Vitamin D Boosts Alendronate Tail Effect on Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis

Vitamin D modulates bisphosphonate (BP) efficacy, but its contribution to bone mineral density (BMD) after BP discontinuation is not known. To address this topic, we performed a retrospective analysis of postmenopausal women exposed to alendronate (ALN) to treat osteoporosis who regularly continued the supplementation of cholecalciferol or calcifediol at recommended doses. In the ninety-six recruited women (age 61.1 ± 6.9 years), ALN was administered for 31.2 ± 20.6 months and then discontinued for 33.3 ± 18.9 months. The modification of 25(OH)D serum levels over time was associated with a change of alkaline phosphatase (r = −0.22, p = 0.018) and C-terminal collagen type 1 telopeptide (r = −0.3, p = 0.06). Women in the tertile of the highest increase in 25(OH)D level showed a 5.7% BMD gain at lumbar spine, that was twice as great in comparison with participants with a lower 25(OH)D variation. At a multiple regression analysis, BMD change was associated with time since menopause (ß = 2.28, SE 0.44, p < 0.0001), FRAX score for major fracture (ß = −0.65, SE 0.29, p = 0.03), drug holiday duration (ß = −2.17, SE 0.27, p < 0.0001) and change of 25(OH)D levels (ß = 0.15, SE 0.03, p = 0.0007). After ALN discontinuation, improving the vitamin D status boosts the ALN tail effect on BMD.     

Effect of Vitamin E Supplement on Bone Turnover Markers in Postmenopausal Osteopenic Women: A Double-Blind,Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Vitamin E is a strong anti-oxidative stress agent that affects the bone remodeling process. This study evaluates the effect of mixed-tocopherol supplements on bone remodeling in postmenopausal osteopenic women. A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial study was designed to measure the effect of mixed-tocopherol on the bone turnover marker after 12 weeks of supplementation. All 52 osteopenic postmenopausal women were enrolled and allocated into two groups. The intervention group received mixed-tocopherol 400 IU/day, while the control group received placebo tablets. Fifty-two participants completed 12 weeks of follow-up. Under an intention-to-treat analysis, vitamin E produced a significant difference in the mean bone resorption marker (serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX)) compared with the placebo group (−0.003 ± 0.09 and 0.121 ± 0.15, respectively (p < 0.001)). In the placebo group, the CTX had increased by 35.3% at 12 weeks of supplementation versus baseline (p < 0.001), while, in the vitamin E group, there was no significant change of bone resorption marker (p < 0.898). In conclusion, vitamin E (mixed-tocopherol) supplementation in postmenopausal osteopenic women may have a preventive effect on bone loss through anti-resorptive activity.     

The Association between Vitamin D and Zinc Status and the Progression of Clinical Symptoms among Outpatients Infected with SARS-CoV-2 and Potentially Non-Infected Participants: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vitamin D and zinc are important components of nutritional immunity. This study compared the serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and zinc in COVID-19 outpatients with those of potentially non-infected participants. The association of clinical symptoms with vitamin D and zinc status was also examined. A checklist and laboratory examination were applied to collect data in a cross-sectional study conducted on 53 infected outpatients with COVID-19 and 53 potentially non-infected participants. Serum concentration of 25(OH)D were not significantly lower in patients with moderate illness (19 ± 12 ng/mL) than patients with asymptomatic or mild illness (29 ± 18 ng/mL), with a trend noted for a lower serum concentration of 25(OH)D in moderate than asymptomatic or mild illness patients (p = 0.054). Infected patients (101 ± 18 µg/dL) showed a lower serum concentration of zinc than potentially non-infected participants (114 ± 13 µg/dL) (p = 0.01). Patients with normal (odds ratio (OR), 0.19; p ≤ 0.001) and insufficient (OR, 0.3; p = 0.007) vitamin D status at the second to seventh days of disease had decreased OR of general symptoms compared to patients with vitamin D deficiency. This study revealed the importance of 25(OH)D measurement to predict the progression of general and pulmonary symptoms and showed that infected patients had significantly lower zinc concentrations than potentially non-infected participants.     

The Role of Vitamin D in Early Knee Osteoarthritis and Its Relationship with Their Physical and Psychological Status

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint condition and one of the greatest causes of disability worldwide. The role of vitamin D in the origin and development of the disease is not clear, although it could have important implications for diagnosis and treatment. For this proposal, a cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sample was performed. In total, 48 with early osteoarthritis (EOA) and 48 matched controls were selected, and serum 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were analyzed. In addition, physical and psychological variables were measured to establish their relationship with vitamin D levels. Patients with EOA showed lower levels (22.3 ± 7.3 ng/mL) in comparison to matched controls (29.31 ± 9.2 ng/mL). A statistically significant higher number (Chi-squared = 8.525; p = 0.004) of patients with EOA had deficiency levels (<20 ng/mL) compared to the control group. Patients with lower vitamin D levels showed higher levels of pain intensity, disability, and anxiety, as well as poorer values for sit-to-stand, walking speed, and social participation. Correlation analysis showed a relationship between serum 25(OH)D, PTH and pain intensity, and social participation. These results highlight the relevance of vitamin D in the early diagnosis and prevention of EOA.     

Influence of Obesity on Bone Turnover Markers and Fracture Risk in Postmenopausal Women

Background and aims: The relationship between obesity and bone metabolism is controversial. In recent decades, the protective role of obesity in the development of osteoporosis is questioned. The aims of this study are the following: to evaluate the differences in bone turnover markers between postmenopausal women with and without obesity and to compare the risk of fracture at five years between these groups. Methods: An observational longitudinal prospective cohort study of postmenopausal women with obesity (O) (body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m²) and non-obesity (NoO) (BMI < 30 kg/m²) is designed. 250 postmenopausal women are included in the study (NoO: 124 (49.6%) and O: 126 (50.4%)). It measures epidemiological variables, dietary variables (calcium intake, vitamin D intake, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity), biochemicals (β-crosslap, type I procollagen amino-terminal peptide (P1NP), 25OH-vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH)), anthropometric variables, and fracture data five years after the start of the study. The mean age is 56.17 (3.91) years. Women with obesity showed lower levels of vitamin D (O: 17.27 (7.85) ng/mL, NoO: 24.51 (9.60) ng/mL; p < 0.01), and higher levels of PTH (O: 53.24 (38.44–65.96) pg/mL, NoO: 35.24 (25.36–42.40) pg/mL; p < 0.01). Regarding the bone formation marker (P1NP), it was found to be high in women without obesity, O: 45.46 (34.39–55.16) ng/mL, NoO: 56.74 (45.34–70.74) ng/mL; p < 0.01; the bone resorption marker (β-crosslap) was found to be high in women with obesity, being significant in those older than 59 years (O: 0.39 (0.14) ng/mL, NoO 0.24 (0.09) ng/mL; p < 0.05). No differences are observed in the risk of fracture at 5 years based on BMI (OR = 0.90 (95%CI 0.30–2.72); p = 0.85). Conclusions: Postmenopausal women with obesity showed lower levels of bone formation markers; older women with obesity showed higher markers of bone resorption.     

Vitamin D status: effects on parathyroid hormone and 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND: Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D ?25(OH)D concentrations are commonly found in the elderly and are associated with hip fracture. Treatment with vitamin D and calcium can reduce the risk of fracture. The relation between the rise in parathyroid hormone (PTH) with age and the decrease in 25(OH)D is not clear. Neither is there any consensus on the serum concentration of 25(OH)D required for bone health. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to study the relations between serum PTH, serum vitamin D metabolites, and other calcium-related variables in postmenopausal women. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study of 496 postmenopausal women without vertebral fractures attending our menopausal osteoporosis clinics. RESULTS: PTH was significantly positively related to age and serum 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D ?1,25(OH)(2)D and inversely related to 25(OH)D and plasma ionized calcium. There was a step-like increase in PTH as serum 25(OH)D fell below 40 nmol/L. In women with 25(OH)D concentrations >40 nmol/L, 1,25(OH)(2)D was positively related to 25(OH)D; in women with 25(OH)D concentrations 40 nmol/L, 1,25(OH)(2)D was most closely (inversely) related to plasma creatinine. Therefore, with serum 25(OH)D concentrations increasingly <40 nmol/L, serum 1,25(OH)(2)D becomes critically dependent on rising concentrations of PTH. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that aging women should maintain 25(OH)D concentrations >40 nmol/L (which is the lower limit of our normal range for healthy young subjects) for optimal bone health.     

Bone turnover markers and vitamin D status in postmenopausal Turkish women

The aim of this study was to examine some biochemical markers of bone metabolism such as C-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTx), procollagen I N-peptide (PINP), 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D], parathormone (PTH), and alkaline phosphatase (total- and bone-ALP) in postmenopausal Turkish women, and to evaluate the influence of dietary factors on these parameters. This cross-sectional study comprised 70 postmenopausal and 25 premenopausal subjects from a similar socio-economical status. The postmenopausal group was further stratified with regard to vitamin plus calcium supplementation. A fasting blood sample was obtained for the biochemical analysis of bone markers. Ca, P, tALP, and CTx levels were significantly higher in postmenopausal women free of supplementation than those in premenopausal period; whereas 25(OH)D concentrations were below the reference value in both groups. Supplementations of vitamin and calcium resulted in significantly lower levels of PINP in the postmenopausal group (p = 0.017). A significant association was found between plasma 25(OH)D level and frequency of fish consumption. Dietary strategies to fortify calcium and vitamin D intake should be considered to decrease the complications due to D hypovitaminosis after the onset of menopause.     

Vitamin D Status and Health Outcomes in School Children in Northern Ireland: Year One Results from the D-VinCHI Study

(1) Background: Vitamin D status has never been investigated in children in Northern Ireland (UK). (2) Methods: Children (4–11 years) (n = 47) were recruited from November 2019 to March 2020 onto the cross-sectional study. Anthropometry was assessed. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was analysed. Vitamin D intake, parental knowledge and perceptions, participant habits, physical activity and sedentary behaviour were established via questionnaire. Muscle strength was assessed via isometric grip strength dynamometry and balance via dominant single-leg and tandem stance. Parathyroid hormone, bone turnover markers (OC, CTX and P1NP), glycated haemoglobin and inflammatory markers (CRP, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) were analysed. (3) Results: Mean (SD) 25(OH)D was 49.17 (17.04) nmol/L (n = 47); 44.7% of the children were vitamin D sufficient (25(OH)D >50 nmol/L), 48.9% were insufficient (25–50 nmol/L) and 6.4% were deficient (<25 nmol/L). 25(OH)D was positively correlated with vitamin D intake (µg/day) (p = 0.012, r = 0.374), spring/summer outdoor hours (p = 0.006, r = 0.402) and dominant grip strength (kg) (p = 0.044, r = 0.317). Vitamin D sufficient participants had higher dietary vitamin D intake (µg/day) (p = 0.021), supplement intake (µg/day) (p = 0.028) and spring/summer outdoor hours (p = 0.015). (4) Conclusion: Over half of the children were vitamin D deficient or insufficient. Wintertime supplementation, the consumption of vitamin D rich foods and spring/summer outdoor activities should be encouraged to minimise the risk of vitamin D inadequacy.     

Lower Blood Vitamin D Levels Are Associated with Depressive Symptoms in a Population of Older Adults in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study

Low serum vitamin D has been associated with an increased risk of neuropsychiatry disorders. This study aimed to examine the association between vitamin D deficiency and depression in adults aged 65 years and older. This cross-sectional study was conducted in seven primary healthcare centers across Kuwait (November 2020 to June 2021). The participants (n = 237) had their serum vitamin D 25-(OH)-D concentrations (analyzed by LC-MS) classified as sufficient, ≥75 nmol/L (30 ng/mL); insufficient, 50–75 nmol/L (20–30 ng/mL); or deficient, <50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL). Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the 15-Item Geriatric Depression Scale (15-item GDS). The mean serum 25-OH-D levels (nmol/L) in volunteers with normal, mild, moderate, and severe depression were 100.0 ± 31.7, 71.2 ± 38.6, 58.6 ± 30.1 and 49.0 ± 6.93, respectively (p < 0.001). The participants in the vitamin D sufficiency group were significantly less likely to exhibit depressive symptoms (88.2%) than patients with mild (36%) and moderate (21%) depression (p < 0.001). Ordinal logistic regression showed that vitamin D deficiency (OR = 19.7, 95% CI 5.60, 74.86, p < 0.001) and insufficiency (OR = 6.40, 95% CI 2.20, 19.91, p < 0.001) were associated with higher odds of having depressive symptoms. A low serum vitamin D level is a significant predictor of symptoms of depression among older individuals.     

Vitamin D Status in Malaysian Men and Its Associated Factors

Vitamin D insufficiency is a global health problem. The data on vitamin D status in Malaysian men is insufficient. This study aimed to investigate vitamin D status among Chinese and Malay men in Malaysia and its associating factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 383 men aged 20 years and above, residing in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Their age, ethnicity, body anthropometry and calcaneal speed of sound (SOS) were recorded. Their fasting blood was collected for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), intact parathyroid (PTH), total calcium and inorganic phosphate assays. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum 25(OH)D level <30 nmol/L and insufficiency as a serum 25(OH)D level between 30 and 50 nmol/L. The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 0.5%, and insufficiency was 22.7%. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were more prevalent in the Malays compared to the Chinese. Being Chinese, older in age, having lower body mass index (BMI) and a high physical activity status were associated significantly with a higher serum 25(OH)D level (p < 0.05). The serum PTH level was inversely associated with the serum 25(OH)D level (p < 0.05). As a conclusion, a significant proportion of Malaysian men have vitamin D insufficiency, although deficiency is uncommon. Steps should be taken to correct the vitamin D status of these men.     

Changes in Sleep Patterns during Pregnancy and Predictive Factors: A Longitudinal Study in Saudi Women

This study aimed to assess sleep patterns during the three trimesters of pregnancy and whether vitamin D concentrations, along with other risk factors, are associated with these alterations. In a longitudinal study, 140 pregnant women (age 18 to 39 years) were followed throughout their first, second, and third trimesters. Sleep was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at each trimester, along with an assessment of biochemical parameters, including serum vitamin D levels. The information that was collected included anthropometric data, socio-economic status, dietary intake, and physical activity. The PSQI was higher in mid and late pregnancy than in early pregnancy (both p = 0.001), and the sleep duration was also higher in late versus early pregnancy. Linear regression analyses revealed independent predictors of deteriorating sleep quality from early to late pregnancy, including low income (B ± SE −0.60 ± 0.26, p = 0.03) and low serum vitamin D levels in the second trimester (B ± SE −0.20 ± 0.01, p = 0.04). Energy intake and sitting in the second half of pregnancy were positively associated with changes in the PSQI score from the second to third trimesters (B ± SE 0.15 ± 0.07, p = 0.048) and (B ± SE 0.01 ± 0.00, p = 0.044), respectively. Low socio-economic status, low serum vitamin D levels, greater energy intake, and sitting time were associated with worsening patterns of sleep quality from early to late pregnancy.     

Interaction between Vitamin D-Related Genetic Risk Score and Carbohydrate Intake on Body Fat Composition: A Study in Southeast Asian Minangkabau Women

Metabolic diseases have been shown to be associated with low vitamin D status; however, the findings have been inconsistent. Hence, the objective of our study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D status and metabolic disease-related traits in healthy Southeast Asian women and examine whether this relationship was modified by dietary factors using a nutrigenetic study. The study included 110 Minangkabau women (age: 25–60 years) from Padang, Indonesia. Genetic risk scores (GRS) were constructed based on five vitamin D-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (vitamin D-GRS) and ten metabolic disease-associated SNPs (metabolic-GRS). The metabolic-GRS was significantly associated with lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations (p = 0.009) and higher body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.016). Even though the vitamin D-GRS had no effect on metabolic traits (p > 0.12), an interaction was observed between the vitamin D-GRS and carbohydrate intake (g) on body fat percentage (BFP) (p_interaction = 0.049), where those individuals who consumed a high carbohydrate diet (mean ± SD: 319 g/d ± 46) and carried >2 vitamin D-lowering risk alleles had significantly higher BFP (p = 0.016). In summary, we have replicated the association of metabolic-GRS with higher BMI and lower 25(OH)D concentrations and identified a novel interaction between vitamin D-GRS and carbohydrate intake on body fat composition.     

Urban-Rural Differences Explain the Association between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level and Insulin Resistance in Korea

An increasing number of studies report associations between low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level and insulin resistance; however, whether low vitamin D levels directly contribute to increased insulin resistance is unclear. We investigated the impact of residential area on the association between 25(OH)D and insulin resistance in elderly Koreans. Using data from the Korean Urban Rural Elderly study, we conducted cross-sectional analyses in 1628 participants (505 men and 1123 women). Serum 25(OH)D was analyzed as both continuous and categorized variables. Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated using fasting blood glucose and insulin levels. In men, 25(OH)D level was inversely associated with HOMA-IR (standardized β = −0.133, p < 0.001) after adjustment for age, body mass index, waist circumference, smoking, alcohol intake, exercise, and study year. However, we noted significant urban-rural differences in 25(OH)D level (43.4 versus 65.6 nmol/L; p < 0.001) and HOMA-IR (1.2 versus 0.8 mmol·pmol/L²; p < 0.001). When we additionally adjusted for residential area, the association between 25(OH)D and HOMA-IR was attenuated (standardized β = −0.063, p = 0.115). In women, the association between 25(OH)D and HOMA-IR was not significant before or after adjustment for residential area. Environmental or lifestyle differences in urban and rural areas may largely explain the inverse association between serum 25(OH)D and insulin resistance.     

Effect of age on calcium absorption in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND: It is assumed that calcium absorption decreases with age, but this is not well documented. We report a study that addresses this issue. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to establish the extent and timing of any age-related change in calcium absorption in postmenopausal women. DESIGN: We measured radiocalcium absorption (alpha) in 262 healthy postmenopausal women aged 40-87 y. We also measured the serum vitamin D metabolites, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and other biochemical variables. RESULTS: Radiocalcium absorption decreased with age (P = 0.018); it was 28% lower in the 25 women aged >75 y than in the rest (P < 0.001). It was significantly related to serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)(2)D] in the whole set and in both the younger and older subsets, but it was not related to either 25-dihydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] or PTH or to any other measured variable. No decrease in 1,25(OH)(2)D was seen with age to account for the decrease in calcium absorption, so radiocalcium absorption corrected for serum 1,25(OH)(2)D decreased significantly after age 75 y. On multivariate analysis, the serum 1,25(OH)(2)D concentration was a positive function of 25(OH)D (P < 0.001), albumin (P = 0.010), and PTH (P = 0.012) and a negative function of serum creatinine (P = 0.003). PTH was a negative function of calculated ionized calcium (P = 0.004) and 25(OH)D (P = 0.009) and a positive function of weight (P = 0.011) and age (P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: A late age-related decrease in calcium absorption is seen in postmenopausal women in addition to the decline that occurs at menopause. This decrease could be due to a decline in either the active calcium transport or diffusion component of the calcium absorption system.     

Vitamin D and Sunlight Exposure in Newly-Diagnosed Parkinson’s Disease

Circulating vitamin D has previously been found to be lower in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), while the effects of sunlight exposure have not yet been fully investigated. Therefore, we evaluated the associations between serum vitamin D, vitamin D intake, sunlight exposure, and newly-diagnosed PD patients in a Chinese population. This case-control study measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and sunlight exposure in 201 patients with newly-diagnosed PD and 199 controls without neurodegenerative diseases. Data on vitamin D intake and sunlight exposure were obtained using a self-report questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regressions were employed to evaluate the associations between serum 25(OH)D levels, sunlight exposure, and PD. Adjustments were made for sex, age, smoking, alcohol use, education, BMI, and vitamin D intake. There were significantly lower levels of serum 25(OH)D (20.6 ± 6.5 ng/mL), daily vitamin D intake (8.3 ± 3.7 g/day), and sunlight exposure (9.7 ± 4.1 h/week) in patients with PD compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). Crude odds ratios (ORs) for PD in the quartiles of serum 25(OH)D were 1 (reference), 0.710 (0.401, 1.257), 0.631 (0.348, 1.209), and 0.483 (0.267, 0.874), respectively. Crude ORs for PD in quartiles of sunlight exposure were 1 (reference), 0.809 (0.454, 1.443), 0.623 (0.345, 1.124) and 0.533 (0.294, 0.966), respectively. A significant positive correlation between serum 25(OH)D and sunlight exposure was found, but serum 25(OH)D was not correlated with daily vitamin D intake. This study indicates that lower levels of serum 25(OH)D and sunlight exposure are significantly associated with an increased risk for PD.     

Hormonal Relationships to Bone Mass in Elderly Spanish Men as Influenced by Dietary Calcium and Vitamin D

We aim to evaluate whether calcium and vitamin D intake is associated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-Vitamin D₃) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) serum concentrations or is associated with either the phalangeal dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (pDXA) or the quantitative bone ultrasound (QUS) in independent elderly men. Serum PTH and 25-OH-Vitamin D₃ were measured in 195 healthy elderly men (mean age: 73.31 ± 5.10 year). Food intake was quantified using a dietetic scale. Participants with 25-OH-Vitamin D₃ levels ≥ 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) and a calcium intake of 800–1200 mg/day exhibited the lowest PTH levels (41.49 ± 16.72 ng/mL). The highest PTH levels (75.60 ± 14.16 ng/mL) were observed in the <30 ng/mL group 25-OH-Vitamin D₃ with a calcium intake >1200 mg/day. No significant differences in the serum PTH levels based on the serum 25-OH-Vitamin D3 levels were observed among participants with a calcium intake of 800–1200 mg/day. Serum PTH was inversely correlated with serum 25-OH-Vitamin D₃ in the entire patient sample (r = −0.288, p = 0.019). No differences in any of the three densitometry techniques were observed between any of the age groups in the 800–1200 mg/day and >1200 mg/day calcium intake groups. PTH levels correlate negatively with serum 25-OH-Vitamin D₃ levels, and neither calcium nor vitamin D intake exert a strong influence on either of the two parameters.     

Total 25(OH)D Concentration Moderates the Association between Caffeine Consumption and the Alkaline Phosphatase Level in Pregnant Women

The evidence as to whether caffeine consumption is beneficial or harmful to human health has been mixed. This study aimed to examine the effect of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration on the association between caffeine consumption and mineral metabolism in pregnant women. This is a cross-sectional study involving pregnant women at their 25th to 35th gestational week recruited at antenatal clinics in the period of July 2019 to December 2020. Peripheral blood samples were collected to determine their total 25(OH)D, albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, phosphate, and ferritin level in serum. Questionnaires on demographics and dietary intake were also administered. Among 181 pregnant women recruited (Average age = 32.9 years), 50 (27.6%) of them were found to be vitamin D insufficient (25(OH)D concentration < 75 nmol/L), and 131 (72.4%) were vitamin D sufficient (25(OH)D concentration ≥ 75 nmol/L). Adjusted regression models identified an association between higher caffeine intake and lower ALP level only among vitamin D-sufficient pregnant women (β = −0.24, p = 0.006), but not in those with insufficient vitamin D (β = −0.02, p = 0.912). The findings provide new insights into 25(OH)D concentration as a potential modifier of the health effects of caffeine consumption during pregnancy.     

Interaction between Dietary Fat Intake and Metabolic Genetic Risk Score on 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in a Turkish Adult Population

Previous studies have pointed out a link between vitamin D status and metabolic traits, however, consistent evidence has not been provided yet. This cross-sectional study has used a nutrigenetic approach to investigate the interaction between metabolic-genetic risk score (GRS) and dietary intake on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in 396 unrelated Turkish adults, aged 24–50 years. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower in those with a metabolic-GRS ≥ 1 risk allele than those with a metabolic-GRS < 1 risk allele (p = 0.020). A significant interaction between metabolic-GRS and dietary fat intake (energy%) on serum 25(OH)D levels was identified (P_interaction = 0.040). Participants carrying a metabolic-GRS ≥ 1 risk allele and consuming a high fat diet (≥38% of energy = 122.3 ± 52.51 g/day) had significantly lower serum 25(OH)D concentration (p = 0.006) in comparison to those consuming a low-fat diet (<38% of energy = 82.5 ± 37.36 g/d). In conclusion, our study suggests a novel interaction between metabolic-GRS and dietary fat intake on serum 25(OH)D level, which emphasises that following the current dietary fat intake recommendation (<35% total fat) could be important in reducing the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this Turkish population. Nevertheless, further larger studies are needed to verify this interaction, before implementing personalized dietary recommendations for the maintenance of optimal vitamin D status.     

Consumption of vitamin D-and calcium-fortified soft white cheese lowers the biochemical marker of bone resorption TRAP 5b in postmenopausal women at moderate risk of osteoporosis fracture

The prevention of increased bone remodeling in postmenopausal women at low 10-y risk of osteoporotic fractures essentially relies on reinforcement of environmental factors known to positively influence bone health, among which nutrition plays an important role. In institutionalized women in their mid-eighties, we previously found that consumption of fortified soft plain cheese increased vitamin D, calcium, and protein intakes, reduced bone resorption biochemical markers, particularly the serum bone specific acid phosphatase tartrate resistant acid phosphatase, isoform 5b (TRAP 5b) that reflects osteoclast activity, and stimulated the serum bone anabolic factor insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Whether these effects occur in much younger women was tested in a prospective control study. Seventy-one healthy postmenopausal women aged 56.6 ± 3.9 y (mean ± SD) with low spontaneous supply of both Ca and vitamin D were randomized to consume daily (treated, n = 36) or not (controls, n = 35) two servings (2 × 100 g) of skimmed-milk, soft plain cheese for 6 wk. The vitamin D and Ca-fortified dairy product provided daily: 661 kJ, 2.5 μg vitamin D, 400 mg calcium, and 13.8 g protein. At the end of the intervention, the decrease in TRAP 5b and the increase in IGF-I were greater in the treated than in the control group (P < 0.02). The changes in serum carboxy terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen did not differ significantly between the two groups. In conclusion, like in elderly women, consumption by healthy postmenopausal women of a vitamin D and calcium-fortified dairy product that also increases the protein intake, reduces the serum concentration of the bone resorption biomarker TRAP 5b. This response, combined with the increase in serum IGF-I, is compatible with a nutrition-induced reduction in postmenopausal bone loss rate.