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Objectives: Recent studies have suggested that chronic systemic inflammation increases the risk of development and progression of heart failure (HF). Vitamin D may contribute to the pathogenesis of HF by modulating inflammatory pathways. Changes in brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are critical for the diagnosis and assessment of HF severity. We aimed to investigate the association between serum vitamin D levels, BNP, and novel hematological systemic inflammation indices in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, we report data from 187 participants admitted to the outpatient clinic, with 85 CHF and 102 without CHF (control group). Vitamin D, BNP, and complete blood cell samples were analyzed. Novel hematological systemic inflammation indices--the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII; neutrophil × platelet / lymphocyte), the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI; neutrophil count × monocyte/lymphocyte count), the pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV; neutrophil count × platelet count × monocyte count)/lymphocyte count, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR)--were calculated. Results: Binomial logistic regression showed that only MLR was significantly associated with CHF (P < 0.001). A weak, negative, and statistically significant correlation was found between BNP and vitamin D (r=-0.185, p=0.011) levels. There was a weak negative correlation between vitamin D and PLR (r=-0.196, p=0.007), PIV (r=-0.145, p=0.048), and SIRI (r=-0.156, p=0.033). Conclusion: An independent association between systemic hematological inflammatory indicators and vitamin D with the severity of CHF expressed by elevated BNP levels was revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a person ages, the physiological function of the body decreases so that the risk of vitamin D deficiency and gout. The increasing elderly population can create a new era, namely the aging population. This study aims to see the relationship between vitamin D levels and uric acid levels in the elderly at Santa Anna Nursing Home. This study is an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design with 70 elderly respondents living in Santa Anna Nursing Home, Jakarta. The correlation test is performed using the Pearson Correlation Test. There is a significant negative relationship between vitamin D levels and uric acid levels. In 23 elderly obtained average vitamin D levels of 36.9 + 8.4 ng / mL while high uric acid as many as 23 elderly (46%) with an average of 6.24 ± 1.9 mg / mL. From bivariate analysis, vitamin D levels were significantly associated with uric acid levels (r: - 0.295, p: 0.037). There was a significant relationship between vitamin D levels and uric acid levels in the elderly at Santa Anna Nursing Home with a value of p = 0.041 (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aimed to determine and analyze the serum levels of 25 (OH) vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) to assess vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for increased morbidity of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in childhood. The changes in the serum parathormone level were used as a criterion for vitamin D sufficiency since an optimal level of 25 (OH) vitamin D is required for normal PTH values. The study included 87 children divided into four subgroups, respectively – children with acute bronchopneumonia (n=49), children with acute laryngotracheitis (n=11), children with acute bronchiolitis (n=16), and a control group (n=11). Subnormal Vit. D levels were found in the individual groups: in the bronchopneumonia group, 18 children showed evidence of insufficiency; in the group of children with laryngotracheitis, five children showed insufficiency, and one child had Vit.D deficiency; children with acute bronchiolitis showed abnormalities in vit. D levels: seven children with insufficiency and two children - with deficiency. The preliminary results showed that Vit. D status deviations are more common in children with acute respiratory infections than in healthy children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was two-fold: (a) to observe whether highly trained adolescent swimmers abide to vitamin D supplement recommendations; and (b) to monitor changes in circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) that occur between the autumn and winter months. Twenty swimmers (age: 17 ± 2 years) from a UK high-performance swimming club volunteered to complete two blood spot cards to determine their 25(OH)D concentration: the first in an autumn training phase (October) and the second during winter training (January). All swimmers were advised to consume vitamin D3 supplements across the assessment period; however, only 50% of swimmers adhered to this recommendation. Resultantly, a winter decline in 25(OH)D was observed in non-supplementing swimmers (79.6 ± 25.2 to 52.6 ± 15.1 nmol·L−1, p = 0.005), with swimmers either displaying an 'insufficient' (60%) or 'deficient' (40%) vitamin D status. In comparison, a greater maintenance of 25(OH)D occurred in supplementing swimmers (92.0 ± 25.5 to 97.2 ± 38.3 nmol·L−1, p = 0.544), although variable outcomes occurred at the individual level (four increased, three maintained, three declined). These findings highlight the possible risks of vitamin D insufficiency during the winter for swimmers in the UK, possibly requiring standardised supplement practices. Moreover, alternative educational strategies may be required for swimmers to transfer knowledge to practice in order to improve supplement adherence in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: It has been reported that the level of vitamin D in obese children is lower and that the low level of vitamin D creates a predisposition to hypertension. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D level, ambulatory blood pressure parameters, and cardiovascular risk factors in obese children. Methods: Age, gender, and anthropometric measurements, fasting serum glucose, insulin, transaminase levels, lipid profile, 25(OH) vitamin D levels, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring data, electrocardiography and echocardiography data of the patients were retrospectively obtained from hospital records. Results: A total of 57 patients between the ages of 8-17 years, 26 females and 31 males, were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups based on their vitamin D levels below and above 20 ng/mL. A total of 40 patients (70%) were hypertensive, and no correlation was found between blood pressure values and serum vitamin D levels in obese children in the correlation analysis. In the group with a vitamin D level lower than 20 ng/mL, the insulin level and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) score were found to be significantly higher than in the other group (p=0.01, p=0.016, respectively). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the HOMA-IR score and systolic blood pressure load (r=0.280, p=0.03). Conclusion: Increased insulin resistance in obese children is associated with high blood pressure values. However, no direct relationship could be found between vitamin D levels and blood pressure profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hamidiye Medical Journal is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article offers information on the importance of proper nutrition during adolescence, the impact of micronutrient deficiencies, and the benefits of vitamin D intake. Topics include how poor eating habits during adolescence can lead to eating disorders and health problems in adulthood; micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent in those who consume plant-based diets; and how vitamin D intake is essential for overall health benefits.

Copyright of Hamidiye Medical Journal is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Women with diffuse hair loss need to be screened for possible causes or factors responsible for increased hair shedding and also to exclude factors that can increase hair shedding and aggravate the disease. Material and Methods: A prospective crosssectional study of 40 cases (18--45years) of diffuse hair loss and 40 healthy females were included. The diagnosis was based on the detailed history, clinical examination to rule out pattern hair loss, and hair pull test. Complete hemogram, serum ferritin, vitamin D, and thyroid function tests (T3, T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]) along with all routine investigations were determined for each participant. A diet history of vegetarians and non-vegetarians was also taken. Results: On screening, serum ferritin in cases ranged from 3.92 to 104 ng/mL with a mean of 22.36±23.10 ng/mL and that in controls ranged from 5.5 to115 ng/mL with a mean of 29.97±45.72 ng/mL. The serum ferritin level in cases was lower, at a cut-off value of 10 ng/mL, which is statistically significant (p= 0.027). For those with serum ferritin level >10 ng/mL, the mean concentration of hemoglobin was 11.65 ± 0.79 gm%, whereas for the <10 ng/mL serum ferritin level, the mean concentration of hemoglobin was 11 ± 1.1 gm% with a significant statistical difference (p= 0.027). The serum level of vitamin D in cases ranged from 8 to 57.4 IU/dL with a mean of 20.24±11.98 IU/dL while that in controls ranged from 11.1 to 42.6 IU/dL with a mean of 22.42±9.29 IU/dL, which was statistically significant difference (p= 0.003). We found no association of thyroid dysfunction with diffuse hair loss. On dietary evaluation, significant statistical association among vegetarians (67.5% cases and 40% controls) and non-vegetarians (32.5% cases and 60% controls) was observed (p= 0.024); however, we could not find any statistical significant association of diet with ferritin and vitamin D. Conclusion: Low ferritin and vitamin D may contribute to diffuse hair loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: Vitamin D, which has immunomodulatory effect, can reduce risk of infections and concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the levels of vitamin D and severity of COVID-19. METHODS: A total of 204 patients with COVID-19 disease were enrolled in the study. All patients had viral pneumonia, which was confirmed with chest computer tomography. All cases were divided in two groupsmild (outpatients); and serious (inpatients)- according to their clinical and laboratory data. Serum vitamin D levels were measured by chemiluminescence method. RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency was found in 41.7 % (n = 85) of cases and insufficiency was found in 46.0 % (n = 94), while in 12.3 % (n = 25) of cases normal vitamin D levels were found. The odds of having a serious clinical outcome were increased for vitamin D insufficiency patients 5.604 times (%95 CI:0.633-49.584) and for vitamin D deficiency patients 38.095 times (%95 CI:2.965-489.50) for each standard deviation decrease in serum 25(OH)D. CONCLUSION: Adequate levels of vitamin D could suppress inflammation and reduce the severity of COVID-19. Vitamin D supplementation may have an important role in decreasing the impact of the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D synthesis by exposure of skin to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) provides the majority of this hormone that is essential for bone development and maintenance but may be important for many other health outcomes. This process, which is the only well‐established benefit of solar UVR exposure, depends on many factors including genetics, age, health, and behavior. However, the most important factor is the quantity and quality of UVR reaching the skin. Vitamin D synthesis specifically requires ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation that is the minority component (<5%) of solar UVR. This waveband is also the most important for the adverse effects of solar exposure. The most obvious of which is sunburn (erythema), but UVB is also the main cause of DNA damage to the skin that is a prerequisite for most skin cancers. UVB at the Earth's surface depends on many physical and temporal factors such as latitude, altitude, season, and weather. Personal, cultural, and behavioral factors are also important. These include skin melanin, clothing, body surface area exposed, holiday habits, and sunscreen use. There is considerable disagreement in the literature about the role of some of these factors, possibly because some studies have been done by researchers with little understanding of photobiology. It can be argued that vitamin D supplementation obviates the need for solar exposure, but many studies have shown little benefit from this approach for a wide range of health outcomes. There is also increasing evidence that such exposure offers health benefits independently of vitamin D: the most important of which is blood‐pressure reduction. In any case, public health advice must optimize risk versus benefit for solar exposure. It is fortunate that the individual UVB doses necessary for maintaining optimal vitamin D status are lower than those for sunburn, irrespective of skin melanin. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bone health is a critical issue in transgender women (TW) health care. Conflicting results have been reported on bone status after gender-confirming surgery (GCS). No recent data in Italian TW are available. Materials and methods: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate fracture risk, lumbar spine BMD and 25OH vitamin D (25OHD) levels in a population of TW on estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) after GCS. We retrospectively analyzed a group of 57 TW, aged 45.3 ± 11.3 years, referred to our Gender Dysphoria Clinic, at least 2 years after GCS. Anthropometric parameters, patient compliance to ERT, biochemical and hormonal assessment, lumbar spine BMD and fracture risk were evaluated. Results: Prevalence of low bone mass (Z-score ≤ -2) was 40% according to the natal gender. In this group, 17β-estradiol levels were significantly lower (median 21 pg/ml [25th-75th percentile 10.6–48.5] vs 63 pg/ml [38.5–99.5]; p < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of low compliance to ERT was recorded (83% vs 29%; p < 0.0001) compared to those with higher bone mass. An intermediate–high fracture risk was found in 14% of the sample. A high percentage (93%) of hypovitaminosis D was present. Conclusions: TW on ERT have a high prevalence of low bone mass, significantly associated with low estradiol levels and low compliance to ERT. A high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was highlighted. Considering that one out of seven TW showed an intermediate-high 10-year fracture risk, such risk assessment may be considered to prevent and manage osteoporosis in this clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of vitamin C and D intake with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of cartilage composition (T2) and joint structure (cartilage, meniscus, and bone marrow) using data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) cohort.Methods: A total of 1,785 subjects with radiographic Kellgren/Lawrence knee grades 0-3 in the right knee were selected from the OAI database. Vitamins C and vitamin D intake (diet, supplements, and total) were assessed using the Block Brief 2000 Food Frequency Questionnaire at baseline. The MRI analysis protocol included 3T cartilage T2 quantification and semiquantitative joint morphology gradings (Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score [WORMS]) at baseline and 4 years. Linear regression was used to assess the association between standardized baseline vitamin intake and both baseline WORMS scores and standardized cartilage T2 values.Results: Higher vitamin C intake was associated with lower average cartilage T2 values, medial tibia T2 values, and medial tibia WORMS scores (standardized coefficient range -0.07 to -0.05, P < 0.05). Higher vitamin D intake was associated with a lower cartilage WORMS sum score and medial femur WORMS score (standardized coefficient range -0.24 to -0.09, P < 0.05). Consistent use of vitamin D supplements of 400 IU at least once a week over 4 years was associated with significantly less worsening of cartilage, meniscus, and bone marrow abnormalities (odds ratio range 0.40-0.56, P < 0.05).Conclusion: Supplementation with vitamin D over 4 years was associated with significantly less progression of knee joint abnormalities. Given the observational nature of this study, future longitudinal randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the role of vitamin D in the body, namely: calcium absorption, maintaining muscle function, but also in strengthening the immune system. Vitamin D exerts its biological functions dependent on vitamin D receptor (VDR), which is a member of the superhuman family of nuclear hormone receptors and clearly expressed in a wide variety of cells. Vitamin D is mainly obtained by synthesizing Vitamin D3 in our skin using ultraviolet light B (UVB) and in small amounts from food sources. Respiratory epithelial cells can convert vitamin D to the active form and that vitamin D metabolites increase the cytokines involved in immunity in response to respiratory viruses. Studies have shown that the most vulnerable population group for COVID - 19 is also the one with the highest vitamin D deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Various factors like physiological and emotional stress, drugs and nutritional deficiencies can result in hair loss. Results of laboratory tests examining the underlying aetiology of hair loss vary in patients. Aim: We aimed to compare the serum levels of ferritin, folate, vitamin B12, zinc, thyroid stimulating hormone and vitamin D in patients complaining of diffuse hair loss and in healthy individuals. Material and methods: Fifty-four patients with hair loss (47 females, 7 males) and 55 healthy individuals within the control group (47 females, 8 males) were included in this study. Serum levels of ferritin, folate, vitamin B12, zinc, thyroid stimulating hormone and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were evaluated in all participants retrospectively. Results: Serum concentrations of folate, vitamin B12, zinc and thyroid stimulating hormone were similar in the two groups. However, the mean serum ferritin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were significantly lower in patients with hair loss than in healthy individuals. The mean serum ferritin levels of the patients and healthy individuals were 14.72 ±10.70 ng/ml and 25.30 ±14.41 ng/ml, respectively. The mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of the patients and healthy individuals were 14.03 ±8.09 ng/ml and 17.01 ±8.59 ng/ml, respectively. Eleven (20.4%) patients had low serum ferritin levels, while 43 (79.6%) patients had low vitamin D levels. Conclusions: The results obtained from this study reveal that serum ferritin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are generally low in patients complaining of hair loss. Therefore, serum ferritin and vitamin D levels should be evaluated and supplemented prior to treatment in all patients complaining of diffuse hair loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Resistance training is an effective method to decrease body fat (BF) and increase fat-free mass (FFM) and fat oxidation (FO). Dairy foods containing calcium and vitamin D might enhance these benefits. This study investigated the combined effects of habitual yogurt consumption and resistance training on body composition and metabolism. Methods: Untrained women (N = 35) participated in an 8-wk resistance-training program. The yogurt group (Y) consumed 3 servings of yogurt containing vitamin D per day, and the control groups maintained their baseline lowdairy- calcium diet. Postexercise, Y consumed 1 of the 3 servings/d fat-free yogurt, the protein group consumed an isocaloric product without calcium or vitamin D, and the carbohydrate group consumed an isocaloric product without protein. Strength, body composition, fasted resting metabolic rate (RMR) and FO, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured before and after training. Results: Calories (kcal · kg-1 · d-1) and protein (g · kg-1 · d-1) significantly increased from baseline for Y. FFM increased (main effect p = .002) and %BF decreased (main effect .02) for all groups with training, but Group × Time interactions were not observed. RMR and FO did not change with training for any group. Conclusion: Habitual consumption of yogurt during resistance training did not augment changes in body composition compared with a low-dairy diet. Y decreased %BF as a result of training, however, even with increased calorie consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A surprisingly high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency has recently been reported worldwide. Although very little is known about vitamin D status among athletes, a few studies suggest that poor vitamin D status is also a problem in athletic populations. It is well recognized that vitamin D is necessary for optimal bone health, but emerging evidence is finding that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of autoimmune diseases and nonskeletal chronic diseases and can also have a profound effect on human immunity, inflammation, and muscle function (in the elderly). Thus, it is likely that compromised vitamin D status can affect an athlete's overall health and ability to train (i.e., by affecting bone health, innate immunity, and exercise-related immunity and inflammation). Although further research in this area is needed, it is important that sports nutritionists assess vitamin D (as well as calcium) intake and make appropriate recommendations that will help athletes achieve adequate vitamin D status: serum 25(OH)D of at least 75 or 80 nmol/L. These recommendations can include regular safe sun exposure (twice a week between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the arms and legs for 5-30 min, depending on season, latitude, and skin pigmentation) or dietary supplementation with 1,000-2,000 IU vitamin D3 per day. Although this is significantly higher than what is currently considered the adequate intake, recent research demonstrates these levels to be safe and possibly necessary to maintain adequate 25(OH)D concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The etiology of hypomineralized second primary molars (HSPM) is unclear, but genetic and environmental factors have been proposed. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative contribution of genes and environment to the etiology of HSPM and to identify potential environmental risk factors in a longitudinal twin cohort. Children from twin pregnancies ( N = 250) were recruited antenatally, and detailed demographic, health, and phenotypic data were collected at recruitment, 24- and 36-wk gestation, birth, and 18 mo of age. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D was quantified for mothers at 28-wk gestation and infants at birth. Dental examinations were conducted on the twins at 6 y of age to determine the presence, severity, and extent of HSPM per standardized criteria. To investigate associations of environmental risk factors with HSPM, multiple logistic regression models were fitted with generalized estimating equations to adjust for twin correlation. Within- and between-pair analyses were performed for unshared continuous variables: birthweight and birth 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Twin-twin concordance for monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) pairs was calculated and compared after adjusting for identified risk factors. A total of 344 twins underwent the 6-y-old dental assessment; HSPM occurred in 68 (19.8%). After adjusting for potential confounders, vitamin D levels at birth, infantile eczema, dizygosity, in vitro fertilization, socioeconomic position, and maternal smoking beyond the first trimester of pregnancy demonstrated the strongest associations with HSPM. Overall concordance for HSPM was 0.47 (95% CI, 0.32 to 0.62) with weak evidence ( P = 0.078) of higher concordance in MZ twins (0.63; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.89) as compared with DZ twins (0.41; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.58). After adjusting for known risk factors, there was no evidence ( P = 0.172) for an additive genetic influence. These findings suggest that shared and unshared environmental factors, such as maternal smoking later in pregnancy and infantile eczema, are important in the etiology of HSPM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Vitamin D status in many health managements have been researched extensively, but its dependence with obesity still remains controversial. This article is devoted to examination of blood cholecalciferol levels in Ukrainian population with establishment the association of cholecalciferol levels and body mass index (BMI). Materials and methods: For this observed investigation, data were collected during the summer 2017, over a period of one week from three township areas in Carpathian region, Ukraine from 304 adults aged 19-78 years. Measured variables contained 25(OH)D level, weight and weight applied to check BMI degree. The average level of vitamin D among adolescents presented 23.1 ± 8.2 ng/ml. Female gender was associated with lower vitamin D concentrations (22.9 ± 9.3 ng/ml vs. 26.2 ± 8.5 ng/ml for men). Among the participants, 74.4% had a BMNI of 25 kg/m2 and over, and in 27.3% of them the number was 30 kg/m2 and over. Results: Violation of vitamin D status was detected in 90.5% persons. 1.8% people had been identified as severe 25(OH)D deficiency. Measurement of cholecalciferol demonstrated meaningful connection between its level and BMI only in persons with BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2. Average vitamin D concentrations in persons with BMI over30 kg/m2 did not vary to a significant range from data in persons with normal body weight. Conclusions: Vitamin D status among the adolescents in Ukraine is far from optimum. Our results confirm reliable association between cholecalciferol level and BMI in persons with overweight. Interchange between conservation of vitamin D and BMI needs additional surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We read the article by Haung et al. that pooled the effects of vitamin D on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and associated quality of life. However, the current review suffers from some methodological errors: inadequate search strategy; the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) miss-assessment; and miss-interpretation. Accordingly, addressing the emphasized limitations will lead to more robust findings and conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Apart from classical functions, vitamin D has autocrine function. Autocrine function of vitamin D has a potential impact on the morbidity and mortality in the Chronic Kidney Disease patients. This study is undertaken to observe probable modality, if present, between post Hemodialysis (HD) decrease in vitamin D levels and clinical deterioration in CKD patients. Method & Material: 63 patients (32 males and 31 females) of Stage - 5 CKD were studied. There vitamin D was estimated before and after HD on first and subsequent maintenance HDs all patients with or without comorbidities. Results: Pre HD total vitamin D levels were 'deficient' (58.73%) and 'sufficient' in 38.1%, almost equal in patients of both sexes despite intake of supplement containing Calcium and Calcitriol. Post HD vitamin D levels were detected to be markedly low, seems to be 'washed out' during HD, in 85.71% of patients (29 males and 27). Vitamin D 'wash out' effect was also observed in subsequent maintenance HDs. Females and elderly patients were more prone to vitamin D 'wash out'. Conventional therapy with vitamin D supplements can replenish but could not prevent its post HD 'wash out'. Conclusion: It seems, in CKD the deleterious effects of post HD vitamin D deficiency are due to appreciable autocrine dysfunctions resulting in cardio vascular diseases (CVDs) and comorbidities especially diabetes mellitus add to worsening of CVDs, which are the main causes of high morbidity and mortality in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been several studies evaluating the association between vitamin and mineral status and menstrual disturbance. In the present study, we aimed to assess the relationship between the menstrual bleeding pattern and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and calcium levels in adolescent girls. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 897 high school girls from northeastern Iran. The prevalence of hypocalcaemia, normal serum calcium and hypercalcaemia was 27.1, 59.8 and 13.1%, respectively. The menstrual flow of participants differed significantly between the calcium status groups (p = .005). There was no significant association between the symptoms of PMS, as assessed by the questionnaire and serum vitamin D status, or serum calcium concentrations, apart from the irritability. There appears to be an association between serum calcium, menstrual blood loss and irritability in adolescent girls. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Several studies have evaluated the association of vitamin and mineral status with menstrual disturbance, although these relationships are not consistent, specifically among calcium and vitamin D levels with a menstrual bleeding pattern. What do the results of this study add? In the present study, we investigated the correlation of menstrual bleeding patterns and PMS with calcium and vitamin D levels in a large population in adolescent girls. We found that the level of calcium was associated with the level of menstrual blood loss and irritability. However, no significant association was observed between the menstrual bleeding pattern or the PMS symptoms with a vitamin D status. What are the implications of these findings for future clinical practise/research? Further studies are required to assess the value of a calcium adequate intake or a calcium supplementation for the amelioration of PMS and a better understanding the role of calcium in PMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypovitaminosis D and depressive syndromes are common conditions in old adults. However, little is known about the relationship between vitamin D and depression in exceptional aged people. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D levels and depressive symptoms in Chinese longevous persons.Methods: We used a dataset from a cross-sectional survey of a sample of Chinese longevous people with self-reported age 100 or older, including 175 men and 765 women, was conducted from June 2014 to December 2016 in Hainan Province, China. Data on demographics, lifestyle characteristics and health conditions were collected using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometrics and blood samples were obtained following the standard procedure. Depressive symptoms of the participants were assessed using a shortened version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Serum vitamin D levels were measured using an automated radioimmunoassay.Results: The prevalence of longevous persons with depressive symptoms among the sample was 32.2% (95% confidence interval: 29.7-34.7%). Serum vitamin D levels were lower in participants with depressive symptoms than in those without (20.8 ± 8.7 vs. 23.7 ± 9.7, ng/mL). Vitamin D deficiency was an independent risk factor for depression after controlling for the potential covariates (Odds ratio = 1.47, 95% Confidence interval = 1.08-2.00; p = 0.014). A negative relationship between serum vitamin D levels and depressive symptoms was also detected, and the relationship remained significant after adjusting for a wide range of other covariates. The multivariate adjusted odds ratio of depressive symptoms for the lowest versus highest quartiles of vitamin D levels was 1.73 (95% confidence interval: 1.10-2.72), and the adjusted odds ratio with a 5 ng/mL decrement of serum 25OHD levels was 1.10 (95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.19).Conclusions: This study showed an inverse association between vitamin D levels and depressive symptoms among Chinese longevous persons. Depressive symptoms should be screened in longevous persons who had vitamin D deficiency. Further studies on vitamin D supplement and prevention along with treatment of depression are needed among very old population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose.: To investigate the association between serum vitamin D levels and myopia in young adults in LRBT Lahore. Methods.: A total of 285 individuals participated in this study. Ethnicity, parental myopia, and education status were ascertained by self-reported questionnaire. A comprehensive ophthalmic examination was performed, including post cycloplegic auto-refraction and conjunctival UV auto-fluorescence photography. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 25(OH)D3) concentrations were determined using mass spectrometry. The association between serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations and prevalent myopia was determined using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Of the 285 participants, 25% had myopia. Myopic subjects had lower serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations compared to nonmyopic participants (median 67.6 vs. 72.5 nmol, P = 0.003). In univariable analysis, lower serum 25(OH)D3 concentration was associated with higher risk of having myopia (odds ratio [OR] for <50 vs. ≥50 nmol/L: 2.63; confidence interval [95% CI] 1.71-4.05; P < 0.001). This association persisted after adjustment for potential confounders, including age, sex, ethnicity, parental myopia, education status, and ocular sun-exposure biomarker score (adjusted OR 2.07; 95% CI 1.29-3.32; P = 0.002). Unadjusted blood levels of vitamin D were not significantly different between myopes (13.95 ± 3.75ng/ml) and non- myopes (16.02 ± 5.11ng/ml, p = 0.29) Conclusions.: Myopic participants had significantly lower 25(OH)D3 concentrations. The prevalence of myopia was significantly higher in individuals with vitamin D deficiency compared to the individuals with sufficient levels. Longitudinal studies are required to investigate whether higher serum 25(OH)D3 concentration is protective against myopia whether it is acting as a proxy for some other biologically effective consequence of sun exposure. However, adjusted for differences in the intake of dietary variables, myopes appear to have lower average blood levels of vitamin D than non-myopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: apart from the known effects of vitamin D on phospho-calcium homeostasis, in recent years there is great interest in its extrabone effects.Objectives: to know the concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH] D) in newly diagnosed patients of cancer and to verify if there are differences between the different types of cancer.Material and Methods: cross-sectional study of a cohort of recent diagnosed cancer patients who were referred to Endocrinology consultation for a nutritional pre-surgery evaluation. One hundred and thirty-nine medical histories were reviewed. The socio-demographic and biometric data and 25(OH) D concentration were collected.Results: seventy-one of 139 patients had urological cancer, 27 had colorectal cancer (CRC), 35 had head and neck cancer and six, other types of cancer. The mean concentration of 25(OH) D was 50.41 nmol/l (95% CI = 46.67-54.14); 57.97% of patients showed vitamin D deficiency (< 50 nmol/l) and 21.74%, insufficiency (50-75 nmol/l). We found a statistically significant higher prevalence of deficiency (p < 0.01) in head and neck cancer compared to urological cancer: 68.57% and 49.29%, respectively. Year season significantly modifies 25(OH) D concentration (p < 0.01).Conclusions: there is a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among recent diagnosed cancer patients (especially in CRC and head and neck cancer). The use of reference values adjusted by year season could improve the study of 25(OH) D concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alopecia is a common dermatological complaint. Affected patients are often distressed and attempt to arrest the hair loss by taking various over the counter nutritional supplements containing vitamins and minerals. The evidence supporting their efficacy however is limited. Moreover, there are toxicity reports. We reviewed the literature about the normal levels and the daily dietary needs of the most common micronutrients, their role in the hair follicle cycle as well as their use in the hair loss treatment. 4 independent researchers reviewed a total of 119 papers, and 92 articles published in the English language within the last 30 years were included. Telogen effluvium and alopecia areata have been associated with lower iron, zinc and vitamin D levels. Androgenetic alopecia has been associated with lower iron and vitamin D levels. Both lower and increased vitamin A levels can result in telogen effluvium, but lower levels are associated also with hair breakage. Vitamin C insufficiency results in hair shaft abnormality (cork screw hairs). No data exist about hair loss associated with abnormal biotin levels. The role of micronutrients for the hair follicle function is not completely understood. Empiric treatments of hair loss with micronutrients without confirmed deficiencies have not shown utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Interest about vitamin D deficiency has considerably increased in the last years, both for the clinical and research field, due to its role in a number of pathologies, including chronic inflammation, increased autoimmunity and susceptibility to infection. Numerous reports suggest that vitamin D deficiency is widespread in the world, in western countries included, regardless of age or gender. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to quantify the vitamin D level in the Romanian population based on the determination of total 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Materials and methods: In this study, a total of 8594 subjects, aged 0 - 94 years, were investigated between January 2010 and March 2017, out of which 6618 were women and 1976 men, including a number of 655 children. The vitamin D level was quantified by chemiluminescence immunoassay LIAISON 25(OH) vitamin D test using a fully automatic analyzer (Diasorin Liaison). The statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA, in association with TUKEY HSD (honestly significant differences) test. Results: In the Romanian population older than 4 years, vitamin D insufficiency is present in more than 70% of the analyzed population; in older population the rate of deficiency increases from 1.96% in the population aged between 4 and 8 years, up to 26.39% for those over the age of 70. The highest rates of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency were recorded in Oltenia and Moldova. Conclusion: The revealed situation indicates the necessity of vitamin D prophylactic supplementation national programs, particularly when taking into account the increased incidence of infectious and immunological diseases, as well as of cancer, in the Romanian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purposed This study examined the associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and common anthropometric parameters. Methods The data were derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2001 through 2004. We divided all subjects into two groups with a cut-off point for body mass index set at 30. The primary outcome was the potential relationship between the anthropometric parameters and 25(OH)D status. Results A positive association was found between the 25(OH)D levels and calf circumference (CC) in all of the designed models ( P  < 0.001). The adjusted β coefficient of the 25(OH)D levels for the CC was 0.542 (95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.376–0.708, P  < 0.001) after adjusting for all covariates. An increasing linear tendency for 25(OH)D was present in non-obese participants. Additionally, subjects in the higher tertiles of CC tended to have higher 25(OH)D levels with a significant correlation ( P for trend <0.001). Conclusion A positive association between 25(OH)D concentration and CC in non-obese individuals was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is an important public health problem worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency confers a significant risk for both skeletal and non-skeletal disorders and a number of lifelong negative health outcomes. The objectives of this evidence-based guidelines document are to provide health care professionals in Poland, an updated recommendation for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of vitamin D deficiency. Methods: A systematic literature search examining the prevention and treatment strategies for vitamin D deficiency was conducted. Updated recommendations were developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system describing the strength of the recommendation and the quality of supporting evidence. Twenty-seven contributors representing different areas of expertise and medical specialties, including pediatricians, geriatricians, endocrinologists, epidemiologists, nephrologists, gynecologists and obstetricians evaluated the available published evidence related to vitamin D, formulated the goals of this document and developed a common consolidated position. The consensus group, representing six national specialist consultants and eight Polish and international scientific organizations/societies, participated in the process of grading evidence and drawing up the general and specific recommendations. Results: The updated recommendations define the diagnostic criteria for the evaluation of vitamin D status and describe the prevention and treatment strategies of vitamin D deficiency in the general population and in groups at increased risk of the deficiency. Age- and weight-specific recommendations for prevention, supplementation and treatment of vitamin D deficiency are presented, and detailed practice guidance is discussed regarding the management in primary and specialized health care. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency remains still highly prevalent in Poland, in all age groups. Currently, there is a great necessity to implement a regular supplementation with recommended doses and to develop an effective strategy to alleviate vitamin D deficiency in the population. These updated recommendations are addressed to health professionals and the authorities pursuing comprehensive health policies and should also be included in public health programs aimed at preventing a broad spectrum of chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]