scholarly journals Nutrihealth Study: Seasonal Variation in Vitamin D Status Among the Slovenian Adult and Elderly Population

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maša Hribar ◽  
Hristo Hristov ◽  
Matej Gregorič ◽  
Urška Blaznik ◽  
Katja Zaletel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Ultraviolet B ◽  
Vitamin D Status

Several studies conducted around the world showed substantial vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency among different population groups. Sources of vitamin D in the human body include ultraviolet B (UVB)-light-induced biosynthesis and dietary intake, but people’s diets are often poor in vitamin D. Furthermore, in many regions, sun exposure and the intensity of UVB irradiation during wintertime are not sufficient for vitamin D biosynthesis. In Slovenia, epidemiological data about vitamin D status in the population were investigated through a national Nutrihealth study—an extension to the national dietary survey SI.Menu (2017/18). The study was conducted on a representative sample of 125 adult (18–64 years) and 155 elderly (65–74 years old) subjects, enrolled in the study in different seasons. Their vitamin D status was determined by measuring the serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration. Thresholds for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were 25(OH)D levels below 30 and 50 nmol/L, respectively. Altogether, 24.9% of the adults and 23.5% of the elderly were found to be vitamin D deficient, while an insufficient status was found in 58.2% and 62.9%, respectively. A particularly concerning situation was observed during extended wintertime (November–April); vitamin D deficiency was found in 40.8% and 34.6%, and insufficient serum 25(OH)D levels were observed in 81.6% and 78.8%, respectively. The results of the study showed high seasonal variation in serum 25(OH)D levels in both the adult and elderly population, with deficiency being especially pronounced during wintertime. The prevalence of this deficiency in Slovenia is among the highest in Europe and poses a possible public health risk that needs to be addressed with appropriate recommendations and/or policy interventions.

Should We Be Concerned about the Vitamin D Status of Athletes?

2008 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kentz S. Willis ◽  
Nikki J. Peterson ◽  
D. Enette Larson-Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Bone Health ◽  
Skin Pigmentation ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
The Hours ◽  
Human Immunity

A surprisingly high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency has recently been reported worldwide. Although very little is known about vitamin D status among athletes, a few studies suggest that poor vitamin D status is also a problem in athletic populations. It is well recognized that vitamin D is necessary for optimal bone health, but emerging evidence is finding that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of autoimmune diseases and nonskeletal chronic diseases and can also have a profound effect on human immunity, inflammation, and muscle function (in the elderly). Thus, it is likely that compromised vitamin D status can affect an athlete’s overall health and ability to train (i.e., by affecting bone health, innate immunity, and exercise-related immunity and inflammation). Although further research in this area is needed, it is important that sports nutritionists assess vitamin D (as well as calcium) intake and make appropriate recommendations that will help athletes achieve adequate vitamin D status: serum 25(OH)D of at least 75 or 80 nmol/L. These recommendations can include regular safe sun exposure (twice a week between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the arms and legs for 5–30 min, depending on season, latitude, and skin pigmentation) or dietary supplementation with 1,000–2,000 IU vitamin D3 per day. Although this is significantly higher than what is currently considered the adequate intake, recent research demonstrates these levels to be safe and possibly necessary to maintain adequate 25(OH)D concentrations.

scholarly journals Sun exposure, dressing habits, and vitamin D status in Morocco

2021 ◽  
Vol 319 ◽  
pp. 01097
Author(s):  
Sakhr Dadda ◽  
Karima Azekour ◽  
Fouzia Sebbari ◽  
Brahim El Houate ◽  
Bachir El Bouhali
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Daily Sunshine ◽  
Local Healthcare

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.

scholarly journals Vitamin D and bone health in early life

2003 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 823-828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Mølgaard ◽  
Kim Fleischer Michaelsen
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
High Capacity ◽  
Growth Failure ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Increased Risk

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.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: An Italian Single-Center Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 85 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 23-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aneta Aleksova ◽  
Rita Belfiore ◽  
Cosimo Carriere ◽  
Salam Kassem ◽  
Salvatore La Carrubba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Acute Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
High Exposure

Abstract. Background: Hypovitaminosis D is a vitamin deficiency that has been increasing in developed countries; it was also suggested as an emerging risk factor for developing of atherosclerosis and acute myocardial infarction. The primary source of vitamin D is its cutaneous synthesis under exposure to sunlight. It has been suggested that 30 min of sun exposure twice weekly leads to sufficient vitamin D synthesis. The residents of Trieste (Italy) are well-known for their high exposure to sunlight in all seasons. We aimed to investigate the vitamin D status in subjects with acute myocardial infarction living in this area. Methods: Vitamin D status was identified in 478 subjects diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction. Results: The median serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was 14.5 [7.8 - 22.7] ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were present in 324 (68 %) and 107 (22 %) subjects, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency was less frequent among subjects enrolled in the period from July to the end of September (p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis vitamin D deficiency was predicted by older age (p = 0.02), female gender (p = 0.002), higher body mass index (p = 0.05), autumn/winter sampling (p < 0.001), increased parathyroid hormone (p = 0.03) and alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.003). Conclusions: We observed very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among subjects with myocardial infarction in all seasons of enrollment. However, it was lower in the summer when sun exposure is higher. The exposure to sunlight may be a cost-saving therapeutic strategy for the management of vitamin D deficiency.

Serum levels of 25(OH)D are not associated with venous thromboembolism in the elderly population

2016 ◽  
Vol 115 (01) ◽  
pp. 169-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurélien Delluc ◽  
Marie-Pierre Moineau ◽  
Cécile Tromeur ◽  
Maelenn Gouillou ◽  
Karine Lacut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Walking Capacity

SummaryThe prevalence of both vitamin D deficiency and venous thromboembolism (VTE) is important in the elderly. Previous studies have provided evidence for a possible association between vitamin D status and the risk of VTE. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D levels and VTE in the population aged 75 and over included in the EDITH case-control study. The association between vitamin D status and VTE was analysed. We also analysed the monthly and seasonal variations of VTE and vitamin D. Between May 2000 and December 2009, 340 elderly patients (mean age 81.5 years, 32 % men) with unprovoked VTE and their controls were included. The univariate and multivariate analysis found no significant association between serum levels of vitamin D and the risk of unprovoked VTE. In the unadjusted analysis, a higher BMI was statistically associated with an increased risk of VTE (OR 1.09; 95 % CI 1.05–1.13) whereas a better walking capacity and living at home were associated with a decreased rate of VTE: OR 0.57; 95 % CI 0.36–0.90 and 0.40; 95 % CI 0.25–0.66, respectively. Although not significant, more VTE events occurred during winter (p=0.09). No seasonal variations of vitamin D levels were found (p=0.11). In conclusion, in contrast with previous reports our findings suggest that vitamin D is not associated with VTE in the elderly population.

scholarly journals Seasonal Variation in Vitamin D in Association with Age, Inflammatory Cytokines, Anthropometric Parameters, and Lifestyle Factors in Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leticia Elizondo-Montemayor ◽  
Elena C. Castillo ◽  
Carlos Rodríguez-López ◽  
José R. Villarreal-Calderón ◽  
Merit Gómez-Carmona ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
High Probability ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Anthropometric Parameters ◽  
Healthy Older Adults

Vitamin D deficiency is present even in sunny regions. Ageing decreases pre-vitamin D production in the skin and is associated with altered cytokine profile. We performed a multivariate analysis considering lifestyle factors, anthropometric, and inflammatory markers according to seasonal variation in Mexican healthy older adults. The same cohort was followed during 12 months. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was found in 91.3% of the subjects despite living in appropriate latitude (25°40′0″N). 25(OH)D levels remained below <30 ng/mL through all seasons. Vitamin D deficiency did not correlate to sun exposure or dietary intake. Gender was the strongest associated factor, explaining a variance of 20%. Waist circumference (WC) greater than 88 cm was a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency. Age (>74 years) combined with WC (>88 cm) and BMI (>32.7) showed a high probability (90%) of vitamin D deficiency. Remarkably, an increase in one centimeter in WC decreased 25(OH)D by 0.176 ng/mL, while an increase in one point BMI decreased 25(OH)D by 0.534 ng/mL. A cutoff point of 74 years of age determined probability of vitamin D hipovitaminosis. Vitamin D deficiency was correlated with TNF-αserum levels, possibly increasing the susceptibility of older adults to a proinflammatory state and its related diseases.

Vitamin D status of children in Kerala, southern India

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 1179-1183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhava Vijayakumar ◽  
Vijayalakshmi Bhatia ◽  
Biju George
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Southern India ◽  
Fish Diet ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Recall ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D

AbstractObjectiveTo study plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status of children in Kerala, southern India, and its relationship with sociodemographic variables.DesignCross-sectional observational study.SettingTertiary government hospital.ParticipantsChildren (n 296) with trivial acute illness were enrolled. Sun exposure and Ca and vitamin D intakes (7 d dietary recall) were documented. Serum Ca, P, alkaline phosphatase, plasma 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured.ResultsPrevalence of vitamin D deficiency (plasma 25(OH)D <30 nmol/l) was 11·1% (median, interquartile range (IQR): 52·6, 38·4–65·6 nmol/l). Children who ate fish daily had significantly higher plasma 25(OH)D than those who did not (median, IQR: 52·5, 40·8–68·9 v. 49·1, 36·2–60·7 nmol/l; P = 0·02). Those investigated in the months of March–May showed highest 25(OH)D v. those enrolled during other times (median, IQR: 58·7, 45·6–81·4 v. 45·5, 35·6–57·4 nmol/l; P <0·001). Plasma 25(OH)D correlated positively with serum P (r = 0·24, P <0·001) and Ca intake (r = 0·16, P 0·03), negatively with age (r = −0·13, P 0·03) and PTH (r = −0·22, P <0·001.). On linear regression, summer season (March–May), lower age, daily fish intake and higher Ca intake were independently associated with plasma 25(OH)D.ConclusionsPrevalence of vitamin D deficiency is low in Kerala. The natural fish diet of coastal Kerala and the latitude may be protective. Public health policy in India should take account of this geographical diversity.

The Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency and Insufficiency on the Endocrine and Paracrine Systems

2007 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia T. Alpert ◽  
Ulfat Shaikh
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Paracrine Effects ◽  
Breastfed Infants ◽  
Nutritional Rickets ◽  
Disease States

Individuals are capable of producing vitamin D with proper exposure to sunlight. However, several factors can interfere with the effectiveness of this process. Most sunscreens filter out UVB light, thus inhibiting vitamin D production. Individuals with more darkly pigmented skin have greater difficulty producing vitamin D because melanin acts as an effective natural sunscreen, requiring longer sun exposure to produce an adequate daily allotment of vitamin D. Additionally, solely breastfed infants whose mothers suffered from vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency when pregnant have smaller reserves of the nutrient and are at greater risk of developing nutritional rickets. Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis. Long-term vitamin D insufficiency can lead to paracrine effects such as type 1 diabetes, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. This article reviews the current literature on vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency and their relation to different disease states. Potential areas for research are discussed.

scholarly journals Association of vitamin D with adiposity measures and other determinants in a cross-sectional study of Cypriot adolescents

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 112-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ourania Kolokotroni ◽  
Anna Papadopoulou ◽  
Panayiotis K Yiallouros ◽  
Vasilios Raftopoulos ◽  
Christiana Kouta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Dietary Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Serum Vitamin D

AbstractObjectiveTo assess vitamin D status among Cypriot adolescents and investigate potential determinants including BMI and body fat percentage (BF%).DesignParticipants had cross-sectional assessments of serum vitamin D, physical activity, dietary vitamin D intake and sun exposure. Linear and logistic regression models were used to explore the associations of vitamin D with potential predictors.SettingHospitals, Cyprus, November 2007–May 2008.SubjectsAdolescents (n 671) aged 16–18 years.ResultsMean serum vitamin D was 22·90 (sd 6·41) ng/ml. Only one in ten children had sufficient levels of vitamin D (≥30 ng/ml), while the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (12–20 ng/ml) and severe deficiency (<12 ng/ml) was 31·7 % and 4·0 %, respectively. Lower vitamin D was associated with winter and spring season, female gender, reduced sun exposure in winter and darker skin. Participants with highest BMI and BF% when compared with a middle reference group had increased adjusted odds of vitamin D insufficiency (OR = 3·00; 95 % CI 1·21, 7·45 and OR = 5·02; 95 % CI 1·80, 13·97, respectively). A similar pattern, although not as strong, was shown for vitamin D deficiency with BF% (OR = 1·81; 95 % CI 1·04, 3·16) and BMI (OR = 1·51; 95 % CI 0·85, 2·67). Participants in the lowest BMI and BF% groups also displayed compromised vitamin D status, suggesting a U-shaped association.ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency in adolescence is very prevalent in sunny Cyprus, particularly among females, those with darker skin and those with reduced sun exposure in winter. Furthermore, vitamin D status appears to have a U-shaped association with adiposity measures.

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