Search Results (1,311)

Background and Objectives: There is a lack of information on the dietary intake of long-term combined oral contraceptive users (COC-users) in relation to their body composition. The aim of the pilot study was to determine the food consumption of young women using COCs for >6 months and its relationship to body composition compared to non-users. Materials and Methods: A total of 45 healthy women (21.8 ± 1.7 years) were divided into COC non-users (n = 19) and users of a low (≤20 μg) ethinylestradiol (EE) dose (n = 18) and a medium (30–35 μg) EE dose (n = 8). Anthropometric data, body composition, physical activity levels, three-consecutive-days of dietary records, and serum concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D were assessed. Statistical methods included chi-squared, Fisher’s exact test, t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman’s correlation, and multiple linear regression. Results: There were no differences between COC-users and non-users in terms of physical activity, intake of micronutrients, body mass index, body fat percentage (BF%), or bone mineral density (BMD). COC-users consumed a higher percentage of energy from fats (p = 0.02) and had higher serum vitamin D levels (p < 0.01). BF% was negatively associated with BMD (coefficient −0.008; p = 0.027). Conclusions: The use of COCs for ˃6 months is not associated with FM or BMD, regardless of dietary differences. Further attention should be paid to possible associations between COCs use, dietary habits, and body composition (including BMD). Full article

Background and Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), and vitamin D deficiency—particularly reduced levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)₂D], the biologically active form of vitamin D that declines early in CKD due to impaired renal conversion—may be a contributing factor. This study aimed to assess the relationship between 1,25(OH)₂D levels and the presence and severity of CAD in CKD patients. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 398 non-dialysis CKD patients (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) who underwent elective coronary angiography. Serum 1,25(OH)₂D and 25(OH)D levels were measured, and CAD severity was assessed using the Gensini score. Results: Lower 1,25(OH)₂D levels were independently associated with both the presence and se-verity of CAD. Logistic regression revealed that each 1 pg/mL increase in 1,25(OH)₂D was linked to an 11% reduction in odds of significant CAD (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.86–0.93; p < 0.001). In contrast, 25(OH)D was not significantly related to CAD. Linear regression showed an inverse correlation between 1,25(OH)₂D and Gensini scores (β = −0.329, p < 0.001), indicating reduced disease severity with higher vitamin D levels. Subgroup analyses confirmed consistent associations across age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, and LDL-cholesterol categories. ROC analysis demonstrated that 1,25(OH)₂D alone had good predictive ability for CAD (AUC = 0.818), which improved to 0.925 when combined with traditional risk factors. The optimal cutoff for 1,25(OH)₂D was ≤16.6 pg/mL, yielding 73.3% sensitivity and 83.5% specificity. Conclusions: Serum 1,25(OH)₂D is an independent predictor of both the presence and extent of CAD in CKD patients and may serve as a valuable non-traditional biomarker for cardiovascular risk assessment. Full article

The interrelationship between iron metabolism and vitamin D has attracted increasing attention; however, nutritional knowledge regarding the relationship between iron and vitamin D remains scarce. We hypothesized that a continuous increase in dietary vitamin D intake would enhance biological iron levels through the regulation of hepcidin, and we investigated whether dietary vitamin D levels alter iron dynamics and blood cell status. Twenty-five male Wistar rats aged 7 and 8 weeks were used in experiments 1 (14 days) and 2 (4 days), respectively. Rats were divided into control and vitamin D-supplemented diet groups (14C vs. 14A in Experiment 1; 4C vs. 4A in Experiment 2) and fed the experimental diet ad libitum. In Experiment 2, no significant differences were observed in serum and liver iron levels, total iron-binding capacity, and serum transferrin saturation between groups; however, hepcidin (HAMP) mRNA expression was lower in the 4A group. By contrast, the 14A group showed significantly higher serum and liver iron levels and higher HAMP mRNA expression than the 14C group. These results indicate that high-dose dietary vitamin D alters iron metabolism in rats, characterized by transient suppression of hepatic hepcidin expression and increased liver iron, suggesting modulation of iron regulatory pathways. Full article

Background: Interindividual differences in statin efficacy and tolerability are partly determined by genetic and metabolic factors. The SLCO1B1 c.521T>C polymorphism affects hepatic statin transport, while vitamin D deficiency may influence lipid metabolism and muscular tolerance. This study aimed to assess the impact of SLCO1B1 genotype and vitamin D status on lipid-lowering response and adverse events in postmenopausal women treated with atorvastatin or rosuvastatin. Methods: A total of 145 Croatian postmenopausal women were prospectively followed for 16 weeks. Participants received atorvastatin or rosuvastatin with dose titration to achieve low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets. Serum lipids, liver enzymes, and creatine kinase were monitored monthly. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were quantified by LC–MS/MS, while SLCO1B1 c.521T>C genotyping was performed using real-time PCR. Results: Rosuvastatin achieved a higher LDL-C target attainment rate compared with atorvastatin (81.1% vs. 67.6%, p = 0.02). The SLCO1B1 genotype was not associated with lipid response but was significantly associated with adverse effects. In multivariable regression analysis, patients with the T/C genotype had a significantly higher risk of developing adverse effects compared with those with the T/T genotype (OR 7.4, 95% Cl 2.1–26.7, p = 0.002). Vitamin D status showed no significant association with lipid outcomes or adverse events, although participants with severe deficiency exhibited a weaker LDL-C response. Conclusions: Rosuvastatin demonstrated superior lipid-lowering efficacy and tolerability compared with atorvastatin in postmenopausal women. The SLCO1B1 c.521T>C variant primarily affected safety rather than efficacy, while severe vitamin D deficiency might contribute to diminished statin response. Integrating pharmacogenetic and endocrine profiling could enhance individualized statin therapy and cardiovascular prevention in women. Full article

Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly recognized as a systemic factor influencing retinal health through inflammatory, neuroprotective, and vasculotropic pathways. Evidence regarding early retinal alterations in otherwise healthy adults remains limited. This cross-sectional study evaluated 120 eyes from 60 healthy adults stratified by serum 25(OH)D levels into <30 ng/mL (n = 60) and ≥30 ng/mL (n = 60). All subjects underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), visual field testing, and contrast sensitivity assessment. Central macular thickness (CMT), ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness, and perfusion density in the superficial and deep capillary plexuses (SCP, DCP) were compared between groups. Vitamin-D-insufficient eyes showed significantly reduced CMT (267.66 ± 13.31 µm vs. 274.69 ± 14.96 µm; p = 0.035). GCC thinning was significant only in the inner inferior nasal sector (70.7 ± 13.14 µm vs. 76.45 ± 12.12 µm; p = 0.030), whereas other GCC sectors were comparable between groups. Perfusion density was lower in the DCP across whole, inner, and outer regions (all p < 0.001) and in the SCP inner (p = 0.027) and outer (p = 0.009) regions, while whole SCP did not differ (p = 0.065). FAZ area was numerically larger in vitamin-D-insufficient eyes but was not statistically different (p = 0.168). Functionally, retinal sensitivity decline was greater in vitamin-D-insufficient eyes (−2.89 ± 1.29 dB vs. −2.16 ± 1.04 dB; p = 0.003), and mean central sensitivity was lower (p = 0.010), whereas contrast sensitivity did not differ between groups. Serum vitamin D levels < 30 ng/mL are associated with early, subclinical, structural and microvascular retinal alterations in healthy adults, supporting a potential role of hypovitaminosis D as a modifier of retinal integrity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vitamin D plays an important role in muscle metabolism and recovery, yet its kinetics during and after football-specific physical activity remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether physical effort during a football match influences the concentration of vitamin D metabolites and to explore the effect of a single high-dose cholecalciferol supplementation combined with physical exercise on the levels of vitamin D metabolites in professional football players. Methods: Twenty professional football players participated in a three-phase, randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. Baseline fitness and blood samples were collected, followed by pre- and post-match measurements during two games. In the final phase, half of the players received a single 500,000 IU dose of vitamin D₃ before a simulated match. Blood samples were collected before and after each session to analyze vitamin D metabolites using the isotope-dilution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS) method. Results: Physical exercise during the football match significantly increased serum concentrations of 25-(OH)D₃, 24,25-(OH)₂D₃, and 3-epi-25-(OH)D₃ (by up to 25%, p < 0.001). Following supplementation, these effects were further amplified, with 25-(OH)D₃ rising by 98% and 3-epi-25-(OH)D₃ by 424% (p < 0.001). Significant alterations in vitamin D metabolite ratios after exercise and supplementation suggest enhanced metabolic turnover and dynamic regulation of vitamin D pathways in response to physical effort. Conclusions: Football-specific physical activity appears to stimulate the release of vitamin D metabolites. High-dose cholecalciferol supplementation was well tolerated and may rapidly increase vitamin D status in professional athletes. These findings may have implications for optimizing recovery and performance, though larger trials are needed. Full article

Background and aims: Low vitamin D₃ levels are common in cancer patients, and these patients might benefit from vitamin D₃ level normalization in parallel with the conventional oncology treatment. This study aimed to examine the molecular effects of moderate–high-dose vitamin D₃ supplementation in vitamin D-deficient cancer patients. Methods: Eight patients under oncological treatment (5 lung cancer, 2 colorectal cancer, and 1 urothelial carcinoma) received 30,000 IU of vitamin D₃ per week for two months. Blood samples were collected before and after supplementation, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated. With the aim of assessing further potential epigenetic alterations, global DNA methylation level was estimated on the basis of LINE-1 bisulfite-sequencing experiments on cfDNA and PBMC cells. In order to explore the chromatin accessibility alterations after the treatment in PBMCs, an assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-Seq) was performed using the (10x Genomics, Pleasanton, CA, USA) on a NextSeq 550 instrument using High Output Sequencing kit (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). DNA integrity was assessed by the alkaline Comet-assay and telomere qPCR was also performed. Results: After serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels were normalized, DNA integrity in mononuclear cells improved significantly (p = 0.01), while no significant changes were found in granulocytes. Vitamin D₃ supplementation also led to significant changes in telomere length in mononuclear cells (p = 0.007). No significant differences were observed in cfDNA levels or DNA methylation in PBMCs and cfDNA after supplementation. ATAC-Seq revealed changes in PBMC composition, including an increased number of NK, pDC cells, and monocytes, especially in patients treated with Pembrolizumab in parallel with vitamin D supplementation. Conclusions: These exploratory findings suggest that the observed immune cell and chromatin changes after vitamin D₃ level normalization are compatible with immunomodulatory effects and warrant confirmation in larger, controlled cohorts. Full article

The aim of this study was to examine associations involving serum proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in metabolic disturbances observed in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with particular emphasis on the potential impact of tobacco smoke exposure. The study included 88 women: 60 with PCOS (23 smokers and 37 non-smokers) and 28 without PCOS. Selected biochemical and molecular biomarkers related to lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation were assessed. No significant differences in PCSK9 levels were observed among non-smoking women with PCOS, smoking women with PCOS, and non-smoking women without PCOS. However, in women with PCOS, excess body weight and insulin resistance were associated with increased PCSK9 concentrations. Significant correlations between PCSK9, lipid profile parameters, and the Castelli and triglycerides-glucose indices suggest a potential role of PCSK9 as a biomarker of dyslipidemia and cardiometabolic risk. Elevated PCSK9 levels may contribute not only to increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol but also to enhanced formation of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, which is particularly detrimental to cardiovascular and metabolic health. Vitamin D levels were more strongly associated with smoking status and insulin resistance than with excess body weight. Overall, these findings indicate that PCSK9 regulation in PCOS may be driven predominantly by metabolic factors rather than PCOS status or smoking per se, and that metabolic status and vitamin D deficiency should be considered when assessing cardiometabolic risk in this population. Full article

Vitamin D, traditionally regarded as a nutrient, is increasingly recognized as a pharmacologically active secosteroid with pleiotropic effects extending beyond calcium homeostasis and bone integrity. Together with vitamin K2, it participates in the fine-tuning of mineral metabolism and vascular health, potentially modulating cardiometabolic risk through intertwined endocrine and paracrine pathways. Despite widespread fortification and supplementation, vitamin D deficiency remains a major global health concern, driven by limited sun exposure, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction. Observational and mechanistic studies consistently link low serum 25(OH)D concentrations with hypertension, insulin resistance, heart failure, and increased cardiovascular mortality. At the molecular level, vitamin D exerts pharmacological actions—modulating the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, exerting anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects, and influencing endothelial and cardiomyocyte signaling. While experimental and epidemiological evidence suggests potential cardiovascular benefits, large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide conflicting results, particularly regarding hypertension and heart failure. However, these often-neutral results do not preclude a targeted action. On the contrary, clinical efficacy is strongly dependent on baseline deficiency status and the presence of metabolic cofactors. In this context, high-dose supplementation of Vitamin D, in combination with Vitamin K2 to prevent vascular calcification, elevates the supplement to a genuine pharmacological agent, with a distinct therapeutic potential for modulating cardiometabolic risk in selected patient subgroups. Emerging evidence supports the concept that vitamin D, when appropriately dosed and combined with K2, may act more as a low-potency pharmacological modulator than a simple nutritional supplement. This review synthesizes current mechanistic, observational, and interventional evidence, aiming to clarify whether vitamin D should be reclassified—from a micronutrient to a pharmacologically relevant agent—in cardiometabolic prevention and therapy, proposing a paradigm shift toward personalized and targeted dosing strategies, characteristic of precision pharmacology. Full article

Background/Objectives: The literature indicates that decreased vitamin D levels are frequently observed in individuals with severe psychiatric disorders. However, the scarcity of studies investigating this association in non-psychiatric populations, such as working women, limits the generalizability of these findings. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between common mental disorders (CMDs) and vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency among female workers in southern Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 304 female workers from an industrial group in southern Brazil. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was defined as a serum 25(OH)D concentration of <30 ng/mL. CMDs were assessed using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), with a cutoff score of ≥8. The association between CMDs and vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was estimated using prevalence ratios (PRs) obtained through Poisson regression models adjusted for potential confounders. All analyses were stratified by age group (≤40 years and >40 years). Results: The ≤40-year group included 212 women (69.7%; mean age: 30.1 ± 6.3 years), and the >40-year group included 92 women (30.3%; mean age: 47.5 ± 5.6 years). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was 75.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 69.1–80.9) in women aged ≤40 years and 77.2% (95% CI: 68.4–85.9) in those aged >40 years. After adjustment for potential confounding variables, among women older than 40 years, those with CMDs had a 25% higher probability of presenting vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency compared to those without CMDs (PR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.00–1.56; p = 0.044). Among women aged ≤40 years, no significant association was observed between CMDs and vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency (PR = 1.10; 95% CI: 0.94–1.30; p = 0.226). Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate a significant association between common mental disorders and vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency among female workers, particularly in those aged 40 years or older. Full article

Background: 25-Hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] is the circulating form of vitamin D. Its deficiency is a major global health concern, affecting over one billion people. Beyond its role in bone health, low vitamin D levels have been implicated in a wide range of chronic and inflammatory diseases, including diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cancer. While immunoassays are widely used in routine testing, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) remains the reference method for its superior accuracy. This study aimed to evaluate the analytical performance of the Autobio 25(OH)D chemiluminescence assay (Autobio Diagnostics, Zhengzhou, China) compared with LC-MS/MS (Chromsystems Instruments & Chemicals GmbH, Gräfelfing, Germany) and the Siemens chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (Siemens HealthCare, Erlangen, Germany). Additionally, the influence of age and sex on 25(OH)D concentrations was examined to explore potential demographic and pathophysiological variations. Methods: 200 residual serum samples were analyzed to compare all three methods. Precision and linearity were verified. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: The Autobio assay showed good correlation with LC-MS/MS (R² = 0.953; p < 0.001), with acceptable bias and precision (CV < 10%) and confirmed linearity. Age- and sex-related differences were observed, indicating demographic influences on vitamin D status. Conclusions: Accurate and accessible laboratory testing for 25(OH)D is therefore essential for both disease prevention and clinical management. The Autobio 25(OH)D assay demonstrated strong correlation with LC-MS/MS and high analytical reliability. Its good performance makes it a valuable tool for routine assessment of 25(OH)D and for supporting the early detection or monitoring of hypovitaminosis D in clinical practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Micronutrient deficiencies during infancy remain a major public health concern, particularly in developing countries. Although exclusive breastfeeding is the optimal source of nutrition for infants up to six months of age, limited studies have simultaneously evaluated multiple micronutrient statuses in this population. This study aimed to assess the levels of vitamin D, iron, and other micronutrients—including vitamins A, E, B12, folic acid, zinc, and copper—in exclusively breastfed infants. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2022 and 2024 at a university well-child clinic in İzmir, Turkey. A total of 132 healthy, exclusively breastfed six-month-old infants were included. Blood samples were analyzed for hemogram, serum iron, ferritin, 25(OH)D, vitamins A, E, B12, folic acid, zinc, and copper. Sociodemographic data and supplementation practices were recorded. Deficiency cut-offs were defined according to WHO and national guidelines. Results: Among the infants, 40.2% had iron deficiency or anemia, and 14.4% had vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin B12, A, E, zinc, and copper deficiencies were identified in 29.5%, 2.4%, 4%, 7.4%, and 6.6% of infants, respectively. Regular vitamin D and iron supplementation were significantly associated with lower deficiency rates (p < 0.05). Maternal education level, dressing style, and smoking status were significantly related to infant vitamin D status. Conclusions: Despite national supplementation programs, iron and vitamin D deficiencies remain common in exclusively breastfed infants. Routine and regular supplementation should be emphasized, and subclinical deficiencies—particularly vitamin B12—should be considered. Broader studies evaluating maternal nutritional factors and socioeconomic determinants are warranted to guide preventive strategies. Full article

Nutrition has been recognized as a major contributor to health and well-being. However, the association between nutritional status and cardiometabolic health across different stages of adulthood is not yet well understood. This cross-sectional study examined the association between health and micronutrient status among young and older Austrian adults. Specifically, the study investigated how blood micronutrients, blood lipid measures, and body composition are interrelated. A total of 488 adults who fulfilled the study criteria were categorized into young adults (n = 380; aged 20–49 years; 48% female) and older adults (n = 108; aged 50–64 years; 45% female). Blood analyses were performed to assess blood micronutrient levels and serum concentrations of a wide range of cardiometabolic health biomarkers, including blood lipids. Micronutrient deficiencies and excesses were determined using sex-based reference ranges. Significant differences were found between younger and older adults for 16 out of the 28 blood biomarkers of cardiometabolic health using group comparison tests (p < 0.05). There were significant age-based differences in the levels of magnesium, copper, zinc, molybdenum and vitamin D, but only copper and molybdenum deficiency/excess differed significantly between age groups (p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that several micronutrients and demographic factors were associated with body weight, body mass index, and blood lipids (p < 0.05), with variation in associations observed between younger and older adults. These findings highlight that age-related differences in specific micronutrients, as well as their associations with blood lipids and body composition, should be considered when developing targeted nutritional and cardiometabolic health interventions for adults. Full article

Background/aim: Vitamin D (VitD) has been implicated in neuroprotection, yet its role in Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between VitD status, supplementation, and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms with PD risk and outcomes. Methodology: Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar through August 2025 for observational studies, clinical trials, and genetic association studies. Primary outcomes included serum VitD levels in PD versus healthy controls (HCs), prevalence of VitD insufficiency/deficiency, and effects of VitD supplementation on motor symptoms. Secondary outcomes assessed associations between VDR polymorphisms and PD susceptibility. Data were synthesized using random- and fixed-effects models, with heterogeneity and publication bias evaluated. PROSPERO (CRD420251133875). Results: Sixty-three studies (n ≈ 10,700 participants) met inclusion criteria. PD patients exhibited significantly lower VitD levels (SMD = −0.46; 95% CI: −0.51 to −0.41) and higher odds of insufficiency (OR = 1.52) and deficiency (OR = 2.20) compared to HC. Cohort data suggested sufficient VitD may reduce PD risk (HR = 0.83). Supplementation yielded modest, non-significant improvements in motor outcomes. Among 20 genetic studies, FokI (rs2228570) was most consistently associated with PD, while other VDR SNPs showed variable or null associations. Conclusions: VitD deficiency is common in PD and may influence disease risk and motor function. Current evidence indicates limited benefit of supplementation for motor outcomes, and genetic associations remain inconsistent. Full article

Background/Objectives: Evidence of associations between serum calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D concentrations and development of arrhythmias is limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the quantification and characterization of the dose–response relationship between serum mineral levels and arrhythmia subtypes in a general population cohort. Methods: We included 348,094 UK Biobank participants without prevalent cardiovascular disease or arrhythmias in whom serum calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D concentrations were available. Serum calcium and phosphate levels were multiplied to derive calcium–phosphate product. Incident outcomes were all arrhythmias and subtypes: AF, other (non-AF) arrhythmias, bradyarrhythmia, and ventricular arrhythmias. Cox proportional hazards regression models were conducted. Results: Compared with the lowest quartile, participants in the highest quartile of serum calcium had a significantly lower risk of all arrhythmias (hazard ratio [HR] 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–0.95), particularly AF (0.89, 0.85–0.93). Negative associations were found between serum vitamin D and arrhythmias, especially ventricular arrhythmias (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.57–0.81). Higher serum phosphate and calcium–phosphate product were associated with higher risk of all outcomes. Restricted cubic splines revealed nonlinear associations for calcium and vitamin D but linear associations for phosphate and calcium–phosphate product. The associations were not modified by kidney function. Conclusions: Lower calcium and vitamin D concentrations and higher serum phosphate and calcium–phosphate product were associated with increased risk of arrhythmias and presented a dose–response manner. These findings may indicate that maintaining optimal serum calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D may be important for reducing arrhythmic risk, emphasizing the need for targeted monitoring and management, particularly in high-risk populations. Full article