Prevalence and Predictors Ofvitamin D Deficiency in Healthy Adults

Abstract

Objective Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in high-risk patient populations, but the prevalence among otherwise healthy adults is less well-defined. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of low 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in healthy younger adults. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 634 healthy volunteers aged 18-50 years performed between January, 2006 and May, 2008. We measured serum 25(OH) D and parathyroid hormone and recorded demographic variables including age, sex, race, and use of multivitamin supplements. Results Thirty-nine percent of subjects had 25(OH)D ≤20 ng/mL and 64% had 25(OH)D ≤30 ng/mL. Predictors of lower 25(OH)D levels included male sex, black or Asian race, and lack of multivitamin use (P<0.001 for each predictors). Seasonal variation in 25(OH)D levels was present in the overall cohort but was not observed in multivitamin users. Lower 25(OH)D levels were associated with increased risk of elevated parathyroid hormone. Regression models predicted 25(OH)D levels ≤20 or ≤30 ng/mL with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.76 and 0.80, respectively. Conclusion Low 25(OH)D levels are prevalent in healthy adults and may confer risk of skeletal disease. Black and Asian adults are at increased risk of deficiency and multivitamin use appears partially protective. Our models predicting low 25(OH)D levels may guide decision-making regarding whom to screen for vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D and assisted reproduction: should vitamin D be routinely screened and repleted prior to ART? A systematic review

“…When the prevalence of each category reported by each of these six studies were weighted for sample size and subsequently averaged, 27.7 % were vitamin D deficient, 38.4 % were insufficient, and 33.8 % were replete. This overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was slightly lower than what has been reported for the general population of childbearing age women in the US (31 %) [3]. As Vanni et al [80] reported, a lower prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is to be expected in a population of women seeking IVF, as these women tend to have higher socioeconomic status as well as education level, both of which are factors associated with higher vitamin D levels.…”

“…Mitchell et al [3] reported the incidence of vitamin D deficiency (defined as <20 ng/mL) in reproductive age females to be 31 %. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) [4] found that risk varied between racial and ethnic groups, with non-Hispanic blacks demonstrating a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and inadequacy as compared to their white counterparts.…”

“…age, sex, BMI, race, comorbidities, etc.). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in US reproductive age females undergoing ART (65 %) was derived from Polyzos et al [73] as well as previously described by Mitchell et al [3] (31 %).…”

“…After adjusting for a population with a vitamin D deficiency prevalence of 65 % [73], the average cost per OPR was $38,771, while adjusting for a population with a vitamin D deficiency prevalence of 31 % [3] was $34,920. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that, if the ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) of a single not-treated vitamin D deficient cycle was set at 35 %, then a vitamin D treated cycle was cost-effective when the OPR achieved by ART was 38 % or greater (Fig.…”

The ONIT Study–Ocular Nutrition Impact on Tear Film

“…It is needed by genes/cells that express mucin (a polysaccharide) of major importance in one of the three major tear layers. Vitamin D 3 , a fat soluble vitamin that is generally deficient in the American diet, is also incorporated [22]. Numerous clinical studies have elucidated the health benefits of vitamin D and many are likely explained by its master effects on immunity and systemic inflammation [23].…”