scholarly journals Commentary: Role of vitamin D in disease through the lens of Mendelian randomization—Evidence from Mendelian randomization challenges the benefits of vitamin D supplementation for disease prevention

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 1435-1437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Despoina Manousaki ◽  
J Brent Richards
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Disease Prevention ◽  
Mendelian Randomization ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation

scholarly journals Using genetic variants to evaluate the causal effect of serum vitamin D concentration on COVID-19 susceptibility, severity and hospitalization traits: a Mendelian randomization study

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiyong Cui ◽  
Yun Tian
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Mendelian Randomization ◽  
Causal Effect ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Global Test ◽  
Serum Vitamin D

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has struck globally and is exerting a devastating toll on humans. The pandemic has led to calls for widespread vitamin D supplementation in public. However, evidence supporting the role of vitamin D in the COVID-19 pandemic remains controversial. Methods We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to analyze the causal effect of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration on COVID-19 susceptibility, severity and hospitalization traits by using summary-level GWAS data. The causal associations were estimated with inverse variance weighted (IVW) with fixed effects (IVW-fixed) and random effects (IVW-random), MR-Egger, weighted edian and MR Robust Adjusted Profile Score (MR.RAPS) methods. We further applied the MR Steiger filtering method, MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) global test and PhenoScanner tool to check and remove single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were horizontally pleiotropic. Results We found no evidence to support the causal associations between the serum 25(OH)D concentration and the risk of COVID-19 susceptibility [IVW-fixed: odds ratio (OR) = 0.9049, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8197–0.9988, p = 0.0473], severity (IVW-fixed: OR = 1.0298, 95% CI 0.7699–1.3775, p = 0.8432) and hospitalized traits (IVW-fixed: OR = 1.0713, 95% CI 0.8819–1.3013, p = 0.4878) using outlier removed sets at a Bonferroni-corrected p threshold of 0.0167. Sensitivity analyses did not reveal any sign of horizontal pleiotropy. Conclusions Our MR analysis provided precise evidence that genetically lowered serum 25(OH)D concentrations were not causally associated with COVID-19 susceptibility, severity or hospitalized traits. Our study did not provide evidence assessing the role of vitamin D supplementation during the COVID-19 pandemic. High-quality randomized controlled trials are necessary to explore and define the role of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

scholarly journals The causal effect of serum vitamin D concentration on COVID-19 susceptibility, severity and hospitalization traits: a Mendelian randomization study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiyong Cui ◽  
Yun Tian
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Mendelian Randomization ◽  
Causal Effect ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Global Test ◽  
Serum Vitamin D

AbstractBackgroundEvidence supporting the role of vitamin D in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remains controversial.MethodsWe performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to analyze the causal effect of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration on COVID-19 susceptibility, severity and hospitalization traits by using summary-level GWAS data. The causal associations were estimated with inverse variance weighted (IVW) with fixed effects (IVW-fixed) and random effects (IVW-random), MR-Egger, weighted median and MR Robust Adjusted Profile Score (MR.RAPS) methods. We further applied the MR Steiger filtering method, MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) global test and PhenoScanner tool to check and remove single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were horizontally pleiotropic.ResultsWe found no evidence to support the causal associations between the serum 25(OH)D concentration and the risk of COVID-19 susceptibility (IVW-fixed: odds ratio [OR] = 0.9049, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8197∼0.9988, p = 0.0473), severity (IVW-fixed: OR = 1.0298, 95% CI 0.7699∼1.3775, p = 0.8432) and hospitalized traits (IVW-fixed: OR = 1.0713, 95% CI 0.8819∼1.3013, p = 0.4878) using outlier removed sets at a Bonferroni-corrected p threshold of 0.0167. Sensitivity analyses did not reveal any sign of horizontal pleiotropy.ConclusionsOur MR analysis provided precise evidence that genetically lowered serum 25(OH)D concentrations were not causally associated with COVID-19 susceptibility, severity or hospitalized traits. Our study therefore did not provide evidence assessing the role of vitamin D supplementation during the COVID-19 pandemic. High-quality randomized controlled trials are necessary to explore and define the role of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Could vitamin D reduce obesity-associated inflammation? Observational and Mendelian randomization study

2020 ◽  
Vol 111 (5) ◽  
pp. 1036-1047 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saranya Palaniswamy ◽  
Dipender Gill ◽  
N Maneka De Silva ◽  
Estelle Lowry ◽  
Jari Jokelainen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Genome Wide Association Study ◽  
Mendelian Randomization ◽  
Acute Phase Proteins ◽  
Causal Effect ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Inflammatory Biomarkers ◽  
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Hs Crp

ABSTRACT Background Obesity is associated with inflammation but the role of vitamin D in this process is not clear. Objectives We aimed to assess the associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], BMI, and 16 inflammatory biomarkers, and to assess the role of vitamin D as a potential mediator in the association between higher BMI and inflammation. Methods Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966) 31-y data on 3586 individuals were analyzed to examine the observational associations between BMI, 25(OH)D, and 16 inflammatory biomarkers. Multivariable regression analyses and 2-sample regression-based Mendelian randomization (MR) mediation analysis were performed to assess any role of vitamin D in mediating a causal effect of BMI on inflammatory biomarkers [soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP)] for which observational associations were detected. For MR, genome-wide association study summary results ranging from 5163 to 806,834 individuals were used for biomarkers, 25(OH)D, and BMI. Findings were triangulated with a literature review of vitamin D supplementation trials. Results In NFBC1966, mean BMI (kg/m2) was 24.8 (95% CI: 24.7, 25.0) and mean 25(OH)D was 50.3 nmol/L (95% CI: 49.8, 50.7 nmol/L). Inflammatory biomarkers correlated as 4 independent clusters: interleukins, adhesion molecules, acute-phase proteins, and chemokines. BMI was positively associated with 9 inflammatory biomarkers and inversely with 25(OH)D (false discovery rate < 0.05). 25(OH)D was inversely associated with sICAM-1, hs-CRP, and AGP, which were positively associated with BMI. The MR analyses showed causal association of BMI on these 3 inflammatory biomarkers. There was no observational or MR evidence that circulating 25(OH)D concentrations mediated the association between BMI and these 3 inflammatory markers. Review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) supported our findings showing no impact of vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers. Conclusions The findings from our observational study and causal MR analyses, together with data from RCTs, do not support a beneficial role of vitamin D supplementation on obesity-related inflammation.

The role of vitamin D in metabolic and reproductive disturbances of polycystic ovary syndrome: A narrative mini-review

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Daniela Menichini ◽  
Gianpiero Forte ◽  
Beatrice Orrù ◽  
Giuseppe Gullo ◽  
Vittorio Unfer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Embryo Quality ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Endometrial Receptivity ◽  
Metabolic Disturbances ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Beneficial Role

Abstract. Vitamin D is a secosteroid hormone that plays a pivotal role in several metabolic and reproductive pathways in humans. Increasing evidence supports the role of vitamin D deficiency in metabolic disturbances and infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Indeed, supplementation with vitamin D seems to have a beneficial role on insulin resistance and endometrial receptivity. On the other hand, exceedingly high levels of vitamin D appear to play a detrimental role on oocytes development and embryo quality. In the current review, we summarize the available evidence about the topic, aiming to suggest the best supplementation strategy in women with PCOS or, more generally, in those with metabolic disturbances and infertility. Based on the retrieved data, vitamin D seems to have a beneficial role on IR, insulin sensitivity and endometrial receptivity, but high levels and incorrect timing of administration seem to have a detrimental role on oocytes development and embryo quality. Therefore, we encourage a low dose supplementation (400–800 IU/day) particularly in vitamin D deficient women that present metabolic disturbances like PCOS. As far as the reproductive health, we advise vitamin D supplementation in selected populations, only during specific moments of the ovarian cycle, to support the luteal phase. However, ambiguities about dosage and timing of the supplementation still emerge from the clinical studies published to date and further studies are required.

scholarly journals Does vitamin D supplementation prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in military personnel? Review of the evidence

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2020-001686
Author(s):  
Iain T Parsons ◽  
R M Gifford ◽  
M J Stacey ◽  
L E Lamb ◽  
M K O'Shea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Military Studies ◽  
Vitamin D Receptors ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
Military Populations ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Recruit Training

For most individuals residing in Northwestern Europe, maintaining replete vitamin D status throughout the year is unlikely without vitamin D supplementation and deficiency remains common. Military studies have investigated the association with vitamin D status, and subsequent supplementation, with the risk of stress fractures particularly during recruit training. The expression of nuclear vitamin D receptors and vitamin D metabolic enzymes in immune cells additionally provides a rationale for the potential role of vitamin D in maintaining immune homeostasis. One particular area of interest has been in the prevention of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs). The aims of this review were to consider the evidence of vitamin D supplementation in military populations in the prevention of ARTIs, including SARS-CoV-2 infection and consequent COVID-19 illness. The occupational/organisational importance of reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2, especially where infected young adults may be asymptomatic, presymptomatic or paucisymptomatic, is also discussed.

scholarly journals Vitamin D supplementation, COVID-19 and disease severity: a meta-analysis

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Shah ◽  
D Saxena ◽  
D Mavalankar
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Objective: Current meta-analysis aims to understand the effect of oral supplementation of vitamin D on intensive care unit (ICU) requirement and mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods: Databases PubMed, preprint servers, and google scholar were searched from December 2019 to December 2020. Authors searched for the articles assessing role of vitamin D supplementation on COVID-19. Cochrane RevMan tool was used for quantitative assessment of the data, where heterogeneity was assessed using I2 and Q statistics and data was expressed using odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Results: Final meta-analysis involved pooled data of 532 hospitalized patients (189 on vitamin D supplementation and 343 on usual care/placebo) of COVID-19 from three studies (Two randomized controlled trials, one retrospective case-control study). Statistically (p<0.0001) lower ICU requirement was observed in patients with vitamin D supplementation as compared to patients without supplementations (odds ratio: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.210-0.626). However, it suffered from significant heterogeneity, which reduced after sensitivity analysis. In case of mortality, vitamin D supplements has comparable findings with placebo treatment/usual care (odds ratio: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.413-2.113; p=0.87). The studies did not show any publication bias and had fair quality score. Subgroup analysis could not be performed due to limited number of studies and hence dose and duration dependent effect of vitamin D could not be evaluated. Conclusions: Although the current meta-analysis findings indicate potential role of vitamin D in improving COVID-19 severity in hospitalized patients, more robust data from randomized controlled trials are needed to substantiate its effects on mortality.

scholarly journals Vitamin D supplementation for women before and during pregnancy: an update of the guidelines, evidence, and role of GPs and practice nurses

2017 ◽  
Vol 67 (662) ◽  
pp. 423-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Hynes ◽  
Amrita Jesurasa ◽  
Patricia Evans ◽  
Caroline Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Practice Nurses

scholarly journals Role of Vitamin D in Reducing the Frequency of Asthma Attacks in Patients with Frequent Exacerbation of Asthma

2021 ◽  
pp. 11-16
Author(s):  
Mubeen Ahmed Memon ◽  
Sheeba Faryal Ansari ◽  
Mumtaz Ali Lakho ◽  
Mukhtiar Hussain Jaffery ◽  
Syed Zulfiquar Ali Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Corticosteroid Treatment ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
The Body ◽  
P Value ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Asthma Exacerbations ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Interventional Group

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is common among asthmatics with literature suggesting that its low levels in the body may trigger exacerbations and decrease the response to corticosteroid treatment. It has also shown to inhibit the production of cytokines, which in turn enhances the body’s response to corticosteroid treatment during an exacerbation. Therefore, maintenance of adequate levels of vitamin D in patients with asthma may reduce the risk of exacerbation and improve their general health. This study aims to explore the role of vitamin D supplementation in preventing asthma exacerbations. Methods: This single blind parallel arm interventional study was conducted in the pulmonology ward in a tertiary care hospital from June 2018 to April 2020. Two hundred (n= 200) participants with a history of frequent acute exacerbation of asthma were enrolled in the study via consecutive convenient non-probability technique. Participants were divided into two groups; the placebo and the interventional group that received 200,000 IU of vitamin D capsule. Results: Compared to day 0, mean episodes of exacerbation in the interventional group were significantly lower after 180 days (1.1 ± 0.4 vs. 0.61 ± 0.3; p-value <0.0001). Similarly, number of asthma attacks in past 7 days was significantly lower in intervention group after 180 days (4.4 ± 2.7 vs. 3.1 ± 1.5; p-value 0.0001) Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation is a safe and cost-friendly approach to reducing asthma exacerbations. It may also help to improve the condition in severe asthmatics with low vitamin D levels.

scholarly journals Assessment of vitamin D among Sudanese Patients with Hypothyroidism

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 057-061
Author(s):  
Hasna Osman Fadalla Mohamed ◽  
Omer Fadol Edris ◽  
Gad Allah Modawe ◽  
Suhair Abdelrahman Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Autoimmune Diseases ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Control Hospital ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Thyroid Profile ◽  
Methods Analytical ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide health issue and its role as an immune modulator has recently been emphasized. Evidence increasingly indicates the important role of vitamin D in reducing the incidence of autoimmune diseases. However, at this time the search for its role in autoimmune diseases and thyroid is not critical. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the relationship between vitamin D deficiency in Sudanese patients with hypothyroidism. Methods: Analytical case control hospital based study, conducted in Fadil Hospital and Police Hospital, Khartoum city, Khartoum state. The study carried out from March 2018 to September 2018. A total of 100 subjects were enrolled in the study. Vitamin D deficiency was set at levels below 20 ng / ml. Thyroid hormones (TSH, T3 and T4) were assessed in all participants using auto analyzer TOSOH AIA 313,while vitamin D was estimated using ELIZA. The data were analyzed using SPSS version (21). Results: The study included 76(76%) females and 24(24%) males, no significance differences between thyroid profile among study population.75 (75%) deficiency of vitamin D and 25(25%) normal vitamin D. vitamin D deficiency was significantly lower in female than male with( p =0.001). Conclusion: The results indicated that patients with hypothyroidism suffer from vitamin D deficiency significantly associated with the degree and severity of hypothyroidism. This encourages the desirability of vitamin D supplementation and recommends the detection of vitamin D deficiency for all hypothyroidism patients.

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