• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.111-117
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• 2005

It has been more than three decades since the first assay assessing circulating 25 (OH)D in human subjects was performed That publication as well as several that followed it defined 'normal' nutritional vitamin D status in human populations. Recently, the wisdom by which 'normal' circulating 25 (OH)D levels in human subjects were assigned in the past has come under question. It appears that sampling human subjects, who appear to be free from disease, and assessing 'normal' circulating 25 (OH)D levels by plotting a Gaussian distribution is grossly inaccurate. There are many reasons why this method is inaccurate, including race, lifestyle habits, sunscreen usage, age, latitude, and inappropriately low dietary recommendations for vitamin D. For instance, a 400 IU/day. AI for vitamin D is insignificant when one considers that a 10-15 minute whole body exposure to peak summer sun will generate and release up to 20,000 IU vitamin $D_3$ into the circulation. Recent studies, which orally administered up to 10,000 IU/day vitamin $D_3$ to human subjects for several months, have successfully elevated circulating 25 (OH)D levels to those observed in individuals from sun-rich environments. Further, we are now able to accurately assess sufficient circulating 25 (OH)D levels utilizing specific biomarkers instead of guessing what an adequate level is. These biomarkers include intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium absorption, bone mineral density (BMD), insulin resistance and pancreatic beta cell function. Using the data from these biomarkers, vitamin D deficiency should be defined as circulating levels of 25 (OH)D$\leq$30 ng/mL. In certain cases, such as pregnancy and lactation, significantly higher circulating 25 (OH)D levels would almost certainly be beneficial to both the mother and recipient fetus/infant.

• Proceedings of the Korean Nutrition Society Conference
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• 2004.11a
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• pp.22-33
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• 2004

It has been more than three decades since the first assay assessing circulating 25(OH)D in human subjects was performed. That publication as well as several that followed it defined 'normal' nutritional vitamin D status in human populations. Recently, the wisdom by which 'normal' circulating 25(OH)D levels in human subjects were assigned in the past has come under question. It appears that sampling human subjects, who appear to be free from disease, and assessing 'normal' circulating 25(OH)D levels by plotting a Gaussian distribution is grossly inaccurate. There are many reasons why this method is inaccurate, including race, lifestyle habits, sunscreen usage, age, latitude, and inappropriately low dietary recommendations for vitamin D. For instance, a 400IU/day. AI for vitamin D is insignificant when one considers that a 10-15 minute whole body exposure to peak summer sun will generate and release up to 20,000 IU vitamin $D_3$ into the circulation. Recent studies, which orally administered up to 10,000 IU/day vitamin $D_3$ to human subjects for several months, have successfully elevated circulating 25(OH)D levels to those observed in individuals from sun-rich environments. Further, we are now able to accurately assess sufficient circulating 25(OH)D levels utilizing specific biomarkers instead of guessing what an adequate level is. These biomarkers include intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium absorption, bone mineral density (BMD), insulin resistance and pancreatic beta cell function. Using the data from these biomarkers, vitamin D deficiency should be defined as circulating levels of $25(OH)D{\leq}30ng/mL$. In certain cases, such as pregnancy and lactation, significantly higher circulating 25(OH)D levels would almost certainly be beneficial to both the mother and recipient fetus/infant.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.327-331
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• 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate the interrelationship of weight and hormonal changes through the administration of vitamin A to first time pregnant heifers. A total of 28 Korean heifers was used for this study. The heifers were divided into two groups - with vitamin A (n=14) and without vitamin A (control) (n=14) in the feed. Body weight increased in vitamin A treated heifers starting 9 months until 15 months. After pregnancy, vitamin A treated heifers were found to maintain higher body weights than the control group. Pre-pregnancy and post pregnancy progesterone levels were not different between the two groups. Serum estradiol levels of heifers at different growth stages showed relatively higher E2 levels than the control. Also, the control during pregnancy may show higher serum E2 levels than the vitamin A treated heifers. The growth phase serum estradiol levels in heifers may be relatively higher than the control. During pregnancy it showed a similar trend. Serum levels of vitamin A treated heifers did not differ from pregnant heifers at 5 months of age. However, after 5 months from conception until 8 months of treatment it showed a high level. Serum cholesterol in pregnant cows was higher in the control group than the treatment from beginning until the end of pregnancy. This is considered to be related to fetus development during pregnancy, as well as the mother's health.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.379-385
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• 1995

Ninety Wistar male rats were used to study the effects of vitamin E and Se supplementation to diets containing aflatoxin $B_1$ on the contents of liver lipids and various blood parameters. Two levels of dietary aflatoxin (0 and 1 ppm), 3 levels of vitamin E (30, 60 and 120 IU/kg), and 3 levels of Se (0.1, 1 and 2 ppm) were used to design a $2{\times}3{\times}3$ factorial experiment. Rats, weighing about 200 g, were randomly allotted to 18 cages, 5 rats per cage. The aflatoxin significantly (p < .05) decreased growth rate, feed intake and feed efficiency. Aflatoxin increased the glucose level and decreased the cholesterol level in blood significantly. Levels of blood triglyceride, total protein, and albumin were not affected by aflatoxin, vitamin E or Se. Activities of blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were significantly increased by aflatoxin; however, the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in the blood was decreased by aflatoxin even in the presence of Se. The vitamin E supplementation decreased the AST activity significantly, while GSH-Px activity increased significantly as the levels of dietary Se increased. The levels of total cholesterol and free cholesterol in the liver were significantly lower in rats receiving aflatoxin, while the extra vitamin E supplementation increased these hepatic cholesterol levels. It was concluded that the extra dietary vitamin E or Se supplementation might partially alleviate some of the harmful effects of aflatoxin in rats.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.73-78
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• 2001

The elevation of total plasmahomocysteine is now an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Plasma folate and vitamin {TEX}$B_{12}${/TEX} influence Hcy metabolism as cofactors. In this study, we studied the relationship of major risk factors for cardovascular disease, including advanced age, male gender, obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dislipidemia and plasma homocyteine, folate and vitamin {TEX}$B_{12}${/TEX} levels in Koreans. A total of 195 adult Koreans participated. The subjects were divided into three groups according to how many major conventional risk factors of cardiovascular disease they had: no risk, low risk (1~3 risk factors) and high risk (>3 risk factors) groups. As the number of risk factors increased, the plasma homocysteine levels significantly increase, while the plasma folate levels significantly decreased. The plasma homocysteine levels re higher in males than in females. The subjects with hyperglycemia had higher plasma homocysteine levels than the subjects without the risk factor. Also the subjects with dislipidemia had higher plasma homocysteine levels than the subjects without the risk factor. The plasma folate and vitamin {TEX}$B_{12}${/TEX} levels were significantly lower in males tan females. However, there were no significant differences in plasma folate and vitamin {TEX}$B_{12}${/TEX} levels between the subjects with or without other risk factors. These results indicate that plasma homocysteine levels were positively related with risk factors for cardiovascular disease and plasma folate levels were negatively related with the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Also, we conclude that plasmahomocysteine levels might be related to the combination of risk factors, rather than an individual risk factor.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.59 no.7
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• pp.292-297
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• 2016

Purpose: To compare different regimens of vitamin D with respect to its serum increment levels and bone mineral accrual in vitamin D-deficient children. Methods: Children identified as being vitamin D deficient (serum levels<20 ng/mL) were divided into 3 treatment groups by stratified block randomization (group 1, 4,000 IU/day of vitamin D3 plus 50 mg/kg/day calcium for 12 weeks; group 2, 30,000 IU/wk of vitamin D3 plus 50 mg/kg/day calcium for 12 weeks; and group 3, 300,000 IU of vitamin D3 once intramuscularly plus 50 mg/kg/day calcium). After regimen completion, each child received a maintenance dose of 400 IU/day vitamin D3 plus 50 mg/kg/day calcium. Their serum vitamin D level was measured after 3 and 12 months. Total body less head bone mineral concentration (BMC) and total body less head bone mineral density (BMD) were measured after 12 months. Results: The mean increment in serum vitamin D levels from baseline to 3 months was significantly higher in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2, but the levels from 3 to 12 months were almost similar among all 3 groups. There were no significant differences among the 3 groups with respect to percentage increase of BMD and BMC. Conclusion: The injectable form of vitamin D was more efficacious than the oral forms in increasing the serum level to the normal range. All 3 regimens were equally effective in increasing the BMC and BMD. The 400 IU/day maintenance dose was sufficient to keep the serum level within the normal range.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.5 no.5
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• pp.464-470
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• 2011

Growing evidence suggests an elevated risk for colorectal neoplasia among individuals with low levels of vitamin D, the biological actions of which are mediated by the vitamin D receptor (VDR). To investigate the association among vitamin D status, VDR polymorphisms (FokI, and BsmI), and colorectal adenoma, we conducted a meta-analysis of nine studies of circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and five studies of FokI or BsmI polymorphisms in relation to colorectal adenomas. Study-specific relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model. A total of 3398 coloreetal adenomas for 25(OH)D and 1754 colorectal adenomas for VDR were included in the meta-analysis. We identified a significant inverse association between colorectal adenoma (combined RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.87-0.98 per 10 ng/mL increase in 25(OH)D levels). When we examined FokI and BsmI polymorphisms in the meta-analysis, we found no association for either FokI (combined RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.95-1.06) or BsmI (combined RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.93-1.05) in the additive model. These data suggest an inverse association between circulating 25(OH)D levels and colorectal adenoma risk.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.10-16
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• 2018

Background: Vitamin D has been associated with sepsis in pediatric and adult patients. The association with neonates is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effect of neonatal and maternal vitamin D levels on neonatal early-onset sepsis. Methods: We searched studies published up to November 2017 in PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases. All studies that reported 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in neonates with or without early-onset sepsis were included. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: Four studies were eligible. The weighted mean difference of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in neonates with early-onset sepsis and controls was -7.27 ng/mL (95% confidence interval = -7.62, -6.92). Maternal vitamin D levels in neonates with early-onset sepsis were significantly lower than those in controls (weighted mean difference -7.24 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval -8.45, -6.03). All neonates with early onset sepsis had vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D <20 ng/mL). Conclusion: Lower neonatal and maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were associated with neonatal early-onset sepsis. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may be helpful to prevent neonatal early-onset sepsis. The effects of vitamin D supplementation on early-onset sepsis in neonates warrant further study.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.11
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• pp.5763-5765
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• 2012

Background: This study was conducted to determine levels of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant vitamin status in patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer. Methods: The study group consisted of a total number of 80 subjects between the age 40-68 years, 40 with clinically and histopathologically proved cases of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer and 40 normal healthy, age and sex matched volunteers as controls. Levels of lipid peroxidation products as malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant vitamins as vitamin A and vitamin C were estimated and compared between the two groups. Results: There was a statistical significant difference in the mean MDA, plasma vitamin A and vitamin C in the oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients compared with the healthy controls (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Lipid peroxidation (MDA) is higher and plasma antioxidant vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin C were lower in oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer patients than healthy controls.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.515-524
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• 2001

Two experiments using growing and finishing pigs (Landrace$\times$Duroc$\times$Yorkshire) were conducted to determine the effects of different levels of vitamins and trace minerals (VTM) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs, and to evaluate the suitability of vitamin-mineral levels commonly used in the swine industry in Korea. A total of 120 three crossbred (Landrace$\times$Duroc$\times$Yorkshire) growing (Experiment I: 20.90 0.44 kg average initial body weight) and finishing (Experiment II: 53.55 0.97 kg average initial body weight) were used in 6 and 9 weeks feeding trials, respectively. Pigs were allotted on the basis of sex and weight to 5 treatments with 6 replications per treatment with 4 pigs per pen in a completely randomized block design. Treatments were: 1) control, 2) fat soluble vitamin 200% vs. control, 3) water soluble vitamin 200% vs. control, 4) trace mineral 50% vs. control, 5) trace mineral 200% vs. control. In experiment I, during the overall experimental period (0 to 6 weeks, 21 to 54 kg body weight), ADG of the 200% trace mineral supplemented group was significantly higher than that of the 50% trace mineral supplemented group. There were no significant differences among other the treatments. Digestibility of crude protein was lowest in mineral 50% supplemented group (p<0.05). Calcium digestibility was significantly higher in the 200% fat soluble vitamin supplemented group than in the other treatments (p<0.05). In experiment II, during the overall experimental period (0 to 9 weeks, 54 to 106 kg body weight), growth performance was not significantly affected by dietary vitamin and trace mineral levels. However, increasing level of water soluble vitamins at the level of 200% compared to control had a tendency to improve the overall growth performance. Overall carcass characteristics except for carcass length did not differ among pigs fed the dietary treatments. Loin eye area, pH, drip loss and shear force of meat were not affected by dietary vitamin and trace mineral levels. There was a trend for less fat content (%) in pork when the level of vitamin and trace mineral was increased, but the difference was not significant. Flavor score was the lowest in control and highest in the 200% fat soluble vitamin supplemented group (p<0.05). Juiciness of muscle was lower in the 200% fat soluble vitamin supplemented group than other dietary treatments, except for trace mineral 50% supplemented group (p<0.05). Based on these results, it is suggested that "typical" commercial levels of vitamin and trace minerals used by feed companies in Korea are sufficient to meet requirement for the maximum growth of growing-finishing pigs. Our results suggests that a reduction in trace mineral levels in commercial diets could be considered to reduce feed cost and nutrient excretion with economic and environmental benefits.