = 0.40), was associated with lower risk of OSCI score ≥5 compared to Group 3 (odds ratio = 0.08, p = 0.03). Conclusions. Regular bolus vitamin D supplementation was associated with less severe COVID-19 and better survival in frail elderly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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14 pages, 1070 KiB  
Article
Associations of Vitamin D Deficiency, Parathyroid hormone, Calcium, and Phosphorus with Perinatal Adverse Outcomes. A Prospective Cohort Study
by Íñigo María Pérez-Castillo, Tania Rivero-Blanco, Ximena Alejandra León-Ríos, Manuela Expósito-Ruiz, María Setefilla López-Criado and María José Aguilar-Cordero
Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3279; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12113279 - 26 Oct 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3072
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to perinatal adverse outcomes. Studies conducted to date have recommended assessing interactions with other vitamin D-related metabolites to clarify this subject. We aimed to evaluate the association of vitamin D deficiency during early pregnancy with [...] Read more.
Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to perinatal adverse outcomes. Studies conducted to date have recommended assessing interactions with other vitamin D-related metabolites to clarify this subject. We aimed to evaluate the association of vitamin D deficiency during early pregnancy with preterm birth. Secondary outcomes included low birth weight and small for gestational age. Additionally, we explored the role that parathyroid hormone, calcium and phosphorus could play in the associations. We conducted a prospective cohort study comprising 289 pregnant women in a hospital in Granada, Spain. Participants were followed-up from weeks 10–12 of gestation to postpartum. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus were measured within the first week after recruitment. Pearson’s χ2 test, Mann–Whitney U test, binary and multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore associations between variables and outcomes. 36.3% of the participants were vitamin D deficient (<20 ng/mL). 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was inversely correlated with parathyroid hormone (ρ = −0.146, p = 0.013). Preterm birth was associated with vitamin D deficiency in the multivariable model, being this association stronger amongst women with parathyroid hormone serum levels above the 80th percentile (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 6.587, 95% CI (2.049, 21.176), p = 0.002). Calcium and phosphorus were not associated with any studied outcome. Combined measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone could be a better estimator of preterm birth than vitamin D in isolation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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14 pages, 554 KiB  
Article
Vitamin D Correction Down-Regulates Serum Amyloid P Component Levels in Vitamin D Deficient Arab Adults: A Single-Arm Trial
by Osama E. Amer, Malak N. K. Khattak, Abdullah M. Alnaami, Naji J. Aljohani and Nasser M. Al-Daghri
Nutrients 2020, 12(9), 2880; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12092880 - 21 Sep 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3191
Abstract
Vitamin D (VD) has been observed to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effects of VD supplementation on the serum amyloid P component (SAP) has not been established. This study aimed to investigate the effect of VD supplementation on serum SAP levels in Arab [...] Read more.
Vitamin D (VD) has been observed to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effects of VD supplementation on the serum amyloid P component (SAP) has not been established. This study aimed to investigate the effect of VD supplementation on serum SAP levels in Arab adults. A total of 155 VD-deficient adult Saudis (56 males and 99 females) were recruited in this non-randomized, 6-month, single-arm trial. The intervention was as follows; cholecalciferol 50,000 international units (IU) every week for the first 2 months, followed by 50,000 twice a month for the next two months, and for the last two months, 1000 IU daily. Serum 25(OH)D, SAP, C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid profile, and glucose were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. At post-intervention, VD levels were significantly increased, while SAP levels significantly decreased in all study participants. Remarkably, this reduction in SAP was more significant in males than females after stratification. SAP was inversely correlated with VD overall (r = −0.17, p < 0.05), and only in males (r = −0.27, p < 0.05) after stratification according to sex after 6 months of VD supplementation. Such a relationship was not observed at baseline. VD supplementation can favorably modulate serum SAP concentrations in Arab adults, particularly in males. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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8 pages, 657 KiB  
Article
25-Hydroxycholecalciferol Concentration Is Associated with Protein Loss and Serum Albumin Level during the Acute Phase of Burn Injury
by Andrzej Krajewski, Krzysztof Piorun, Dominika Maciejewska-Markiewicz, Marta Markowska, Karolina Skonieczna-Żydecka, Ewa Stachowska, Zofia Polakowska, Maciej Mazurek and Małgorzata Szczuko
Nutrients 2020, 12(9), 2780; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12092780 - 11 Sep 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2410
Abstract
Background: Burned patients have an increased need for vitamin D supply related to the maintenance of calcium–phosphate homeostasis and the regulation of cell proliferation/differentiation. This study aimed to analyze the concentration of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and its relationship with severe condition after burn injury. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: Burned patients have an increased need for vitamin D supply related to the maintenance of calcium–phosphate homeostasis and the regulation of cell proliferation/differentiation. This study aimed to analyze the concentration of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and its relationship with severe condition after burn injury. Methods: 126 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were qualified due to thermal burns—over 10% of total body surface area. On the day of admission, the following parameters were assessed: 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentration, total protein concentration, albumin concentration, aspartate transaminase activity, alanine transaminase activity, albumin concentration, creatinine concentration, c-reactive protein concentration, procalcitonin concentration, and interleukin-6 concentration. Results: Almost all patients (92%) in the study group had an improper level of vitamin D (<30 ng/mL), with the average of 11.6 ± 10.7 ng/mL; 17.5% of patients had levels of vitamin D below the limit of determination—under 3 ng/mL. The study showed that there are several factors which correlated with vitamin D concentration during the acute phase of burn injury, including: total protein (r = 0.42, p < 0.01), albumin, (r = 0.62, p < 0.01), percentage of body burns (r = 0.36, p < 0.05), aspartate aminotransferase (r = 0.21, p < 0.05), and c-reactive protein (r = 0.22, p < 0.05). We did not find any significant correlation between vitamin D concentration and body mass index. Conclusions: The burn injury has an enormous impact on the metabolism and the risk factors of the deficiency for the general population (BMI) have an effect on burned patients. Our study showed that concentration of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol is strongly correlated with serum albumin level, even more than total burn surface area and burn degrees as expected. We suspect that increased supplementation of vitamin D should be based on albumin level and last until albumin levels are balanced. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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10 pages, 775 KiB  
Article
Association of Vitamin D Status with Lower Limb Muscle Strength in Professional Basketball Players: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Do Kyung Kim, Geon Park, Liang-Tseng Kuo and Won-Hah Park
Nutrients 2020, 12(9), 2715; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12092715 - 05 Sep 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3172
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency in athletes may play a role in influencing fracture risk and athletic performance. This study aimed to examine the vitamin D status of basketball players and determine its correlation with muscle strength. We included 36 male professional basketball players (mean [...] Read more.
Vitamin D deficiency in athletes may play a role in influencing fracture risk and athletic performance. This study aimed to examine the vitamin D status of basketball players and determine its correlation with muscle strength. We included 36 male professional basketball players (mean age, 22.6 ± 3.2 years) categorized by vitamin D status. We examined the muscle strength of knee extension/flexion and ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion using an isokinetic dynamometer. Eleven (30.5%), fifteen (41.7%), and ten (27.8%) players had deficient (<20 ng/mL), insufficient (20–32 ng/mL), and sufficient vitamin D levels (>32 ng/mL), respectively. In the dominant side, there were no significant correlations of vitamin D level with knee extension/flexion strength (r = 0.134, p = 0.436; r = −0.017, p = 0.922, respectively), or with plantarflexion/dorsiflexion ankle strength (r = −0.143, p = 0.404; r = 1.109, p = 0.527, respectively). Moreover, the isokinetic lower limb strengths were not significantly different between the three groups in all settings (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, professional basketball players had a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency. Though it may not be associated with muscle strength, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels by micronutrients monitoring, regular dietician consultation, and supplementation is still a critically considerable strategy to enhance young athletes’ health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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12 pages, 1184 KiB  
Article
Vitamin D Doses from Solar Ultraviolet and Dietary Intakes in Patients with Depression: Results of a Case-Control Study
by Haitham Jahrami, Nicola Luigi Bragazzi, William Burgess Grant, Hala Shafeeq Mohamed AlFarra, Wafa Shafeeq Mohamed AlFara, Shahla Mashalla and Zahra Saif
Nutrients 2020, 12(9), 2587; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12092587 - 26 Aug 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4430
Abstract
The purpose of this study to estimate cumulative vitamin D doses from solar ultraviolet and dietary intakes in patients with depression and compare it to healthy controls. Using a case-control research design, a sample of 96 patients with depression were age- and sex-matched [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study to estimate cumulative vitamin D doses from solar ultraviolet and dietary intakes in patients with depression and compare it to healthy controls. Using a case-control research design, a sample of 96 patients with depression were age- and sex-matched with 96 healthy controls. Dietary vitamin D dose was estimated from diet analysis. Vitamin D-weighted ultraviolet solar doses were estimated from action spectrum conversion factors and geometric conversion factors accounting for the skin type, the fraction of body exposed, and age factor. Patients with depression had a lower dose of vitamin D (IU) per day with 234, 153, and 81 per day from all sources, sunlight exposure, and dietary intake, respectively. Controls had a higher intake of vitamin D (IU) per day with 357, 270, and 87 per day from all sources, sunlight exposure, and dietary intake, respectively. Only 19% and 30% met the minimum daily recommended dose of ≥400 IU per day for cases and controls, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, percentage correctly classified and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) Area for the estimated vitamin D against serum vitamin D as reference were 100%, 79%, 80%, and 89%. Physical activity level was the only predictor of daily vitamin D dose. Vitamin D doses are lower than the recommended dose of ≥400 IU (10 mcg) per day for both cases with depression and healthy controls, being much lower in the former. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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10 pages, 562 KiB  
Article
High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation Improves Microcirculation and Reduces Inflammation in Diabetic Neuropathy Patients
by Tatiana Karonova, Anna Stepanova, Anna Bystrova and Edward B. Jude
Nutrients 2020, 12(9), 2518; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12092518 - 20 Aug 2020
Cited by 44 | Viewed by 7145
Abstract
We assessed the effect of different doses of vitamin D supplementation on microcirculation, signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Sixty-seven patients with T2DM and peripheral neuropathy (34 females) were randomized into two treatment [...] Read more.
We assessed the effect of different doses of vitamin D supplementation on microcirculation, signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Sixty-seven patients with T2DM and peripheral neuropathy (34 females) were randomized into two treatment groups: Cholecalciferol 5000 IU and 40,000 IU once/week orally for 24 weeks. Severity of neuropathy (NSS, NDS scores, visual analogue scale), cutaneous microcirculation (MC) parameters and inflammatory markers (ILs, CRP, TNFα) were assessed before and after treatment. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was detected in 78% of the 62 completed subjects. Following treatment with cholecalciferol 40,000 IU/week, a significant decrease in neuropathy severity (NSS, p = 0.001; NDS, p = 0.001; VAS, p = 0.001) and improvement of cutaneous MC were observed (p < 0.05). Also, we found a decrease in IL-6 level (2.5 pg/mL vs. 0.6 pg/mL, p < 0.001) and an increase in IL-10 level (2.5 pg/mL vs. 4.5 pg/mL, p < 0.001) after 24 weeks of vitamin D supplementation in this group. No changes were detected in the cholecalciferol 5000 IU/week group. High-dose cholecalciferol supplementation of 40,000 IU/week for 24 weeks was associated with improvement in clinical manifestation, cutaneous microcirculation and inflammatory markers in patients with T2DM and peripheral neuropathy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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12 pages, 840 KiB  
Article
Circulating Levels of Muscle-Related Metabolites Increase in Response to a Daily Moderately High Dose of a Vitamin D3 Supplement in Women with Vitamin D Insufficiency—Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
by Lise Sofie Bislev, Ulrik Kræmer Sundekilde, Ece Kilic, Trine Kastrup Dalsgaard, Lars Rejnmark and Hanne Christine Bertram
Nutrients 2020, 12(5), 1310; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12051310 - 04 May 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4838
Abstract
Recently, we demonstrated negative effects of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength and physical performance in women with vitamin D insufficiency. The underlying mechanism behind these findings remains unknown. In a secondary analysis of the randomized placebo-controlled trial designed to investigate cardiovascular and [...] Read more.
Recently, we demonstrated negative effects of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength and physical performance in women with vitamin D insufficiency. The underlying mechanism behind these findings remains unknown. In a secondary analysis of the randomized placebo-controlled trial designed to investigate cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, we employed NMR-based metabolomics to assess the effect of a daily supplement of vitamin D3 (70 µg) or an identically administered placebo, during wintertime. We assessed the serum metabolome of 76 postmenopausal, otherwise healthy, women with vitamin D (25(OH)D) insufficiency (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L), with mean levels of 25(OH)D of 33 ± 9 nmol/L. Compared to the placebo, vitamin D3 treatment significantly increased the levels of 25(OH)D (−5 vs. 59 nmol/L, respectively, p < 0.00001) and 1,25(OH)2D (−10 vs. 59 pmol/L, respectively, p < 0.00001), whereas parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were reduced (0.3 vs. −0.7 pmol/L, respectively, p < 0.00001). Analysis of the serum metabolome revealed a significant increase of carnitine, choline, and urea and a tendency to increase for trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and urinary excretion of creatinine, without any effect on renal function. The increase in carnitine, choline, creatinine, and urea negatively correlated with muscle health and physical performance. Combined with previous clinical findings reporting negative effects of vitamin D on muscle strength and physical performance, this secondary analysis suggests a direct detrimental effect on skeletal muscle of moderately high daily doses of vitamin D supplements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

15 pages, 895 KiB  
Review
Lung-Centric Inflammation of COVID-19: Potential Modulation by Vitamin D
by Hana. M. A. Fakhoury, Peter R. Kvietys, Ismail Shakir, Hashim Shams, William B. Grant and Khaled Alkattan
Nutrients 2021, 13(7), 2216; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13072216 - 28 Jun 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5416
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infects the respiratory tract and leads to the disease entity, COVID-19. Accordingly, the lungs bear the greatest pathologic burden with the major cause of death being respiratory failure. However, organs remote from the initial site of infection (e.g., kidney, heart) are not [...] Read more.
SARS-CoV-2 infects the respiratory tract and leads to the disease entity, COVID-19. Accordingly, the lungs bear the greatest pathologic burden with the major cause of death being respiratory failure. However, organs remote from the initial site of infection (e.g., kidney, heart) are not spared, particularly in severe and fatal cases. Emerging evidence indicates that an excessive inflammatory response coupled with a diminished antiviral defense is pivotal in the initiation and development of COVID-19. A common finding in autopsy specimens is the presence of thrombi in the lungs as well as remote organs, indicative of immunothrombosis. Herein, the role of SARS-CoV-2 in lung inflammation and associated sequelae are reviewed with an emphasis on immunothrombosis. In as much as vitamin D is touted as a supplement to conventional therapies of COVID-19, the impact of this vitamin at various junctures of COVID-19 pathogenesis is also addressed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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14 pages, 27377 KiB  
Review
Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ): Are Antiresorptive Drugs the Main Culprits or Only Accomplices? The Triggering Role of Vitamin D Deficiency
by Luca Dalle Carbonare, Monica Mottes and Maria Teresa Valenti
Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 561; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13020561 - 08 Feb 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3889
Abstract
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a severe clinical condition characterized mostly but not exclusively by an area of exposed bone in the mandible and/or maxilla that typically does not heal over a period of 6–8 weeks. The diagnosis is first of all [...] Read more.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a severe clinical condition characterized mostly but not exclusively by an area of exposed bone in the mandible and/or maxilla that typically does not heal over a period of 6–8 weeks. The diagnosis is first of all clinical, but an imaging feedback such as Magnetic Resonance is essential to confirm clinical suspicions. In the last few decades, medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) has been widely discussed. From the first case reported in 2003, many case series and reviews have appeared in the scientific literature. Almost all papers concerning this topic conclude that bisphosphonates (BPs) can induce this severe clinical condition, particularly in cancer patients. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism by which amino-BPs would be responsible for ONJ is still debatable. Recent findings suggest a possible alternative explanation for BPs role in this pattern. In the present work we discuss how a condition of osteomalacia and low vitamin D levels might be determinant factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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24 pages, 1914 KiB  
Review
Does the High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in African Americans Contribute to Health Disparities?
by Bruce N. Ames, William B. Grant and Walter C. Willett
Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 499; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13020499 - 03 Feb 2021
Cited by 61 | Viewed by 15921
Abstract
African Americans have higher incidence of, and mortality from, many health-related problems than European Americans. They also have a 15 to 20-fold higher prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency. Here we summarize evidence that: (i) this health disparity is partly due to insufficient [...] Read more.
African Americans have higher incidence of, and mortality from, many health-related problems than European Americans. They also have a 15 to 20-fold higher prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency. Here we summarize evidence that: (i) this health disparity is partly due to insufficient vitamin D production, caused by melanin in the skin blocking the UVB solar radiation necessary for its synthesis; (ii) the vitamin D insufficiency is exacerbated at high latitudes because of the combination of dark skin color with lower UVB radiation levels; and (iii) the health of individuals with dark skin can be markedly improved by correcting deficiency and achieving an optimal vitamin D status, as could be obtained by supplementation and/or fortification. Moderate-to-strong evidence exists that high 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and/or vitamin D supplementation reduces risk for many adverse health outcomes including all-cause mortality rate, adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, cancer, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, multiple sclerosis, acute respiratory tract infections, COVID-19, asthma exacerbations, rickets, and osteomalacia. We suggest that people with low vitamin D status, which would include most people with dark skin living at high latitudes, along with their health care provider, consider taking vitamin D3 supplements to raise serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels to 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) or possibly higher. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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11 pages, 1615 KiB  
Review
Oral Vitamin D Therapy in Patients with Psoriasis
by Ana Maria Alexandra Stanescu, Anca Angela Simionescu and Camelia Cristina Diaconu
Nutrients 2021, 13(1), 163; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13010163 - 06 Jan 2021
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 7068
Abstract
Vitamin D treatment is effective when applied topically to the skin for plaque-type psoriasis. Oral vitamin D supplementation might be effective as an adjuvant treatment option in psoriasis. This umbrella review aimed to highlight the current knowledge regarding the use of oral vitamin [...] Read more.
Vitamin D treatment is effective when applied topically to the skin for plaque-type psoriasis. Oral vitamin D supplementation might be effective as an adjuvant treatment option in psoriasis. This umbrella review aimed to highlight the current knowledge regarding the use of oral vitamin D for treatment of patients with psoriasis. We performed a literature search and identified 107 eligible full-text articles that were relevant to the research interest. Among these, 10 review articles were selected, and data were extracted. A data synthesis showed that only a few studies monitored oral vitamin D efficacy in patients with psoriasis. No studies investigated the optimal dose of systemic vitamin D in psoriasis. However, most studies did not observe side effects for doses within a relatively narrow range (0.25 to 2 μg/day). These results suggest that more large-scale studies are needed to determine the efficacy, optimal dose, and adverse effects of vitamin D administration in patients with psoriasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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16 pages, 1174 KiB  
Review
The Health Effects of Vitamin D and Probiotic Co-Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
by Myriam Abboud, Rana Rizk, Fatme AlAnouti, Dimitrios Papandreou, Suzan Haidar and Nadine Mahboub
Nutrients 2021, 13(1), 111; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13010111 - 30 Dec 2020
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 9749
Abstract
Evidence of synergic health effects of co-supplementation with vitamin D and probiotics is emerging. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses PRISMA statement, scientific databases and the grey literature were searched, and a narrative review and risk of bias assessment [...] Read more.
Evidence of synergic health effects of co-supplementation with vitamin D and probiotics is emerging. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses PRISMA statement, scientific databases and the grey literature were searched, and a narrative review and risk of bias assessment were conducted. Seven randomized controlled trials were included, which had low risk of bias. Six studies were double-blind, and once single-blind, extended over 6–12 weeks, and included 50–105 participants. Conditions explored included schizophrenia, gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, osteopenia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and infantile colic. Supplementation frequency was daily or bi-monthly, with mainly vitamin D3, and Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus. Comparators were placebo, vitamin D, lower vitamin D dose, and probiotics and lower vitamin D dose. The co-supplementation yielded greater health benefits than its comparators did in all studies except in one assessing IBS. Beneficial effects included decreased disease severity, improved mental health, metabolic parameters, mainly insulin sensitivity, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and antioxidative capacity, and lower use of healthcare. Co-supplementation of vitamin D and probiotics generated greater health benefits than its comparators did. More studies in other diseases and various populations are needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate the optimal form, composition, and frequency of this co-supplementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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14 pages, 2638 KiB  
Review
The Association between Vitamin D Status and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Zuqun Wang, Rui Ding and Juan Wang
Nutrients 2021, 13(1), 86; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13010086 - 29 Dec 2020
Cited by 53 | Viewed by 8798
Abstract
The association between vitamin D status and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is well-investigated but remains to be elucidated. We quantitatively combined relevant studies to estimate whether vitamin D status was related to ASD in this work. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the [...] Read more.
The association between vitamin D status and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is well-investigated but remains to be elucidated. We quantitatively combined relevant studies to estimate whether vitamin D status was related to ASD in this work. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched to include eligible studies. A random-effects model was applied to pool overall estimates of vitamin D concentration or odds ratio (OR) for ASD. In total, 34 publications involving 20,580 participants were identified in this present study. Meta-analysis of 24 case–control studies demonstrated that children and adolescents with ASD had significantly lower vitamin D concentration than that of the control group (mean difference (MD): −7.46 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval (CI): −10.26; −4.66 ng/mL, p < 0.0001, I2 = 98%). Quantitative integration of 10 case–control studies reporting OR revealed that lower vitamin D was associated with higher risk of ASD (OR: 5.23, 95% CI: 3.13; 8.73, p < 0.0001, I2 = 78.2%). Analysis of 15 case–control studies barring data from previous meta-analysis reached a similar result with that of the meta-analysis of 24 case–control studies (MD: −6.2, 95% CI: −9.62; −2.78, p = 0.0004, I2 = 96.8%), which confirmed the association. Furthermore, meta-analysis of maternal and neonatal vitamin D showed a trend of decreased early-life vitamin D concentration in the ASD group (MD: −3.15, 95% CI: −6.57; 0.26, p = 0.07, I2 = 99%). Meta-analysis of prospective studies suggested that children with reduced maternal or neonatal vitamin D had 54% higher likelihood of developing ASD (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.12; 2.10, p = 0.0071, I2 = 81.2%). These analyses indicated that vitamin D status was related to the risk of ASD. The detection and appropriate intervention of vitamin D deficiency in ASD patients and pregnant and lactating women have clinical and public significance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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19 pages, 281 KiB  
Review
The Benefits of Vitamin D Supplementation for Athletes: Better Performance and Reduced Risk of COVID-19
by William B. Grant, Henry Lahore and Michelle S. Rockwell
Nutrients 2020, 12(12), 3741; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12123741 - 04 Dec 2020
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 13119
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is having major economic and personal consequences for collegiate and professional sports. Sporting events have been canceled or postponed, and even when baseball and basketball seasons resumed in the United States recently, no fans were in attendance. As play resumed, [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic is having major economic and personal consequences for collegiate and professional sports. Sporting events have been canceled or postponed, and even when baseball and basketball seasons resumed in the United States recently, no fans were in attendance. As play resumed, several players developed COVID-19, disrupting some of the schedules. A hypothesis now under scientific consideration is that taking vitamin supplements to raise serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations could quickly reduce the risk and/or severity of COVID-19. Several mechanisms have been identified through which vitamin D could reduce the risks of infection and severity, death, and long-haul effects of COVID-19: (1) inducing production of cathelicidin and defensins to reduce the survival and replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus; (2) reducing inflammation and the production of proinflammatory cytokines and risk of the “cytokine storm” that damages the epithelial layer of the lungs, heart, vascular system, and other organs; and (3) increasing production of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, thus limiting the amount of angiotensin II available to the virus to cause damage. Clinical trials have confirmed that vitamin D supplementation reduces risk of acute respiratory tract infections, and approximately 30 observational studies have shown that incidence, severity, and death from COVID-19 are inversely correlated with serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Vitamin D supplementation is already familiar to many athletes and sports teams because it improves athletic performance and increases playing longevity. Thus, athletes should consider vitamin D supplementation to serve as an additional means by which to reduce risk of COVID-19 and its consequences. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
24 pages, 998 KiB  
Review
Evidence Regarding Vitamin D and Risk of COVID-19 and Its Severity
by Joseph Mercola, William B. Grant and Carol L. Wagner
Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3361; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12113361 - 31 Oct 2020
Cited by 180 | Viewed by 199770
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency co-exists in patients with COVID-19. At this time, dark skin color, increased age, the presence of pre-existing illnesses and vitamin D deficiency are features of severe COVID disease. Of these, only vitamin D deficiency is modifiable. Through its interactions with [...] Read more.
Vitamin D deficiency co-exists in patients with COVID-19. At this time, dark skin color, increased age, the presence of pre-existing illnesses and vitamin D deficiency are features of severe COVID disease. Of these, only vitamin D deficiency is modifiable. Through its interactions with a multitude of cells, vitamin D may have several ways to reduce the risk of acute respiratory tract infections and COVID-19: reducing the survival and replication of viruses, reducing risk of inflammatory cytokine production, increasing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 concentrations, and maintaining endothelial integrity. Fourteen observational studies offer evidence that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations are inversely correlated with the incidence or severity of COVID-19. The evidence to date generally satisfies Hill’s criteria for causality in a biological system, namely, strength of association, consistency, temporality, biological gradient, plausibility (e.g., mechanisms), and coherence, although experimental verification is lacking. Thus, the evidence seems strong enough that people and physicians can use or recommend vitamin D supplements to prevent or treat COVID-19 in light of their safety and wide therapeutic window. In view of public health policy, however, results of large-scale vitamin D randomized controlled trials are required and are currently in progress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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20 pages, 2456 KiB  
Review
Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Lipid Profile in Adults with the Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
by Fatme AlAnouti, Myriam Abboud, Dimitrios Papandreou, Nadine Mahboub, Suzan Haidar and Rana Rizk
Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3352; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12113352 - 30 Oct 2020
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4691
Abstract
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, with atherogenic dyslipidemia being a major contributing factor. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement to assess whether vitamin D supplementation (VDS) [...] Read more.
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, with atherogenic dyslipidemia being a major contributing factor. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement to assess whether vitamin D supplementation (VDS) alleviates dyslipidemia in adults with MetS. Scientific databases (PUBMED, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) and the gray literature were searched for randomized controlled trials of VDS, reporting on blood lipids. A narrative review, meta-analyses, sensitivity analyses, and appraisal of the risk of bias and overall quality of evidence produced were conducted. Results: Seven studies were included, and four were meta-analyzed. The risk of bias was generally low, and the final quality of evidence was low or very low. VDS, whether in high or low dose, significantly increased endline vitamin D blood levels; did not affect total, low-density, high-density cholesterol levels, and novel lipid-related biomarkers; yet, significantly increased triglycerides (TG) levels compared with placebo (MD: 30.67 (95%CI: 4.89–56.45) mg/dL; p = 0.02 for low-dose VDS; and MD: 27.33 (95%CI: 2.06–52.59) mg/dL; p = 0.03 for high-dose VDS). Pertaining heterogeneity was high (I2 = 86%; and I2 = 51%, respectively), and some included studies had significantly higher baseline TG in the intervention arm. The sensitivity analyses revealed robust results. Conclusion: VDS seems not to affect blood lipids in adults with MetS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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20 pages, 1585 KiB  
Review
Vitamin D and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease—Cause, Consequence, or a Vicious Cycle?
by Inês Henriques Vieira, Dírcea Rodrigues and Isabel Paiva
Nutrients 2020, 12(9), 2791; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12092791 - 11 Sep 2020
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 10214
Abstract
Vitamin D is a steroid hormone traditionally connected to phosphocalcium metabolism. The discovery of pleiotropic expression of its receptor and of the enzymes involved in its metabolism has led to the exploration of the other roles of this vitamin. The influence of vitamin [...] Read more.
Vitamin D is a steroid hormone traditionally connected to phosphocalcium metabolism. The discovery of pleiotropic expression of its receptor and of the enzymes involved in its metabolism has led to the exploration of the other roles of this vitamin. The influence of vitamin D on autoimmune disease—namely, on autoimmune thyroid disease—has been widely studied. Most of the existing data support a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and a greater tendency for development and/or higher titers of antibodies linked to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, and/or postpartum thyroiditis. However, there have also been some reports contradicting such relationships, thus making it difficult to establish a unanimous conclusion. Even if the existence of an association between vitamin D and autoimmune thyroid disease is assumed, it is still unclear whether it reflects a pathological mechanism, a causal relationship, or a consequence of the autoimmune process. The relationship between vitamin D’s polymorphisms and this group of diseases has also been the subject of study, often with divergent results. This text presents a review of the recent literature on the relationship between vitamin D and autoimmune thyroid disease, providing an analysis of the likely involved mechanisms. Our thesis is that, due to its immunoregulatory role, vitamin D plays a minor role in conjunction with myriad other factors. In some cases, a vicious cycle is generated, thus contributing to the deficiency and aggravating the autoimmune process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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19 pages, 362 KiB  
Review
Evidence that Vitamin D Supplementation Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections and Deaths
by William B. Grant, Henry Lahore, Sharon L. McDonnell, Carole A. Baggerly, Christine B. French, Jennifer L. Aliano and Harjit P. Bhattoa
Nutrients 2020, 12(4), 988; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12040988 - 02 Apr 2020
Cited by 1305 | Viewed by 419793
Abstract
The world is in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health measures that can reduce the risk of infection and death in addition to quarantines are desperately needed. This article reviews the roles of vitamin D in reducing the risk of respiratory [...] Read more.
The world is in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health measures that can reduce the risk of infection and death in addition to quarantines are desperately needed. This article reviews the roles of vitamin D in reducing the risk of respiratory tract infections, knowledge about the epidemiology of influenza and COVID-19, and how vitamin D supplementation might be a useful measure to reduce risk. Through several mechanisms, vitamin D can reduce risk of infections. Those mechanisms include inducing cathelicidins and defensins that can lower viral replication rates and reducing concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines that produce the inflammation that injures the lining of the lungs, leading to pneumonia, as well as increasing concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Several observational studies and clinical trials reported that vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of influenza, whereas others did not. Evidence supporting the role of vitamin D in reducing risk of COVID-19 includes that the outbreak occurred in winter, a time when 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations are lowest; that the number of cases in the Southern Hemisphere near the end of summer are low; that vitamin D deficiency has been found to contribute to acute respiratory distress syndrome; and that case-fatality rates increase with age and with chronic disease comorbidity, both of which are associated with lower 25(OH)D concentration. To reduce the risk of infection, it is recommended that people at risk of influenza and/or COVID-19 consider taking 10,000 IU/d of vitamin D3 for a few weeks to rapidly raise 25(OH)D concentrations, followed by 5000 IU/d. The goal should be to raise 25(OH)D concentrations above 40–60 ng/mL (100–150 nmol/L). For treatment of people who become infected with COVID-19, higher vitamin D3 doses might be useful. Randomized controlled trials and large population studies should be conducted to evaluate these recommendations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)

Other

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8 pages, 232 KiB  
Commentary
Vitamin D Supplementation to Prevent COVID-19 Infections and Deaths—Accumulating Evidence from Epidemiological and Intervention Studies Calls for Immediate Action
by Hermann Brenner
Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 411; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13020411 - 28 Jan 2021
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 14638
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented threat to human health, health care systems, public life, and economy around the globe. The repertoire of effective therapies for severe courses of the disease has remained limited. A large proportion of the world population suffers from [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented threat to human health, health care systems, public life, and economy around the globe. The repertoire of effective therapies for severe courses of the disease has remained limited. A large proportion of the world population suffers from vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, with prevalence being particularly high among the COVID-19 high-risk populations. Vitamin D supplementation has been suggested as a potential option to prevent COVID-19 infections, severe courses, and deaths from the disease, but is not widely practiced. This article provides an up-to-date summary of recent epidemiological and intervention studies on a possible role of vitamin D supplementation for preventing severe COVID-19 cases and deaths. Despite limitations and remaining uncertainties, accumulating evidence strongly supports widespread vitamin D supplementation, in particular of high-risk populations, as well as high-dose supplementation of those infected. Given the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic, the benefit–risk ratio of such supplementation calls for immediate action even before results of ongoing large-scale randomized trials become available. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
2 pages, 178 KiB  
Comment
Vitamin D Supplementation in Influenza and COVID-19 Infections Comment on: “Evidence that Vitamin D Supplementation Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections and Deaths” Nutrients 2020, 12(4), 988
by Chia Siang Kow, Muhammad Abdul Hadi and Syed Shahzad Hasan
Nutrients 2020, 12(6), 1626; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12061626 - 01 Jun 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 10269
Abstract
There is an ongoing debate on the use of vitamin D supplementation in reducing the risk of influenza and COVID-19 infections and deaths. A recently published article highlights a relationship between vitamin D supplementation and reduced risk of COVID-19 and influenza. This comment [...] Read more.
There is an ongoing debate on the use of vitamin D supplementation in reducing the risk of influenza and COVID-19 infections and deaths. A recently published article highlights a relationship between vitamin D supplementation and reduced risk of COVID-19 and influenza. This comment aims to discuss the evidence on the use of Vitamin D in people who are at risk of developing COVID-19, focusing on safety issues of the Vitamin D supplementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
5 pages, 198 KiB  
Reply
Reply: “Vitamin D Supplementation in Influenza and COVID-19 Infections. Comment on: Evidence That Vitamin D Supplementation Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections and Deaths Nutrients 2020, 12(4), 988”
by William B. Grant, Carole A. Baggerly and Henry Lahore
Nutrients 2020, 12(6), 1620; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu12061620 - 01 Jun 2020
Cited by 95 | Viewed by 11390
Abstract
We thank Dr [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin D in the New Decade: Facts, Controversies, and Future Perspectives for Daily Clinical Practice)
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