scholarly journals The calcium and vitamin D controversy

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 107-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Abrahamsen
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Intervention Studies ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Public Health Message ◽  
Current Research Effort ◽  
Calcium Status

Areas of the world where vitamin D levels are low for months of the year and intakes of calcium are high have a high prevalence of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. This suggests a public health message of avoiding calcium supplements and increasing vitamin D intake. No message could be more welcome as vitamin D can be given as a bolus while calcium must be taken daily and may be poorly tolerated. This approach is based on no evidence from intervention studies. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest that vitamin D given with calcium elicits a small reduction in fracture risk and deaths. This has not been demonstrated for D given alone. The cardiovascular safety of calcium and vitamin D (CaD) supplements is difficult to ascertain due to weaknesses in RCT designs and adjudication that cannot be remedied by subanalysis. Moreover, no major new RCTs are in process to provide better evidence. It remains unclear that calcium from dietary sources has health advantages over supplements. Benefits may be confined to patients with poor nutritional intake and the small effects at societal levels may be derived from large effects in a small number of patients. This has been impossible to confirm given the limited information about baseline vitamin D and calcium status at entry into trials. Future intervention studies should carefully capture baseline characteristics as these may determine the strength of the response, and make more efficient use of randomization strategies allowing subsequent disassembly or subanalyses while maintaining balancing. Though large clinical RCTs currently evaluate the effects of higher vitamin D doses (equivalent to 50–83 µg/d) there is no current research effort regarding the calcium controversy. In the absence of such studies it is not possible to provide clinicians with evidence-based recommendations regarding the best use of CaD supplementation.

The Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Iran: A Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 1015-1027
Author(s):  
Mohammad Bagherniya ◽  
Zahra Khorasanchi ◽  
Mina S. Bidokhti ◽  
Gordon A. Ferns ◽  
Mitra Rezaei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
High Prevalence

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a common medical condition worldwide. In Iran, it has been reported that between 30-90% of people have vitamin D deficiency. However, its distribution in different parts of the country and among different age and regional groups is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review the recent literature on vitamin D deficiency in Iran. Methods: The literature review was performed using Web of Science, PubMed-Medline, Scopus and Scientific Information Database (SID) with a cut-off date of November 2016 to identify articles on vitamin D status in Iran published in the last 10 years. Studies in English and Persian that reported vitamin D levels in male and female subjects of all age groups and in healthy populations were included. Results: From 325 studies that were initially retrieved, 82 articles met the inclusion criteria. A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was reported, and in some regions, this was reported as >90% and was found in all age groups and in all regions of Iran. Conclusion: This review highlights the very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Iran. It will be important to recognize the importance of vitamin D deficiency as a major public health problem in Iran.

Vitamin D and sleep duration: Is there a bidirectional relationship?

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Mosavat ◽  
Aisling Smyth ◽  
Diana Arabiat ◽  
Lisa Whitehead
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Bone Homeostasis ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Bidirectional Relationship ◽  
Sleep Length

AbstractVitamin D contributes to numerous physiological processes within the body but primarily calcium and bone homeostasis. Emerging evidence highlights a novel role for vitamin D in maintaining and regulating optimal sleep. Sleep is a known regulator of bone health, highlighting the interconnectedness between vitamin D concentrations, sleep duration and bone metabolism. It is possible that the relationship between sleep length and vitamin D is bidirectional, with vitamin D playing a role in sleep health and conversely, sleep affecting vitamin D levels. Nevertheless, limited information on the direction of the interaction is available, and much remains to be learned concerning the complex relationship between insufficient sleep duration and vitamin D deficiency. Given the potential to implement interventions to improve sleep and vitamin D supplementation, understanding this relationship further could represent a novel way to support and improve health.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional study reveals a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among healthy school children in central Kerala, India

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 867
Author(s):  
Ayyappan Anitha ◽  
Suresh A. Poovathinal ◽  
Vijitha Viswambharan ◽  
Ismail Thanseem ◽  
Mahesh M. Vasu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
School Children ◽  
Skin Color ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
High Prevalence

Background: Authors examined serum vitamin D status among the healthy school children belonging to the south Indian state of Kerala.Methods: A cross-sectional study, participants were recruited through medical camps organized in Thrissur and Palakkad districts of central Kerala during the months of March and April 2017. A 174 healthy school children (98 males and 76 females) aged 5-13 years were recruited for the study. The children were found to be healthy on the basis of physical examination by a Paediatrician. None of the children had any symptoms of skeletal deformities. All the children were drug-naive. Data on height, weight, skin color, food habits, physical activities and socio-economic status were recorded. A 2ml of peripheral blood samples were collected from the participants. Total vitamin D in the serum was estimated by chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA).Results: VDD was observed in 60.92% and insufficiency in 30.46% of the participants. Only 8.62% of the participants had normal vitamin D levels. The mean vitamin D level was 19.93 ng/ml. Males had significantly higher vitamin D levels compared to females. Factors such as age, height, weight, diet, skin color and socio-economic status did not influence vitamin D levels.Conclusions: This is the first study of vitamin D status among the school-age children of Kerala. This paper adds further evidence to the reports indicating high prevalence of subclinical VDD among children across India and calls for action.

scholarly journals Influence of serum vitamin D status on severe sarcopenia among female patients with rheumatoid arthritis: the KURAMA database

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroto Minamino ◽  
Masao Katsushima ◽  
Mie Torii ◽  
Wataru Yamamoto ◽  
Yoshihito Fujita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Serum Vitamin D ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
High Prevalence

Abstract Sarcopenia is an age-related disease with an increased risk of mortality. It is emerging that low serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) affects the sarcopenic state in general, but in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), these associations are not understood although the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency is high in RA. We conducted a cross-sectional study of older female outpatients from our cohort (KURAMA) database. We measured skeletal muscle mass, handgrip strength, and gait-speed to diagnose severe sarcopenia. The serum 25(OH)D concentration was measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. A total of 156 Patients (sarcopenia:44.9%, severe sarcopenia: 29.5%, and without sarcopenia: 25.6%) were enrolled. Classification of vitamin D status at a cutoff point of median 25(OH)D concentration revealed that low 25(OH)D status was associated with a high prevalence of severe sarcopenia and with low measured values of muscle mass, handgrip, and gait-speed. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis identified that low 25(OH)D status was associated with a high prevalence of severe sarcopenia (OR 6.00; 95% CI 1.99–18.08). In components of sarcopenia, both low physical performance and muscle mass were associated with low 25(OH) status. In conclusion, vitamin D levels are associated with severe sarcopenia and its components, and modification of vitamin D status including vitamin D supplementation may play a role in improving sarcopenia in RA.

Vitamin D levels and trabecular bone remodelling before and after surgery for medullary thyroid carcinoma

1984 ◽  
Vol 106 (3) ◽  
pp. 346-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Emmertsen ◽  
F. Melsen ◽  
L. Mosekilde ◽  
Bi. Lund ◽  
Bj. Lund ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Thyroid Carcinoma ◽  
Trabecular Bone ◽  
Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma ◽  
Bone Remodelling ◽  
Vitamin D Metabolism ◽  
Medullary Thyroid ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Before And After

Abstract. We previously reported increased mean serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-(OH)2D) and increased trabecular bone remodelling in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MCT) and hypercalcitoninaemia. In the present paper we report that serum 1,25-(OH)2D and trabecular bone remodelling decreased following surgical cure for MCT and hypercalcitoninaemia in 4 patients despite no detectable post-surgical hypoparathyroidism or hypothyroidism. The results obtained in the present small number of patients suggest that the altered vitamin D metabolism and trabecular bone remodelling in patients with MCT is caused by the hypercalcitoninaemia.

scholarly journals Research of Vitamin D Levels Between the Tuberculosis Infected and Non – Infected Subjects in 16-25 Years of Age

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2S3) ◽  
pp. 677-680
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Income Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
Questionnaire Method ◽  
Method Analysis

Aim – To compare vitamin D levels between Tb infected and non-infected subjects in 16-25 years of age. Methods – Tb patients (16-25 years) from low income group were identified from the DOT centres in Pitampura, subjects were interviewed through questionnaire method, analysis of vitamin D content of identified patients and non infected subjects were done and finally assessment of relationship between vitamin D and non infected subjects. Results- The population included 30 patients infected with Tb and 30 subjects who are non-infected, which have been tested for vitamin D. When results were compared with healthy control group it was found that vitamin D was relatively low i.e. p- <0.001.There is a high prevalence of VDD in this population. Conclusion- vitamin D deficiency is positively and significantly co related with Tb. In the present study, general population itself established to be extremely deficient in Vitamin D. Hence; this is very difficult to delineate relation within VITAMIN D and TB. In future, a multicentre study with a large size of sample needs to be carried out to elicit a relation within vitamin D status and TB.

scholarly journals Low Vitamin D Level in Saudi Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iman Abdullah Bindayel
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Serum Triglyceride ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Saudi Women ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. In this study, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were compared between women with and without PCOS and with regard to anthropometric indices and lipid and glucose biomarkers. Thirty-one women with PCOS and 75 controls answered a questionnaire on vitamin D, in addition to general health and lifestyle. The patients with PCOS had lower vitamin D levels (p &lt; 0.05), a significantly higher rate of obesity (p &lt; 0.05), and significantly higher serum triglyceride levels than did controls. The number of patients with PCOS consumed milk and dairy products (p &lt; 0.05) and exposed to sun (p &lt; 0.006) were lower compared to controls. Triglyceride levels were significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI); vitamin D level was not significantly correlated with anthropometrical or biochemical variables. These results affirm that vitamin D levels are lower in women with PCOS; however, despite the significantly higher proportion of obesity among patients with PCOS, hypovitaminosis was not associated with BMI. The relationship between body composition and vitamin D in PCOS and the effect of vitamin D correction on metabolic and hormonal parameters associated with PCOS must be assessed in future trials.

scholarly journals Severe hypovitaminosis D in pregnant refugees arriving in Europe: neonatal outcomes and importance of prenatal intervention

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Liori ◽  
Damaskini Polychroni ◽  
Georgios K Markantes ◽  
Maria Stamou ◽  
Sarantis Livadas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Hypovitaminosis D ◽  
Neonatal Health ◽  
Host Countries ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Prenatal Intervention

Adequate vitamin D levels are particularly important in pregnant women for both the maternal and neonatal health. Prior studies have shown a significantly high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) among refugees. However, no study has addressed the prevalence of VDD in pregnant refugees and its effects on neonatal health. In this study, we examined the prevalence of VDD in refugee pregnant women living in Greece and compared our results with Greek pregnant inhabitants. Vitamin D deficiency was frequent in both groups but was significantly more common in refugees (92.2% vs 67.3% of Greek women, p=0.003) with 70.6% of refugees having severe hypovitaminosis D (<10 ng/ml). As a result, most newborns had Vitamin D deficiency, which affected refugee newborns to a greater extent. Our results suggest a need to screen newcomer children and pregnant women for vitamin D deficiency in all host countries around the world. Such a screen will appropriately guide early and effective interventions with the goal to prevent adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes.

scholarly journals Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in antenatal women

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 2302
Author(s):  
Anu Bala Chandel ◽  
Rita Mittal ◽  
Anoop Sharma ◽  
Shivika Mittal ◽  
Poonam Samyal
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Lung Development ◽  
Immune Modulation ◽  
Preterm Labour ◽  
Obstetrics And Gynaecology ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Sufficient Vitamin ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Vitamin D has an increasingly recognised repertoire of non-classical actions, such as promoting insulin action and secretion, immune modulation and lung development. It therefore has the potential to influence many factors in the developing fetus. Several studies reported the relationship between maternal vitamin D deficiency and adverse maternal and fetal outcomes including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm labour, low birth weight and increased rate of caesarean section. The present study was undertaken to study the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in antenatal women of Shimla, India.Methods: The study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kamla Nehru Hospital, Shimla, India over a period of 12 months. Six hundred women were included in the study.Results: Out of 600 subjects, 568 (94.67%) subjects had vitamin D deficiency and only 32 (5.33%) subjects had sufficient vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency was more common in the vegetarians, dark skinned subjects and in those who were taking vitamin D supplements.Conclusions: It is concluded from this study that there is high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in antenatal women of Shimla, India.

scholarly journals P145 A review of vitamin D testing in primary care: significant savings to be made

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Riding ◽  
Elizabeth MacPhie
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
High Risk ◽  
British Society ◽  
Repeated Testing ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Lower Limb Pain

Abstract Background Vitamin D deficiency is common in the UK due to a lack of sunlight over the winter months. Risk factors include darker skin and reduced exposure to sunlight (e.g. housebound/institutionalised patients or those who cover skin for religious reasons). As part of the Choosing Wisely campaign, the British Society for Rheumatology recommend that vitamin D testing should be reserved for people at high risk of deficiency and avoided as part of routine investigation of widespread pain alone. They also recommend that repeat testing isn’t usually necessary in patients who are taking vitamin D supplements. The aim of this project was to review the testing of Vitamin D in a Primary Care setting. Methods An EMIS search was conducted for patients who had their vitamin D levels tested in September and October 2017. The following information was collected for each patient: indication for testing, vitamin D level, whether vitamin D had been tested previously or subsequently, treatment offered and the patient’s residence. Results 96 patients had their vitamin D levels checked. Of these, 8 were excluded as they had been tested on the advice of secondary care. Of the remaining 88 patients, 6 (6%) were vitamin D deficient and 34 (38%) had insufficient vitamin D levels. The most common indication for testing was tiredness in 26 patients (30%) followed by generalised aching/lower limb pain 19 (22%). 8 (9%) patients were tested due to pain at specific sites including a single joint or abdominal pain, 5 (6%) due to neurological symptoms, 4 (5%) due to a diagnosis of CKD and 3 (3%) due to skin and hair problems. There was no clearly documented indication for testing levels in the remaining 3 (3%) patients. 35 (40%) patients had previously had their vitamin D levels tested and 19 (22%) patients had subsequent testing. Of the patients with abnormal vitamin D levels, 22 (25%) were prescribed treatment, 16 (18%) advised to buy over the counter and no advice was documented in 16 (18%) patients. None of the patients lived in residential or nursing homes. Conclusion This project identified a range of indications for vitamin D testing and a large number of patients who had repeated testing. This highlights a potential area for education in primary care surrounding the value in both initial and repeated testing of vitamin D levels. The findings show a need for an improvement in documentation as some patients had no clear linked reason for testing and no evidence that abnormal levels were actioned. However, there were limitations to determining whether BSR guidelines were followed as some factors that would lead to patients being at high risk of deficiency (such as skin colour) could not be collected from EMIS. Disclosures E. Riding None. E. MacPhie Other; EM is the secretary of the North West Rheumatology Club; meetings are supported by an unrestricted educational grant from UCB.

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