Adequate Dietary Intake and Vitamin D Supplementation: A Study of Their Relative Importance in Determining Serum Vitamin D and Ferritin Concentrations during Pregnancy

Vitamin D is essential for human health. However, it is not clear if vitamin D supplementation is necessary for all pregnant women. This study examines the relative importance of dietary patterns and vitamin D supplementation frequency in determining serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and ferritin concentrations among pregnant women in Hong Kong, China. A total of 572 healthy women were recruited from antenatal clinics at 25–35 weeks pregnant. Participants completed an electronic version of the food frequency questionnaire and a web questionnaire on supplement use. Their blood samples were tested for serum 25(OH)D and ferritin. The associations of dietary patterns and vitamin D supplementation frequency with serum 25(OH)D and ferritin concentrations were analyzed using moderated hierarchical regression. Two dietary patterns were identified. The adequate dietary intake was characterized by the high probability of meeting recommended daily food group servings, whereas the inadequate dietary intake was characterized by inadequate consumption of vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, and eggs, or alternatives. The association between adequate dietary intake and serum ferritin concentrations was independent of vitamin D supplementation frequency (β = 0.05, p = 0.035), but dietary patterns interacted with vitamin D supplementation frequency to determine serum 25(OH)D concentrations (β = −13.22, p = 0.014). The current study presents evidence on the relative importance of dietary patterns and vitamin D supplementation in maintaining sufficient vitamin D and iron in pregnancy. Antenatal nutrition counselling services should be provided to pregnant women who show signs of inadequate dietary intake.     

Sex-specific relationships between alcohol consumption and vitamin D levels: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009

This study assessed the association between vitamin D sufficiency (serum 25(OH)D ≥30 ng/mL) and alcohol consumption using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2009. The following characteristics were obtained in 7,010 Korean participants ≥19-years-of-age: serum 25(OH)D level, alcohol consumption (drinking frequency, drinking number of alcoholic beverages on a typical occasion, average daily-alcohol intake), and potential confounders (age, residence, housing status, occupation, total fat and lean mass, smoking, physical activity, history of liver diseases, liver function, and daily intake of energy, protein, and calcium). After adjusting for confounders, vitamin D sufficiency in men was significantly associated with drinking frequency, number of alcoholic drinks consumed, and average daily alcohol intake; odds ratio of 1.21-1.72, 2.17-3.04, and 2.27-3.09, respectively. Increase in the three alcohol drinking-related behaviors was also linearly associated with increase in serum 25(OH)D level in men. By comparison, there was no significant association between alcohol intake and serum 25(OH)D level in women. The positive association between vitamin D sufficiency and alcohol consumption was evident only in Korean men.     

Vitamin D Status and Gestational Diabetes in Russian Pregnant Women in the Period between 2012 and 2021: A Nested Case–Control Study

Several meta-analyses found an association between low maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, some of them reported significant heterogeneity. We examined the association of serum 25(OH)D concentration measured in the first and in the second halves of pregnancy with the development of GDM in Russian women surveyed in the periods of 2012–2014 and 2018–2021. We conducted a case–control study (including 318 pregnant women) nested on two previous studies. In 2012–2014, a total of 214 women (83 GDM and 131 controls) were enrolled before 15 weeks of gestation and maternal serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured twice: at 8th–14th week of gestation and simultaneously with two-hour 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24th–32nd week of gestation. In the period of 2018–2021, 104 women (56 GDM and 48 controls) were included after OGTT and 25(OH)D concentrations were measured at 24th–32nd week of gestation. Median 25(OH)D levels were 20.0 [15.1–25.7] vs. 20.5 [14.5–27.5] ng/mL (p = 0.565) in GDM and control group in the first half of pregnancy and 25.3 [19.8–33.0] vs. 26.7 [20.8–36.8] ng/mL (p = 0.471) in the second half of pregnancy, respectively. The prevalence rates for vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D levels < 20 ng/mL) were 49.4% and 45.8% (p = 0.608) in the first half of pregnancy and 26.2% vs. 22.1% (p = 0.516) in the second half of pregnancy in women who developed GDM and in women without GDM, respectively. The frequency of vitamin D supplements intake during pregnancy increased in 2018–2021 compared to 2012–2014 (p = 0.001). However, the third trimester 25(OH)D levels and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25.5 vs. 23.1, p = 0.744) did not differ in women examined in the periods of 2012–2014 and 2018–2021. To conclude, there was no association between gestational diabetes risk and maternal 25(OH)D measured both in the first and in the second halves of pregnancy. The increased prevalence of vitamin D supplements intake during pregnancy by 2018–2021 did not lead to higher levels of 25(OH)D.     

Lifestyle, dietary habits and consumption pattern of male university students according to the frequency of commercial beverage consumptions

Because excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages may reduce the quality of nutritional intake, this study examined the consumption patterns of commercial beverages, lifestyle, dietary habits, and perception of sweet taste. Participants were 407 male university students in Kyeonggido, Korea, and information was collected by self-administered questionnaire. Among them, 58 nonsmokers volunteered to participate in the taste test. Participants were divided into three groups according to the frequency of commercial beverage consumptions: 120 rare (< 1 serving/week), 227 moderate (1-3 servings/week) and 133 frequent (> 3 servings/week) consumption groups. More subjects from the rare consumption group chose water, tea, and soy milk, and more from the frequent consumption group chose carbonated soft drinks and coffee (P = 0.031) as their favorite drinks. Frequent consumption group consumed fruit juice, coffee, and sports and carbonated soft drinks significantly more often (P = 0.002, P = 0.000, P = 0.000, respectively), but not milk and tea. Frequent consumption group consumed beverages casually without a specific occasion (P = 0.000) than rare consumption group. Frequent drinking of commercial beverages was associated with frequent snacking (P = 0.002), meal skipping (P = 0.006), eating out (P = 0.003), eating delivered foods (P = 0.000), processed foods (P = 0.001), and sweets (P = 0.002), and drinking alcoholic beverages (P = 0.029). Frequent consumption group tended to have a higher threshold of sweet taste without reaching statistical significance. The results provide information for developing strategies for evidence-based nutrition education program focusing on reducing consumption of unnecessary sugar-sweetened commercial beverages.     

Beverage Intake and the Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: The SECOST

The contribution and impact of beverage intake to total nutrient and energy intake may be substantial. Given the link between lifestyle, diet, and the risk of pregnancy complications, this study investigated the association between the quantity and types of beverages with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. The study included 452 women from the Seremban Cohort Study (SECOST). The mean energy by beverage intake was 273 ± 23.83 kcal/day (pre-pregnancy), 349 ± 69.46 kcal/day (first trimester) and 361 ± 64.24 kcal/day (second trimester). Women significantly increased intake of maternal milks and malted drinks, but significantly reduced the intake of carbonated drinks and other drinks from before until the second trimester of pregnancy. For chocolate drinks, carbonated drinks, and soy milk, women increased intake from pre-conception to the first trimester, but reduced their intake from the first to the second trimester. While higher intake of cultured-milk drinks was associated with an increased risk of GDM, higher fruit juice intake was associated with a lower risk of GDM. However, these associations were only observed for intake prior to pregnancy and during the first trimester. Further research is needed to corroborate these findings and investigate the contributions of different beverages to overall diet quality as well as adverse health outcomes during pregnancy.     

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.     

Association between Maternal Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations and the Risk of Preterm Birth in Central Sudan: A Case–Control Study

There are few published studies on the association between vitamin D concentrations and preterm birth (PB) in sub-Saharan Africa. The current study aimed to assess the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH)] D) levels and PB. A matched case–control study (60 women in each arm) was conducted in Medani maternity hospital in central Sudan. The cases were women with spontaneous PB, and healthy women with term deliveries were the controls. The clinical/medical and obstetric history was gathered using a questionnaire. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum 25(OH)D levels. Women with PB had significantly lower median (interquartile range) 25(OH)D concentrations compared with the controls (18.4 (7.3) ng/mL vs. 20.2 (16.5) ng/mL, p = 0.001). Forty-two (70.0%) women with PB and 29 (48.3%) women in the control group had vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D level ≤ 20 ng/mL). The results of the multivariable logistic regression showed that the 25(OH)D concentrations were negatively associated with PB (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.87–0.97). Vitamin D-deficient pregnant women were at a higher risk of PB (aOR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.17–6.23). Low 25(OH)D concentrations were found at the time the variable was determined in women with spontaneous PB and were an independent risk factor for PB.     

Optimal Serum 25(OH)D Level and Vitamin D Intake in Young Korean Women

Vitamin D status is essential for preventing bone disease. Young Korean women have the highest vitamin D deficiency prevalence compared with other demographic groups. This study aimed to establish the optimal vitamin D intake level for maintaining an adequate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level by season in young Korean women (mean age: 23.1 years). Each participant (wintertime, n = 101; summertime, n = 117) completed a lifestyle survey, dietary record, bone mineral density, and biochemical tests. Seasonal factors impacting 25(OH)D were identified, vitamin D intake for sufficient 25(OH)D levels was calculated, and the relationship between 25(OH)D and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) was analyzed. During summertime, 25(OH)D levels were higher than in wintertime (17.9 vs. 15.0 ng/mL). A 1 µg/1000 kcal increase in vitamin D intake increased 25(OH)D levels by 0.170 ng/mL in wintertime and 0.149 ng/mL in summertime. iPTH levels reached a theoretical plateau corresponding to an 18.4 ng/mL 25(OH)D level. The vitamin D intake threshold for maintaining 25(OH)D levels at ≥20 and ≥18.4 ng/mL was ≥10.97 μg/day. For a sufficient level of 25(OH)D in young Korean women, increasing summertime UV irradiation time and increasing vitamin D supplements and vitamin D-containing foods throughout the year is beneficial.     

Exploring the Impact of Individual UVB Radiation Levels on Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Women Living in High Versus Low Latitudes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from the D-SOL Study

Vitamin D can be synthesized in the skin via sunlight exposure as well as ingested through diet. Vitamin D deficiency is currently a major global public health issue, with increasing prevalence in both low and high latitude locations. This cross-sectional analysis aimed to compare the intensity of individual Ultraviolet B radiation levels between women of the same ethnicity living in England and Brazil, respectively; and to investigate the association with circulating 25(OH)D concentrations. We analysed data from 135 Brazilian women (England, n = 56, 51° N; Brazil, n = 79, 16° S) recruited for the D-SOL study (Interaction between Vitamin D Supplementation and Sunlight Exposure in Women Living in Opposite Latitudes). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), individual UVB radiation via UVB dosimeter badges and dietary intake via 4-day diet diaries. Anthropometric, skin phototype, sociodemographic and lifestyle patterns were also assessed. Mean serum 25(OH)D concentration of England residents was significantly lower than Brazil residents. Daily individual UVB radiation level showed a strong significant positive correlation with serum 25(OH)D concentrations. The required UVB radiation to achieve 75 nmol/L was 2.2 SED and 38.8% of the total variance in 25(OH)D concentrations was explained uniquely by daily individual UVB radiation, after controlling for the influence of age and body mass index. Thus, these results highlight the strong positive association between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and individual UVB radiation and the influence of different individual characteristics and behaviours. Collectively, these factors contribute to meaningful, country-specific, public health strategies and policies for the efficient prevention and treatment of vitamin D inadequacy.     

Perception of sugar reduction,nutrition education,and frequency of snacking in children by the self-perceived sweet dietary habits of mothers in Busan

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThe aim of this study was to investigate the perception of sugar reduction, nutrition education, and frequency of snacking in children according to the self-perceived dietary preferences for sweet taste by mothers in Busan.SUBJECTS/METHODSA total of 277 mothers were surveyed, and their perceptions of sugar reduction and the frequency of snacking in children were assessed using a questionnaire. The subjects were classified into either a sweet (n = 91) or an unsweet (n = 186) group according to their self-perceived preferences for a sweet taste.RESULTSIn the sweet group, the results for sweet products were sweetened ice (86.8%), confectionery (74.7%), processed milk (73.6%), carbonated beverages (71.4%), and fermented milk (53.9%). In the unsweet group, the results were sweetened ice (88.7%), carbonated beverages (78.5%), processed milk (75.8%), confectionery (69.4%), and fermented milk (50.5%). The necessity of sugar intake reduction was high in both groups (sweet = 89.0%, unsweet = 82.8%). Beverage purchases after identifying the nutrition labeling was significantly lower in the sweet group than in the unsweet group (P < 0.05). The reasons for the beverage purchases instead of water were "habitually" (50.5%) and "like sweet taste" (25.3%) in the sweet group (P < 0.01). Snacking in children was significantly higher in the sweet group based on the increased frequencies of carbonated drinks (P < 0.01), fast food (P < 0.001), candy and chocolate (P < 0.05), crackers (P < 0.01), ramen (P < 0.01), and fish paste/hotdogs (P < 0.01). The frequency of purchase education after identifying the nutrition labeling was significantly lower in the sweet group than in the unsweet group (P < 0.01).CONCLUSIONSThese findings suggest that a perception of sugar reduction and practical nutrition education aimed at reducing the sugar intake are necessary to improve dietary habits.     

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.     

Plasma 25(OH)D Concentrations and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus among Pregnant Women in Taiwan

Vitamin D’s function in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is not consistent in the literature. We examined the association between maternal plasma 25(OH)D concentration and GDM risk. A national cross-sectional study (1497 pregnant women) was conducted between 2017 and 2019 across Taiwan. Blood samples were drawn at recruitment to assess 25(OH)D concentrations, including vitamin D deficiency (VDD) (<20 ng/mL), insufficiency (<32 ng/mL), and sufficiency (≥32 ng/mL). GDM was detected from 24 to 28 weeks of gestation with the results extracted from the antenatal visit records. The prevalence of GDM was 2.9%. Logistic model analysis showed that 25(OH)D concentrations were not significantly associated with the risk of GDM (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.97, p = 0.144). However, subjects with VDD had a significantly greater risk of GDM (AOR = 2.26, p = 0.041), but not in those with vitamin D insufficiency (AOR = 1.20, p = 0.655). Furthermore, cubic piecewise spline regression was used to explore the relationship between five-unit intervals of 25(OH)D and the predicted probability of GDM. As the proportion of GDM increased for low 25(OH)D concentrations, it decreased at moderate concentrations and increased again at higher concentrations. These findings revealed a nonlinear relationship between 25(OH)D and GDM risk. VDD would be risky for GDM occurrence.     

Vitamin A Intake,Serum Vitamin D and Bone Mineral Density: Analysis of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2008–2011)

The association of high vitamin A intake and low bone mineral density (BMD) is still controversial. To determine the association of dietary vitamin A intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration with BMD, a total of 6481 subjects (2907 men and 3574 women) aged ≥50 years from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008–2011) were divided into groups according to dietary vitamin A intake (tertiles) and serum 25(OH)D (<50, 50–75, >75 nmol/L), and evaluated for BMD after adjusting for relevant variables. Mean dietary vitamin A intakes were 737 and 600 μg RE (Retinol Equivalents) in men and women, respectively. Total hip and femoral neck BMD in men and lumbar spine BMD in women were both positively correlated with dietary vitamin A intake in subjects with serum 25(OH)D >75 nmol/L. Among men with serum 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L, both the top (mean 1353 μg RE) and bottom (mean 218 μg RE) tertiles of dietary vitamin A intake had lower BMD than the middle group (mean 577 μg RE). In this population, BMD was the highest among men and women with serum 25(OH)D = 50–75 nmol/L and that there were no differences in BMD by vitamin A intake in these vitamin D adequate groups. This cross-sectional study indicates that vitamin A intake does not affect bone mineral density as long as the serum 25(OH)D concentration is maintained in the moderate level of 50–75 nmol/L.     

Vitamin D Deficiency is Associated with Handgrip Strength,Nutritional Status and T2DM in Community-Dwelling Older Mexican Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between handgrip strength, nutritional status and vitamin D deficiency in Mexican community-dwelling older women. A cross sectional study in women ≥ 60 years-old was performed. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were measured by a quantitative immunoassay technique. Handgrip strength was assessed using a dynamometer, while nutritional status was assessed through the Full Mini Nutritional Assessment (Full-MNA). A total of 116 women participated in the study, their mean age was 70.3 ± 5.8 years; 49.1% of the study group had plasma 25(OH)D levels lower than 40 nmol/L [16 ng/mL]. Meanwhile, 28.45% of participants had low handgrip strength (<16 kg), and 23.1% were identified at risk of malnutrition/malnourished according with Full-MNA score. Women with 25(OH)D deficiency (<40 nmol/L [16 ng/mL]) were more likely to have low handgrip strength (OR = 2.64, p = 0.025) compared with those with higher 25(OH)D values. Additionally, being malnourished or at risk of malnutrition (OR = 2.53, p = 0.045) or having type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (OR = 2.92, p = 0.044) was also associated with low 25(OH)D. The prevalence of low plasma 25(OH)D concentrations was high among Mexican active older women. Low handgrip strength, being at risk of malnutrition/malnourished, or diagnosed with T2DM was also associated with Vitamin D deficiency.     

Colas, but not other carbonated beverages, are associated with low bone mineral density in older women: The Framingham Osteoporosis Study

BACKGROUND: Soft drink consumption may have adverse effects on bone mineral density (BMD), but studies have shown mixed results. In addition to displacing healthier beverages, colas contain caffeine and phosphoric acid (H3PO4), which may adversely affect bone. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that consumption of cola is associated with lower BMD. DESIGN: BMD was measured at the spine and 3 hip sites in 1413 women and 1125 men in the Framingham Osteoporosis Study by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Dietary intake was assessed by food-frequency questionnaire. We regressed each BMD measure on the frequency of soft drink consumption for men and women after adjustment for body mass index, height, age, energy intake, physical activity score, smoking, alcohol use, total calcium intake, total vitamin D intake, caffeine from noncola sources, season of measurement, and, for women, menopausal status and estrogen use. RESULTS: Cola intake was associated with significantly lower (P < 0.001-0.05) BMD at each hip site, but not the spine, in women but not in men. The mean BMD of those with daily cola intake was 3.7% lower at the femoral neck and 5.4% lower at Ward's area than of those who consumed <1 serving cola/mo. Similar results were seen for diet cola and, although weaker, for decaffeinated cola. No significant relations between noncola carbonated beverage consumption and BMD were observed. Total phosphorus intake was not significantly higher in daily cola consumers than in nonconsumers; however, the calcium-to-phosphorus ratios were lower. CONCLUSIONS: Intake of cola, but not of other carbonated soft drinks, is associated with low BMD in women. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings.     

Associations of 25 Hydroxyvitamin D and High Sensitivity C-reactive Protein Levels in Early Life

Vitamin D deficiency and elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) have been associated with several health outcomes, but knowledge on early life trajectories and association between 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and hs-CRP is lacking. We investigated the association between longitudinal measurements of 25(OH)D and hs-CRP, respectively, from pregnancy to childhood and throughout childhood in two Danish mother–child cohorts—the COPSAC₂₀₁₀ and COPSAC₂₀₀₀. In COPSAC₂₀₁₀, there was an association between 25(OH)D concentrations at week 24 in pregnancy and at age 6 months in childhood (n = 633): estimate (95% CI); 0.114 (0.041;0.187), p = 0.002, and between 25(OH)D at age 6 months and 6 years (n = 475): 0.155 (0.083;0.228), p < 0.001. This was also demonstrated in the COPSAC₂₀₀₀ cohort between 25(OH)D concentrations in cord blood and at age 4 years (n = 188): 0.294 (0.127;0.461), p < 0.001 and at age 6 months and 4 years (n = 264): 0.260 (0.133;0.388), p < 0.001. In COPSAC₂₀₀₀, we also found an association between hs-CRP at age 6 months and 12 years in childhood (n = 232): 0.183 (0.076;0.289), p < 0.001. Finally, we found a negative association between the cross-sectional measurements of 25(OH)D and hs-CRP at age 6 months (n = 613) in COPSAC₂₀₁₀: −0.004 (−0.008;−0.0004), p = 0.030, but this was not replicated in COPSAC₂₀₀₀. In this study, we found evidence of associations across timepoints of 25(OH)D concentrations from mid-pregnancy to infancy and through childhood and associations between hs-CRP levels during childhood, although with weak correlations. We also found a negative cross-sectional association between 25(OH)D and hs-CRP concentrations in COPSAC₂₀₁₀ proposing a role of vitamin D in systemic low-grade inflammation, though this association was not present in COPSAC₂₀₀₀.     

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.     

Impact of Genetic Risk Score and Dietary Protein Intake on Vitamin D Status in Young Adults from Brazil

Given the relationship between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and adverse outcomes of metabolic diseases, we investigated the interplay of dietary and genetic components on vitamin D levels and metabolic traits in young adults from Brazil. Genetic analysis, dietary intake, and anthropometric and biochemical measurements were performed in 187 healthy young adults (19–24 years). Genetic risk scores (GRS) from six genetic variants associated with vitamin D (vitamin D-GRS) and 10 genetic variants associated with metabolic disease (metabolic-GRS) were constructed. High vitamin D-GRS showed a significant association with low 25(OH)D concentrations (p = 0.001) and high metabolic-GRS showed a significant association with high fasting insulin concentrations (p = 0.045). A significant interaction was found between vitamin D-GRS and total protein intake (g/day) (adjusted for non-animal protein) on 25(OH)D (p_interaction = 0.006), where individuals consuming a high protein diet (≥73 g/d) and carrying >4 risk alleles for VDD had significantly lower 25(OH)D (p = 0.002) compared to individuals carrying ≤4 risk alleles. Even though our study did not support a link between metabolic-GRS and vitamin D status, our study has demonstrated a novel interaction, where participants with high vitamin D-GRS and consuming ≥73 g of protein/day had significantly lower 25(OH)D levels. Further research is necessary to evaluate the role of animal protein consumption on VDD in Brazilians.     

Vitamin D Nutritional Status of Chinese Pregnant Women,Comparing the Chinese National Nutrition Surveillance (CNHS) 2015–2017 with CNHS 2010–2012

Optimal vitamin D (vitD) status is beneficial for both pregnant women and their newborns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vitamin D status of Chinese pregnant women in the latest China Nutrition and Health Surveillance (CNHS) 2015–2017, analyze the risk factors of vitamin D deficiency (VDD), and compare them with those in CNHS 2010–2012. Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured by ELISA method. City type, district, latitude, location, age, vitamin D supplements intake, education, marital status, annual family income, etc., were recorded. The median 25(OH)D concentration was 13.02 (10.17–17.01) ng/mL in 2015–2017, and 15.48 (11.89–20.09) ng/mL in 2010–2012. The vitamin D sufficient rate was only 12.57% in 2015–2017, comparing to 25.17% in 2010–2012. The risk factors of vitamin D inadequacy (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) in 2015–2017 were not exactly consistent with that in 2010–2012. The risk factors included season of spring (p < 0.0001) and winter (p < 0.001), subtropical (p < 0.001), median (p < 0.0001) and warm temperate zones (p < 0.0001), the western (p = 0.027) and the central areas (p = 0.041), while vitD supplements intake (p = 0.021) was a protective factor in pregnant women. In conclusion, vitD inadequacy is very common among Chinese pregnant women. We encourage pregnant women to take more effective sunlight and proper vitD supplements, especially for those from the subtropical, warm and medium temperate zones, the western and the central, and in the seasons of spring and winter.     

Effect of Vitamin D-Enriched Gouda-Type Cheese Consumption on Biochemical Markers of Bone Metabolism in Postmenopausal Women in Greece

Considering the role of bone metabolism in understanding the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, the aim of the present study was to examine the effects of vitamin D-enriched cheese on the serum concentrations of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) and certain bone remodeling biomarkers in postmenopausal women in Greece. In a randomised, controlled dietary intervention, 79 postmenopausal women (55–75 years old) were randomly allocated either to a control (CG: n = 39) or an intervention group (IG: n = 40), consuming 60 g of either non-enriched or vitamin D3-enriched Gouda-type cheese (5.7 μg of vitamin D3), respectively, daily and for eight weeks during the winter. The serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), PTH, bone formation (i.e., osteocalcin, P1NP) and bone resorption (i.e., TRAP-5b) biomarkers were measured. Consumption of the vitamin D-enriched cheese led to higher serum 25(OH)D concentrations of 23.4 ± 6.39 (p = 0.022) and 13.4 ± 1.35 (p < 0.001) nmol/L in vitamin D-insufficient women being at menopause for less and more than 5 years, respectively. In vitamin D-insufficient women that were less than 5 years at menopause, consumption of vitamin D-enriched cheese was also associated with lower serum PTH (Beta −0.63 ± 1.11; p < 0.001) and TRAP-5b (Beta −0.65 ± 0.23; p = 0.004) levels at follow-up, compared with the CG. The present study showed that daily intake of 5.7 μg of vitamin D through enriched cheese increased serum 25(OH)D concentrations, prevented PTH increase and reduced bone resorption in vitamin D-insufficient early postmenopausal women, thus reflecting a potential food-based solution for reducing the risk of bone loss occurring after menopause.