Seasonal variation of vitamin D levels in Swiss athletes

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is very prevalent in world population and growing evidence shows that also athletes are affected. Vitamin D deficiency causes beside bone disorders, musculoskeletal pain, muscle weakness and is associated with many other health disorders. For athletes in particular it may impair training and performance, prolong recovery and increase risk of injury. We therefore analyzed vitamin D levels in Swiss athletes focusing on prevalence according to age, gender, seasonal variations, indoor or outdoor sports, sunscreen use and vitamin D supplementation. Methods: This study was performed in a convenient sample of 655 Swiss Olympic athletes over one year. Blood samples were obtained and a questionnaire was filled in at Swiss Olympic Medical Centers or Bases during an annual routine exam. Data were then sent to the central laboratory of the Aarau hospital where they were processed and sent to us in an anonymized version. Vitamin D levels were categorized into deficiency (≤ 50 nmol/l), insufficiency (between 50 and 75 nmol/l) and adequate levels (> 75 nmol/l) of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. By means of the questionnaire, we assessed age, gender, type of sport, symptoms possibly related to vitamin D deficiency during the last year, frequency of sunscreen use and vitamin D-containing medications of the athletes. Results: 13.5% of the participants (total number = 651) presented a vitamin D deficiency, 37.8% a vitamin D insufficiency so that more than half of the athletes (51.2%) had inadequate vitamin D levels. Inadequate vitamin D levels were more prevalent in younger athletes, during seasons with lower sun exposure, in indoor sports during the sun deprived seasons, in athletes without vitamines supplementation and in athletes of lower Swiss Olympic classes compared to their counterparts. Conclusions: The results of the study show that the prevalence of inadequate vitamin D levels in Swiss athletes is substantial for younger athletes (< 18 years of age) and for indoor athletes during sun deprived periods of the year. However, a general vitamin supplementation containing vitamin D reduced the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy which is especially relevant during sun deprived seasons.

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glen B Taksler ◽  
David M Cutler ◽  
Edward Giovannucci ◽  
Nancy L Keating

AbstractObjectiveBlack and Hispanic individuals synthesize less vitamin D per unit of sun exposure than white individuals. The relationship between UV radiation and vitamin D insufficiency in minorities has not been well explored.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingUsing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we obtained serum vitamin D levels for non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks aged ≥18 years from 2000–2006. We linked these data with the average monthly solar UV index by census tract and data on sun exposure, vitamin D supplementation, health and demographics. We used multivariable regression analyses to assess vitamin D deficiency (<15 ng/ml) and insufficiency (<20 ng/ml) in January (when the UV index was lowest) by race/ethnicity and geography.SubjectsAdults (n 14 319) aged ≥18 years.ResultsA 1-point increase in the UV index was associated with a 0·51 ng/ml increase in vitamin D (95 % CI 0·35, 0·67 ng/ml; P<0·001). Non-Hispanic Black race and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with a 7·47 and 3·41 ng/ml decrease in vitamin D, respectively (both P<0·001). In January, an estimated 65·4 % of non-Hispanic Blacks were deficient in vitamin D, compared with 28·9 % of Hispanics and 14·0 % of non-Hispanic Whites. An estimated 84·2 % of non-Hispanic Blacks were insufficient in vitamin D v. 56·3 % of Hispanics and 34·8 % of non-Hispanic Whites. More non-Hispanic Blacks were estimated to be deficient in vitamin D in January in the highest UV index quartile than were non-Hispanic Whites in the lowest UV index quartile (60·2 % v. 25·7 %).ConclusionsWintertime vitamin D insufficiency is pervasive among minority populations, and not uncommon among non-Hispanic Whites.


2021 ◽  
Vol 319 ◽  
pp. 01097
Author(s):  
Sakhr Dadda ◽  
Karima Azekour ◽  
Fouzia Sebbari ◽  
Brahim El Houate ◽  
Bachir El Bouhali

Sunlight is the main source of vitamin D. Almost 80% of vitamin D3 is produced in the skin. The region of Draa Tafilalet benefits from long daily sunshine time. As such, vitamin D deficiency should be low in this region. However, dressing habits can highly influence vitamin D status. This study aimed to evaluate sun exposure and its relation to vitamin D status among the general population in the region of Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco. Clinical, biological, and sociodemographic data were obtained from 331 adults visiting local healthcare units during the summers of 2019 and 2020. Plasma 25(OH)D2/D3 was measured by immunofluorescence. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 37.5%, while Vitamin D insufficiency represented 56.5%. Most of the studied population (76.4%) had restricting dressing habits and exposed only their faces. statistic tests showed a correlation of vitamin D levels with daily sun exposure (r= 0.308, p<0.001), dressing habits (p<0.001), age (r= -0.141, p=0.01), sex (p<0.001), physical activity level (p=0.003), and BMI (r= -0.298, p<0.001). The study showed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this region. Similarly, it exposed the effects of restricting clothes and low daily sun exposure on vitamin D status.


2003 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 823-828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Mølgaard ◽  
Kim Fleischer Michaelsen

Prolonged vitamin D deficiency resulting in rickets is seen mainly during rapid growth. A distinct age distribution has been observed in the Copenhagen area where all registered hospital cases of rickets were either infants and toddlers or adolescents from immigrant families. Growth retardation was only present in the infant and toddler group. A state of deficiency occurs months before rickets is obvious on physical examination. Growth failure, lethargy and irritability may be early signs of vitamin D deficiency. Mothers with low vitamin D status give birth to children with low vitamin D status and increased risk of rickets. Reports showing increasing rates of rickets due to insufficient sunlight exposure and inadequate vitamin D intake are cause for serious concern. Many countries (including the USA from 2003) recommend vitamin D supplementation during infancy to avoid rickets resulting from the low vitamin D content of human milk. Without fortification only certain foods such as fatty fish contain more than low amounts of vitamin D, and many children will depend entirely on sun exposure to obtain sufficient vitamin D. The skin has a high capacity to synthesize vitamin D, but if sun exposure is low vitamin D production is insufficient, especially in dark-skinned infants. The use of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D to evaluate vitamin D status before development of rickets would be helpful; however, there is no agreement on cut-off levels for deficiency and insufficiency. Furthermore, it is not known how marginal vitamin D insufficiency affects children's bones in the long term.


2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (10) ◽  
pp. 747-753
Author(s):  
Yanhui Lu ◽  
Xiaomin Fu ◽  
Lili Zhang ◽  
Minyan Liu ◽  
Xiaoling Cheng ◽  
...  

AbstractThe incidence of vitamin D deficiency is high globally, and vitamin D supplementation draws particular attention. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of stratified vitamin D supplementation in middle-aged and elderly individuals with vitamin D insufficiency in Beijing. A total of 448 subjects aged over 40 years old were selected from a community in Beijing. Among them, 100 middle-aged and elderly people with vitamin D insufficiency were randomly selected on a voluntary basis. They were further divided into control group and intervention group. The control group received health education and lifestyle guidance, and the intervention group received lifestyle guidance and vitamin D supplementation for nine months. The doses were stratified as follows: for vitamin D insufficiency, oral vitamin D3 supplement was given at 5000 IU/w; for mild vitamin D deficiency, oral vitamin D3 supplement was given at 10 000 IU/w; for severe vitamin D deficiency, oral vitamin D3 supplement was given at 15 000 IU/w. Safety evaluation was conducted after three-month treatment. The intervention group consisted of 8%, 62%, and 30% of cases who had vitamin D insufficiency, mild vitamin D deficiency, and severe vitamin D deficiency, respectively, which were similar with the control group. It showed that the blood 25(OH)D level increased significantly in the intervention group, from 14.30±4.30 ng/ml to 33.62±6.99 ng/ml (p<0.001), in contrast to insignificant change in the control group. Stratified vitamin D supplementation effectively increased the blood 25(OH)D level, as well as the number of cases with corrected vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 226-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Nerviani ◽  
Daniele Mauro ◽  
Michele Gilio ◽  
Rosa Daniela Grembiale ◽  
Myles J. Lewis

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterised by abnormal activation of the immune system, chronic inflammation and organ damage. Lupus patients are more prone to be vitamin D deficient. However, current evidence is not conclusive with regards to the role played by vitamin D in SLE development, progression, and clinical manifestations. Objective: Here, we will summarise the current knowledge about vitamin D deficiency prevalence, risk factors, molecular effects, and potential pathogenic role in SLE. We will focus on the link between vitamin D deficiency and lupus clinical manifestations, and on the clinical trials assessing the effects of vitamin D supplementation in SLE. Method: A detailed literature search was performed exploiting the available databases, using “vitamin D and lupus/SLE” as keywords. The relevant interventional trials published over the last decade have been considered and the results are reported here. Conclusion: Several immune cells express vitamin D receptors. Thus, an immunomodulatory role for vitamin D in lupus is plausible. Numerous observational studies have investigated the relationship between vitamin D levels and clinical/serological manifestations of SLE with contrasting results. Negative correlations between vitamin D levels and disease activity, fatigue, renal and cardiovascular disease, and anti-dsDNA titres have been described but not conclusively accepted. In experimental models of lupus, vitamin D supplementation can improve the disease. Interventional trials have assessed the potential therapeutic value of vitamin D in SLE, but further larger studies are needed.


BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S337-S338
Author(s):  
Jason Niblett ◽  
Shay-Anne Pantall ◽  
Anis Ahmed

AimsTo audit the investigation, identification and treatment of Vitamin D deficiency within Men's Secure Services.BackgroundVitamin D and/or vitamin D deficiency has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of mental illness. There is evidence that Vitamin D inadequacy is pandemic among rehabilitation patients in inpatient settings. Patients within secure hospitals are similarly considered to be at high risk, due to their limited solar exposure during often lengthy admissions. It has been suggested that these patients should be considered an ‘at-risk’ cohort, for whom Vitamin D supplementation should be routine. Men's secure services in Birmingham comprise of two medium secure units and a low secure rehabilitation unit. Here we present an audit of Vitamin D monitoring and treatment completed in 2019.MethodA three year retrospective review of electronic patient records, for all inpatients admitted within men's secure services as of 1 September 2019 (n = 188). Standards were based on the Trust accepted guidelines for management of Vitamin D deficiency.ResultKey findings included:- The majority of inpatients were Caucasian (43%) and African-Caribbean (24%). Ages ranged from 18 to 70, with a mean age of 39.Approximately two-thirds (65%) had been in hospital for over a year, of which 44% had been admitted for more than 3 years. The average length of admission was 885 days.Only 47% of patients had their Vitamin D level checked within the study period.Of those checked, 24% were tested within 1 month of admission. The mean duration between admission and Vitamin D testing was 464 days.Results ranged from 10.3 to 118.5nmol/L. A high rate of Vitamin D deficiency was identified (54%), whilst a further 16% had ‘inadequate’ levels.23% of those identified as requiring treatment did not receive any supplementation, whilst 59% of those with sufficient Vitamin D were prescribed treatment.Only 48% had their levels rechecked following treatment; of these, only 59% now had an adequate Vitamin D status.ConclusionThis audit demonstrates limited Vitamin D monitoring within male forensic inpatients. There was a high prevalence of Vitamin D insufficiency in this population, yet a substantial proportion of patients with identified deficiency were not prescribed any treatment. Ongoing monitoring and review of treatment effectiveness was poor. We argue that more consideration should be given to this population, with robust guidelines introduced for the treatment of this specific ‘at-risk group’.


2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (9) ◽  
pp. 4033-4050 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas F Hiemstra ◽  
Kenneth Lim ◽  
Ravi Thadhani ◽  
JoAnn E Manson

Abstract Context A large body of experimental and observational data has implicated vitamin D deficiency in the development of cardiovascular disease. However, evidence to support routine vitamin D supplementation to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease is lacking. Design and Results A comprehensive literature review was performed using PubMed and other literature search engines. Mounting epidemiological evidence and data from Mendelian randomization studies support a link between vitamin D deficiency and adverse cardiovascular health outcomes, but randomized trial evidence to support vitamin D supplementation is sparse. Current public health guidelines restrict vitamin D intake recommendations to the maintenance of bone health and prevention of fractures. Two recently published large trials (VITAL and ViDA) that assessed the role of moderate- to high-dose vitamin D supplementation as primary prevention for cardiovascular outcomes in the general population had null results, and previous randomized trials have also been generally negative. These findings from general population cohorts that are largely replete in vitamin D may not be applicable to chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations, in which the use of active (1α-hydroxylated) vitamin D compounds is prevalent, or to other high-risk populations. Additionally, recent trials in the CKD population, as well as trials using vitamin D analogs, have been limited. Conclusions Current randomized trials of vitamin D supplementation do not support benefits for cardiovascular health, but the evidence remains inconclusive. Additional randomized trials assessing larger numbers of participants with low baseline vitamin D levels, having longer follow-up periods, and testing higher vitamin D dosages are needed to guide clinical practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S536-S537
Author(s):  
D Vranesic Bender ◽  
V Domislović ◽  
M Brinar ◽  
D Ljubas Kelečić ◽  
I Karas ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Vitamin D deficiency is frequently present in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with a higher incidence in Crohn’s disease (CD) than in ulcerative colitis (UC). Given the involvement of the alimentary tract, many factors can contribute to vitamin D deficiency. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of vitamin D deficiency according to body mass index (BMI) in adult patients with IBD. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on a cohort of 152 IBD patients, 68.1% (n = 104) CD and 31.9% (n = 48) UC. The mean age of the total study population was 37.3±11.8 years and 57.3% (n = 87) were male. All patients were adult, Caucasian and without vitamin D supplementation. Patients were recruited during one year period. Results Out of all IBD patients, 60.5% (n = 92) had vitamin D deficiency, 32.2%, (n = 49) insufficiency and 7.2% (n = 11) sufficiency. According to BMI categories there were 12.5% (n = 19) obese patients, 27.6% (n = 42) overweight, 51.3% (n = 78) with normal body weight, and 8.6% (n = 13) underweight. There was a significant difference in vitamin D levels according to different BMI categories in terms of underweight patients having the lowest vitamin D levels; underweight 29.84±11.94 mmol/l, normal 46 ± 20.7 mmol/l, overweight 48±20.1 mmol/l, obese 51±15.3 mmol/l. In addition, there was a significant correlation of vitamin D levels and BMI values (Rho = 0.212, 95% CI 0.069–0.345, p = 0.004), which was more clearly observed in the lower range of BMI values (Figure 1). Male underweight patients had lower levels of vitamin D compared with female patients (26.6 ± 9 vs. 34.7 ± 5.6, p &lt; 0.05). Both patients with CD and UC had significant positive correlation of vitamin D levels and BMI values (UC Rho=0.40, 95% CI 0.16–0.59, p = 0.001, UC Rho = 0.27, 95% CI 0.01–0.05, p = 0.044). However, when comparing vitamin D levels according to phenotype, a significant difference in vitamin D levels was observed in underweight CD (28.4 ± 11.1) comparing to underweight UC patients (40.6 ± 10.6), p &lt; 0.05. In logistic regression analysis, CD phenotype was risk factor for vitamin D deficiency (OR 2.18 95% CI 1.01–4.72, β = 1.22, p = 0.04). Conclusion Our results on untreated IBD patients show a high proportion of vitamin D deficiency both in CD and UC, and significant correlation of vitamin D levels and BMI values, especially in the lower range of BMI values. Moreover, underweight CD patients have lower vitamin D levels comparing to UC. This suggests the need for regular vitamin D monitoring and supplementation especially in IBD patients at risk.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hermann Brenner ◽  
Ben Schöttker

Evidence from observational studies is accumulating, suggesting that the majority of deaths due to SARS-CoV-2 infections are statistically attributable to vitamin D insufficiency and could potentially be prevented by vitamin D supplementation [...]


2018 ◽  
Vol 128 (6) ◽  
pp. 1635-1641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Guan ◽  
Michael Karsy ◽  
Andrea A. Brock ◽  
Ilyas M. Eli ◽  
Gabrielle M. Manton ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEVitamin D deficiency has been associated with a variety of negative outcomes in critically ill patients, but little focused study on the effects of hypovitaminosis D has been performed in the neurocritical care population. In this study, the authors examined the effect of vitamin D deficiency on 3-month outcomes after discharge from a neurocritical care unit (NCCU).METHODSThe authors prospectively analyzed 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in patients admitted to the NCCU of a quaternary care center over a 6-month period. Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores were used to evaluate their 3-month outcome, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of vitamin D deficiency.RESULTSFour hundred ninety-seven patients met the inclusion criteria. In the binomial logistic regression model, patients without vitamin D deficiency (> 20 ng/dl) were significantly more likely to have a 3-month GOS score of 4 or 5 than those who were vitamin D deficient (OR 1.768 [95% CI 1.095–2.852]). Patients with a higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) (OR 0.925 [95% CI 0.910–0.940]) and those admitted for stroke (OR 0.409 [95% CI 0.209–0.803]) or those with an “other” diagnosis (OR 0.409 [95% CI 0.217–0.772]) were significantly more likely to have a 3-month GOS score of 3 or less.CONCLUSIONSVitamin D deficiency is associated with worse 3-month postdischarge GOS scores in patients admitted to an NCCU. Additional study is needed to determine the role of vitamin D supplementation in the NCCU population.


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