Vitamin D and Its Role as a Protective Factor in Allergy

The relationship between vitamin D status and asthma has been subject to several studies in the last decade. Epidemiological data suggest that incidence of asthma and atopic diseases increased significantly in most Westernized countries. The significant variation between countries suggests that besides genetic factors, environmental aspects play a role in the pathogenesis of atopy. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D is high in many industrialized countries. In addition to its relationship with bone metabolism, vitamin D is recognized as an immunomodulator, with important effects on both adaptive and innate immunity. Correlations between vitamin D status and asthma have been formulated, with a considerable interest in assessing whether this vitamin protects against or reduces asthma morbidity. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding vitamin D status throughout Europe and its influence over asthma and allergic rhinitis prevalence. Geographical latitude and dietary habits may explain the lower prevalence of allergic disease in Albania. We also consider the effects of vitamin D supplementation in allergic disease. Several clinical trials are under way and their results are needed in order to make definitive recommendations about the optimal dose of vitamin D for prevention and treatment of asthma and allergic disease.

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Modifiable factors of vitamin D status among a Brazilian osteoporotic population attended a public outpatient clinic

Arquivos Brasileiros de Endocrinologia & Metabologia ◽

10.1590/0004-2730000003393 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 58 (5) ◽

pp. 572-582 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Marília Brasilio Rodrigues Camargo ◽

llda Sizue Kunii ◽

Lilian Fukusima Hayashi ◽

Patrícia Muszkat ◽

Catherine Gusman Anelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Vitamin D Status ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Modifiable Factors ◽

The Mean

Objectives To evaluate the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration in Brazilian osteoporotic patients and the modifiable factors of vitamin D status in this population. Subjects and methods In a cross-sectional study, 363 community-dwelling patients who sought specialized medical care were evaluated between autumn and spring in São Paulo, Brazil. Serum levels of 25(OH)D and parathormone (PTH), biochemical and anthropometric measurements, and bone density scans were obtained. The group was assessed using two questionnaires: one questionnaire covered lifestyle and dietary habits, skin phototype, sun exposure, medical conditions, and levels of vitamin D supplementation (cholecalciferol); the other questionnaire assessed health-related quality-of-life. Logistic regression and a decision tree were used to assess the association between the variables and the adequacy of vitamin D status. Results The mean age of the overall sample was 67.9 ± 8.6 years, and the mean 25(OH)D concentration was 24.8 ng/mL. The prevalence of inadequate vitamin D status was high (73.3%), although 81.5% of the subjects were receiving cholecalciferol (mean dose of 8,169 IU/week). 25(OH)D was positively correlated with femoral neck bone mineral density and negatively correlated with PTH. In the multivariate analysis, the dose of cholecalciferol, engagement in physical activity and the month of the year (September) were associated with improvement in vitamin D status. Conclusions In this osteoporotic population, vitamin D supplementation of 7,000 IU/week is not enough to reach the desired 25(OH)D concentration (≥ 30 ng/mL). Engagement in physical activity and the month of the year are modifiable factors of the vitamin D status in this population.

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High Prevalence of Hypovitaminosis D in Institutionalized Elderly Individuals is Associated with Summer in a Region with High Ultraviolet Radiation Levels

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11071516 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 1516

Author(s):

Sara Estéfani S. Sousa ◽

Márcia Cristina Sales ◽

José Rodolfo T. Araújo ◽

Karine C.M. Sena-Evangelista ◽

Kenio C. Lima ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Skin Color ◽

Hypovitaminosis D ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Vitamin D Status ◽

Institutionalized Elderly ◽

Elderly Individuals ◽

Independent Variables ◽

High Prevalence

Vitamin D may play a significant role in regulating the rate of aging. The objective of the study was to assess vitamin D status and its associated factors in institutionalized elderly individuals. A total of 153 elderly individuals living in Nursing Homes (NH) were recruited into the study. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration was used as the biomarker of vitamin D status, and it was considered as the dependent variable in the model. The independent variables were the type of NH, age-adjusted time of institutionalization, age, sex, skin color, body mass index, waist and calf circumference, physical activity practice, mobility, dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium, vitamin D supplementation, use of antiepileptics, and season of the year. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations less than or equal to 29 ng/mL were classified as insufficient vitamin D status. The prevalences of inadequate dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium were 95.4% and 79.7%, respectively. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 71.2%, and the mean serum concentration of 25(OH)D was 23.9 ng/mL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.8–26.1). Serum 25(OH)D concentration was associated with the season of summer (p = 0.046). There were no associations with other independent variables (all p > 0.05). The present results showed that a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was significantly associated with summer in institutionalized elderly individuals.

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Effect of Vitamin D supplementation and outdoor activity on serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D among children in North China: an observational study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-30985/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Xuguang Zhang ◽

Yanping Chen ◽

Shanshan Jin ◽

Xinxin Bi ◽

Dongkai Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Vitamin D Deficiency ◽

Lower Risk ◽

North China ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Hypovitaminosis D ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

High Latitudes ◽

Vitamin D Status ◽

Outdoor Activity

Abstract Background Living at high latitudes is one of the risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in children. However, evidence on vitamin D improvement for this pediatric population to date is limited. This study aims at evaluating the effect of different supplementation methods and outdoor activity time on the vitamin D status of children in North China. Methods A total of 55,925 children aged 1 month to 18 years old were recruited from pediatric outpatient departments from July 2016 to June 2017. Data on demographics, anthropometric measurements, vitamin D supplementation, and outdoor time were recorded. The serum levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D) were determined by high performance liquid chromatography tandem–mass spectrometry. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association of vitamin D supplementation or outdoor time with blood vitamin D status, adjusted for age, gender, BMI for age, and seasons. Results The overall rate of hypovitaminosis D was 65.60%. Of the children’s outdoor time, 35.63%, 31.95%, and 32.42% were below 30 min/d, 30–60 min/d and over 60 min/d, respectively. Furthermore, the proportion of iatrogenic supplementation, voluntary supplementation and no vitamin D supplementation among the children was 16.48%, 32.87%, and 50.65%, respectively. After adjusted for confounding factors, vitamin D supplementation was associated with a lower risk of hypovitaminosis D, with OR (95% CI) of 0.191 (0.180, 0.202) in children with iatrogenic supplementation and 0.423 (0.404, 0.443) in those with voluntary supplementation, compared with children without vitamin D supplementation. In addition, longer outdoor time was associated with a lower risk of hypovitaminosis D [0.479 (0.456, 0.504) for 60 min/d, 0.737 (0.701, 0.776) for 30–60 min/d], independent of vitamin D supplementation. Conclusions High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was found in children living at high latitudes. Vitamin D supplementation and outdoor time are all negatively associated with children’s vitamin D deficiency. Routine 25(OH)D testing combined with vitamin D supplementation might be an effective approach to prevent hypovitaminosis D among children living at high latitudes.

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VITAMIN D STATUS IN A HEALTHY TUNISIAN POPULATION

Journal of Medical Biochemistry ◽

10.5937/jomb0-30247 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Asma KRIR ◽

Afef BAHLOUS ◽

Mehdi MRAD ◽

BOUKSILA Mouna ◽

KALAI Safa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Vitamin D Deficiency ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Hypovitaminosis D ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Tunisian Population ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Vitamin D Status ◽

Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common medical conditions worldwide. In Tunisia, several studies evaluated Vitamin D status, but this was concerning specific populations (pregnant women, obese or diabetic patients and children with asthma). The only study that evaluated Vitamin D status in a healthy Tunisian population was conducted by Meddeb and al. in 2002. The update of data available, based on the currently recommended limits, is necessary. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in a healthy Tunisian population, and correlate the values with potential risk factors. It was conducted on 209 Tunisian healthy subjects. Data collected included clinical characteristics and dietary intakes. We measured 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), glycemia, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, proteins and alkaline phosphatase levels. Hypovitaminosis D was retained for 25(OH)D concentrations <30ng/ml. Vitamin D deficiency was defined by 25(OH)D concentrations <10 ng/ml. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and vitamin D deficiency were respectively 92.3% and 47.6%. The main factors that were significantly associated with low vitamin D levels in our multivariate analysis were veiling, living in rural areas and sunscreen use. However, sex, age, socioeconomic level, phototype, solar exposure score, smoking and bone mass index, were not statistically associated with hypovitaminosis D. The study of relationship between vitamin D status and serum PTH levels showed a significative and negative correlation (p< 0.005). Given the high prevalence of vitamin D, an adapted health policy is essential. A widespread vitamin D supplementation and food fortification seems to be necessary in Tunisia.

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Extraskeletal effects of vitamin D

Reviews in Health Care ◽

10.7175/rhc.v2i2.25 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 87-100

Author(s):

Maurizio Rossini

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Hypovitaminosis D ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Response To Therapy ◽

Vitamin D Metabolites ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Vitamin D Status ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Tract Infections

In the last years we observed an increasing number of publications about the vitamin D, due to its recognised therapeutic actions and to the widespread hypovitaminosis D. In addition to the well known skeletal benefits, vitamin D can have multiple effects on other tissues.Muscular apparatus: hypovitaminosis D is associated with myopathy, sarcopenia, muscular strength reduction and increased risk of falls. The vitamin D supplementation increases the muscle functionality indexes. Cardiovascular system: low levels of vitamin D are related to increased levels of cardiovascular risk factors, heart failure, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality, while a good vitamin D status is associated with a decreased incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Diabetes and metabolic syndrome: a good vitamin D status is related to a decreased incidence of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome; a vitamin D supplementation in the early childhood reduces (nearly 30%) the risk of having type 1 diabetes. Cancer: vitamin D deficit is associated with breast, colorectal cancer and melanoma relapses. Low and high levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) are related to a higher neoplastic mortality. Infectious diseases: hypovitaminosis D is associated with higher incidence of upper respiratory tract infections and worse interferon response in chronic hepatitis C. Vitamin D supplementation decreases the risk of having type A influence. Rheumatic diseases: in rheumatoid arthritis low serum levels of vitamin D metabolites are related to a higher disease activity, while a good vitamin D status is associated with a higher probability of remission or response to therapy and a lower degree of disability. Neurologic diseases: associations between vitamin D deficit and risk of multiple sclerosis, depression, cognitive deficits, and Parkinson’s disease have been reported.There is evidence of the extraskeletal effects of vitamin D, but most derive from observational studies: clinical trials are required the better to determine the therapeutic role of vitamin D.

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Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in pregnant women: a longitudinal study

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114509297236 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 102 (6) ◽

pp. 876-881 ◽

Cited By ~ 152

Author(s):

Valerie A. Holmes ◽

Maria S. Barnes ◽

H. Denis Alexander ◽

Peter McFaul ◽

Julie M. W. Wallace

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Hypovitaminosis D ◽

Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Vitamin D Status ◽

Maternal Vitamin ◽

Hydroxyvitamin D ◽

Supplement Use

Maternal vitamin D insufficiency is associated with childhood rickets and longer-term problems including schizophrenia and type 1 diabetes. Whilst maternal vitamin D insufficiency is common in mothers with highly pigmented skin, little is known about vitamin D status of Caucasian pregnant women. The aim was to investigate vitamin D status in healthy Caucasian pregnant women and a group of age-matched non-pregnant controls living at 54–55°N. In a longitudinal study, plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was assessed in ninety-nine pregnant women at 12, 20 and 35 weeks of gestation, and in thirty-eight non-pregnant women sampled concurrently. Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were lower in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women (P < 0·0001). Of the pregnant women, 35, 44 and 16 % were classified as vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D < 25 nmol/l), and 96, 96 and 75 % were classified as vitamin D insufficient (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/l) at 12, 20 and 35 weeks gestation, respectively. Vitamin D status was higher in pregnant women who reported taking multivitamin supplements at 12 (P < 0·0001), 20 (P = 0·001) and 35 (P = 0·001) weeks gestation than in non-supplement users. Vitamin D insufficiency is evident in pregnant women living at 54–55°N. Women reporting use of vitamin D-containing supplements had higher vitamin D status, however, vitamin D insufficiency was still evident even in the face of supplement use. Given the potential consequences of hypovitaminosis D on health outcomes, vitamin D supplementation, perhaps at higher doses than currently available, is needed to improve maternal vitamin D nutriture.

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Hypovitaminosis D and Its Associated Factors in North Algerian Postmenopausal Women: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study

Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1155/2017/9032141 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

S. Oussedik-Lehtihet ◽

C. Haouichat ◽

N. Hammoumraoui ◽

E. Ducros ◽

C. Gouhier-Kodas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Statistical Power ◽

Hypovitaminosis D ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Sample Population ◽

Vitamin D Status ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Purpose. As the vitamin D status of Algerian postmenopausal women was poorly described, this cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of low vitamin D status in a sample population. Secondarily, predictive factors of this hypovitaminosis D were explored.Methods. All the 336 selected women ≥ 45 years from Douera were interviewed to get anthropometric and lifestyle data, reproductive and medical history, medications, and calcium/vitamin D intakes. A blood sample was collected to measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations.Results. Approximately 86% of subjects had low vitamin D status (<20 ng/mL). Mean 25(OH)D level was 14.4 ± 5.3 ng/mL with a clear seasonal dynamic and a significant negative correlation with PTH levels (r = −0.15,p=0.006). A multiple regression analysis using the 25(OH)D cutoff value of 17 ng/mL instead of the generally admitted level of 20 ng/mL was performed to increase statistical power. Other seasons than summer (OR 4.159 and 95% CI 2.456–7.043), obesity (≥30 kg/m2, OR 1.826, 95% CI 1.081–3.083), and veiling (OR 3.526, 95% CI 1.090–11.400) were significantly associated with 25(OH)D concentrations <17 ng/mL.Conclusions. In North Algeria, the abundant sunlight appears insufficient to fully offset hypovitaminosis D risk factors in postmenopausal women, especially obesity and veiling. It suggests the major need to increase vitamin D supplementation in this subpopulation.

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Vitamin D and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD): An Update

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12113302 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (11) ◽

pp. 3302 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ilaria Barchetta ◽

Flavia Agata Cimini ◽

Maria Gisella Cavallo

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Liver Disease ◽

Fatty Liver ◽

Fatty Liver Disease ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Hypovitaminosis D ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Narrative Review ◽

Metabolic Dysfunction ◽

Alcoholic Fatty Liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the first cause of chronic liver disease worldwide; it ranges from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis (NASH) and, potentially, cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma. NAFLD is also an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality. As it is largely associated with insulin resistance and related disorders, NAFLD has been recently re-named as Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). At present, there are no approved pharmacological treatments for this condition. Vitamin D is a molecule with extensive anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and insulin-sensitizing properties, which have been proven also in hepatic cells and is involved in immune-metabolic pathways within the gut–adipose tissue–liver axis. Epidemiological data support a relationship hypovitaminosis D and the presence of NAFLD and steatohepatitis (NASH); however, results from vitamin D supplementation trials on liver outcomes are controversial. This narrative review provides an overview of the latest evidence on pathophysiological pathways connecting vitamin D to NAFLD, with emphasis on the effects of vitamin D treatment in MAFLD by a nonsystematic literature review of PubMed published clinical trials. This article conforms to the Scale for Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guidelines. Evidence so far available supports the hypothesis of potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in selected populations of NAFLD patients, as those with shorter disease duration and mild to moderate liver damage.

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Vitamin D status among indigenous Mayan (Kekchi) and Afro-Caribe (Garifuna) adolescents from Guatemala: a comparative description between two ethnic groups residing on the Rio Dulce at the Caribbean coast in Izabal Province, Guatemala

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980016000598 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 20 (10) ◽

pp. 1729-1737 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Ali Naqvi ◽

Noel W Solomons ◽

Raquel Campos ◽

María José Soto-Méndez ◽

Emily Caplan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Skin Pigmentation ◽

Geographic Location ◽

Hypovitaminosis D ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Skin Area ◽

Vitamin D Status ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Caribbean Coast

AbstractObjectiveTo assess vitamin D status and the influence of risk factors such as skin pigmentation and time spent outdoors on hypovitaminosis D among GuatemalanKekchiandGarifunaadolescents.DesignCross-sectional study, with convenient sampling design. Blood samples, anthropometric and behavioural data were all collected during the dry season. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were measured by RIA.SettingCommunities of Rio Dulce and Livingston, Izabal Province, Caribbean coast of Guatemala, with latitude and longitude of 15°49′N and 88°45′W for Livingston and 15°46′N and 88°49′W for Rio Dulce, respectively.SubjectsEighty-six adolescents, divided evenly by sex and ethnicity, with mean age of 14 years.ResultsMean (sd) 25(OH)D value was 27·8 (7·2) ng/ml for the total group, with 25·8 (5·9) and 29·8 (7·9) ng/ml, respectively, inKekchisandGarifunas(P=0·01). Use of vitamin D supplementation, clothing practices and sun protection were not statistically different between groups. Skin area exposed on the day of data collection ranged from 20·0 % minimum to 49·4 % maximum, with mean (sd) exposure of 32·0 (8.5) %. With univariate regression analysis, age (P=0·034), sex (P=0·044), ethnicity (P=0·010), time spent outdoors (P=0·006) and percentage skin area exposed (P=0·001) were predictive. However, multivariate analysis indicated that only sex (P=0·034) and percentage skin area exposed (P=0·044) remained as predictors of 25(OH)D.ConclusionsDespite residing in an optimal geographic location for sunlight exposure, nearly 65 % of study adolescents were either insufficient or deficient in vitamin D. Correction and long-term prevention of this nutritional problem may be instrumental in avoiding adverse effects in adulthood attributed to low 25(OH)D during adolescence.

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In “High-Risk” Infants with Sufficient Vitamin D Status at Birth, Infant Vitamin D Supplementation Had No Effect on Allergy Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12061747 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 1747 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kristina Rueter ◽

Anderson P. Jones ◽

Aris Siafarikas ◽

Ee-Mun Lim ◽

Susan L. Prescott ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

High Risk ◽

Allergic Disease ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Vitamin D Status ◽

Disease Outcomes ◽

Vitamin D Levels ◽

High Risk Infants ◽

Sufficient Vitamin

Lower vitamin D status at birth and during infancy has been associated with increased incidence of eczema and food allergies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of early infancy vitamin D supplementation on allergic disease outcomes in infants at “hereditary risk” of allergic disease, but who had sufficient vitamin D levels at birth. Here, we report the early childhood follow-up to 2.5 years of age of “high-risk” infants who participated in a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. For inclusion in this trial, late gestation (36–40 weeks) maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels needed to be ≥50 nmol/L. Infants were randomized to either oral vitamin D supplementation of 400 IU/day (n = 97) or a placebo (n = 98) for the first six months of life. Vitamin D levels and allergic disease outcomes were followed up. There were no statistically significant differences in incidence of any medically diagnosed allergic disease outcomes or allergen sensitization rates between the vitamin D-supplemented and placebo groups at either 1 year or at 2.5 years of age. In conclusion, for “allergy high-risk” infants who had sufficient vitamin D status at birth, early infancy oral vitamin D supplementation does not appear to reduce the development of early childhood allergic disease.

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