• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.12-26
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among serum adiponectin, leptin and vitamin D concentrations and the metabolic syndrome in Korean farmers. 105 (26 males, 79 females) farmers (39~78 years, mean age $59.4{\pm}9.6$ years) in Gangwon - area were included in this study. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical blood analysis of subjects were carried out. The prevalence of obesity, abdominal obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia and hyper LDL-cholesterolemia, metabolic syndrome were 51.9%, 65.7%, 49.5%, 15.3%, 17.3%, 13.5%, 11.5% and 40.9%, respectively. Serum adiponectin and leptin levels ($8.90{\mu}g/ml$ and 12.6 ng/ml) of females were significantly higher than those ($6.49{\mu}g/ml$ and 4.88 ng/ml) of males. But there was no significant difference in 25(OH)vitamin D concentration between males (15.4 ng/ml) and females (16.9 ng/ml). In the subjects with metabolic syndrome, the adiponectin levels were significantly lower and leptin levels were significantly higher than those of the subjects without metabolic syndrome. Serum adiponectin level had positive correlations with HDL-cholesterol level (r = 0.325, p < 0.001), but showed negative correlations with triglyceride and fasting blood glucose concentrations, body weight and waist/hip circumference ratio (r = -0.202 ~ -0.317, p < 0.05). Serum leptin and 25(OH)vitamin D concentrations were positively correlated with body fat (kg, %) and BMI, waist and hip circumferences (r = 0.244 ~ 0.682, p < 0.001). The results of this study suggested that adiponectin and leptin levels could be credible indices to predict chronic diseases in farmers. However, further research on vitamin D should be carried out considering another factors.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.7 no.5
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• pp.409-417
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• 2013

This study was performed to determine the effects of dietary calcium (Ca) intake, milk and dairy product intake, and serum vitamin D level on bone mineral density. The survey data from the 2008-2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) for adults (3,819 males, 5,625 females) aged > 20 years were examined; osteoporosis was defined according to the standards for Asian populations (T-score < -2.5). The risk for osteoporosis significantly decreased as Ca intake increased; this effect persisted (quartile 4 vs. quartile 1 of Ca intake: odds ratio [OR] 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50-0.87) even after adjustment for gender, age, and other factors (body mass index, serum vitamin D, menstruation, female hormone intake, menopausal status, and the number of days per week of muscular strength exercise). Additionally, the risk for osteoporosis significantly decreased as the Ca/P ratio increased (quartile 4 vs. quartile 1: OR 0.76; 95% CI: 0.58-0.98). The degree of risk was 0.96 (0.66-1.38) in those who consumed < 1 portion of milk or dairy products daily, and 0.71 (0.53-0.96) in those who consumed > 1 portion per day, compared with those who had zero intake. The risk for osteoporosis significantly decreased as the serum 25(OH) vitamin D level increased. From these results, we advocate an increase in Ca, milk, and dairy product intake, and that serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels be maintained within the normal range, for the maintenance of bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis in adults.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.245-256
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• 2019

Objectives: Although the number of laboratory workers is constantly increasing every year, few studies have been conducted on the health and nutritional status of these research workers. This study determined the health status of laboratory workers by analyzing their anthropometric indices, dietary life, vitamin D status and blood clinical indices. Methods: The subjects consisted of 100 female laboratory workers. This study investigated their diet, anthropometric indices, vitamin D status and blood clinical indices. The subjects were divided into two groups according to their duration of working in a laboratory (<1 year, $${\geq}_-1year$$). Results: The average age and body mass index (BMI) of subjects were 23.18 years and $21.51kg/m^2$, respectively Those subjects with over 1 year employment ($${\geq}_-1year$$) had a significantly higher waist-hip ratio than that of the subjects with the less than 1 year employment (<1 year). The mean serum vitamin D level of all the subjects was 10.04 ng/mL, which is close to a level of vitamin D deficiency. There was a significantly higher average intake of calories in the over 1 year employment group as compared to that of the less than 1 year employment group. The frequency of eating sweet snacks was significantly higher for the over 1 year employment group. The correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between the serum 25-(OH)-vitamin D level and the time of exposure to sunlight, while dietary intake of vitamin D did not show correlation with the serum 25-(OH)-vitamin D level. However, the serum 25-(OH)-vitamin D level was also negatively correlated with both the percentage of body fat and visceral fat. Conclusions: Laboratory workers are a very high risk group in terms of their nutritional status of vitamin D. Therefore, they need greater time of exposure to sunlight as well as increasing their dietary consumption of vitamin D. In addition, it is important for laboratory worker to practice regular and balanced dietary habits in order to maintain a healthy life.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.58 no.9
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• pp.325-329
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• 2015

Purpose: In addition to regulating calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and bone metabolism, vitamin D is known as an immune modulator. Recently, there has been increased worldwide interest in the association between low levels of vitamin D and allergic diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and allergic/vasomotor rhinitis (AR/VR) in children. Methods: This study included 164 patients. The sample included 59 patients with AR, 42 patients with VR, and 63 controls. Their ages ranged from 0 to 16 years. We examined the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, Immunoglobulin E, specific IgE, and eosinophil cationic protein; peripheral blood eosinophil count; and the results of a skin prick test. Results: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were $19.0{\pm}8.5ng/mL$ in the AR group, $25.5{\pm}10.9ng/mL$ in the VR group, and $26.9{\pm}10.7ng/mL$ in the control group. After adjustment for body mass index and season at the time of blood sampling, vitamin D levels in the AR group were lower than those of the VR group (P=0.003) and control group (P<0.001). Vitamin D levels were inversely correlated with Immunoglobulin E levels (r=-0.317, P<0.001). AR patients with food allergy or atopic dermatitis did not have lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D than AR patients without these diseases. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a possible relationship between vitamin D levels and allergic rhinitis in Korean children.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.30 no.9
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• pp.1061-1066
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• 1997

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of 4 weeks of $\alpha$-tocopherol(800 I.U./d) supplementation on oxidant stress of eleven female aerobic -majoring students during rest and exercise. Changes in the activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase were also studied. Serum $\alpha$-tocopherol concentration was significantly increased with vitamin E supplementation(710.1$\pm$113.8$\mu\textrm{g}$/dl vs. 1,485,8$\pm$105.2$\mu\textrm{g}$/dl). In addition, serum MDA concentration, an index of lipid peroxidation, significantly decreased after vitamin E supplementation. However, MDA values after exercise increased to pre-supplementation levels. Serum glutathione peroxidase activity significantly increased with vitamin E supplementation. The enzyme activity showed a trend toward decrease after exercise. Serum cholesterol values were not significantly affected by vitamin E supplementation. However, serum triglycerides significantly increased after supplementation against oxidative stress during resting periods. These supplements appraently work by decreasing lipid peroxidation and increasing glutathione peroxidase activity. However, vitamin E supplementation did not prevent exercise-induced increases in lipid peroxidation.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.552-558
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• 2019

Purpose: Although vitamin D deficiency is common among Korean adolescent girls and young women, few studies have explored the potential health effects of vitamin D deficiency in this vulnerable population. This study examined the association between vitamin D deficiency and anemia in Korean adolescent girls and young women. Methods: The data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008 ~ 2014 were used. A total of 3,643 girls and adult women aged 12 to 29 who provided all the information (including serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, hemoglobin, and/or serum ferritin) needed for the analysis were included in the analysis. Demographic, lifestyle, and health data were obtained through survey questionnaires. Anemia and iron deficiency anemia were defined according to the World Health Organization cut-offs. Multivariable logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline regression were used in the analysis. Results: In fully adjusted logistic regression models, the vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with higher prevalences of anemia (odds ratio (OR): 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04 ~ 2.49) and iron deficiency anemia (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.01 ~ 2.03). In a cubic spline regression model, we observed a dose-response relationship between serum 25(OH)D concentration and anemia, and this linear relationship was also clearly observed between serum 25(OH)D concentration and iron deficiency anemia. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency may be associated with a higher prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and anemia in adolescent girls and young women. Alternatively, vitamin D deficiency may be a concurrent event for patients with anemia, which we cannot distinguish in this cross-sectional study. Further studies are needed to verify the causality in this population of low vitamin D levels.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.337-344
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• 2017

To date, no clear threshold that has been established for defining an adequate store of vitamin D for bone health. Therefore, this study aims to determine the required level of vitamin D to maintain a healthy skeleton based on bone remodelling process among healthy adult population. This was a cross sectional study, involving a healthy adult population in Kota Bharu, Malaysia, aged 18~50 years. We measured serum 25(OH)D (vitamin D), serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX), and Procollagen 1 Intact N-Terminal (P1NP) in 120 healthy adults selected via multi stage sampling (64 males, 56 females) from 6 subdistricts in Kota Bharu. The mean level of 25(OH)D was 23.50 (${\pm}8.74$) nmol/L. There was a significant difference of the vitamin D level between genders ($26.81{\pm}8.3nmol/L$ vs $19.72{\pm}7.68nmol/L$ in males and females respectively) (p value<0.001). More than 50% of female subjects had 25(OH)D less than 20 nmol/L, while only 20.3% of male subjects had 25(OH)D below 20 nmol/L. Based on the LOESS plot, the bone turnover markers showed a plateauing result, at the 25(OH)D level of 35 nmol/L for CTX and 20 nmol/L for P1NP. Contrastingly, PTH showed a step rise in the 25(OH)D level of 20 nmol/L. Based on the LOESS plot for CTX, P1NP and PTH versus 25(OH)D, level of vitamin D between 20 to 35 nmol/L is recommended to maintain healthy skeleton.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 2014

Purpose: Although vitamin D deficiency is more commonly found in cancer patient than in non-cancer patients, there have been little data regarding the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in cancer patients at the very end of life. We examined vitamin D deficiency in terminally ill cancer patients and related factors. Methods: This study was based on a retrospective chart review of 133 patients in a hospice ward. We collected data regarding age, sex, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, cancer type, physical performance, current medications and various laboratory findings. We investigated factors related to serum vitamin D levels after multivariate adjustment for potential confounders. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D<20 ng/mL was considered deficient and <10 ng/mL severely deficient. Results: Ninety-five percent of the patients were serum vitamin D deficient. Severe vitamin D deficiency was more common in male patients, non-lung cancer patients, $H_2$ blocker users and non-anticonvulsant users. Elevated levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were also associated with low serum vitamin D levels. Multiple regression analysis showed that severe vitamin D deficiency was associated with male gender (aOR 3.82, 95% CI: 1.50~9.72, P=0.005), $H_2$ blocker users (aOR 3.94, 95% CI: 1.61~9.65, P=0.003) and elevated serum ALT levels (aOR 4.52, 95% CI: 1.35~15.19, P=0.015). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent among terminally ill cancer patients. Severe vitamin D deficiency was more common in male patients, $H_2$ blocker users, and patients with elevated ALT levels.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.539-548
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of supplemental vitamin D on the physiological indices, muscle mass, and physical functions of aged women. Methods: A non-equivalent pretest-posttest design was used. The participants were 65 elderly women with low serum vitamin D levels. This study was conducted for 12 weeks. The experimental group (n=34) received vitamin D and regular exercise whereas the control group (n=31) received only regular exercise. The data were analyzed by the IBM PASW Statistics (SPSS) 19.0 program. Results: Serum vitamin D (U=0.00, p<.001), parathyroid hormone (U=99.50, p<.001) and calcium (U=250.50, p<.001) levels were significantly increased in the experimental group after the intervention. The experimental group showed significantly increased scores of muscle mass, strength, physical balance, and gait compared to those of the control group. Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation improved physiological indices, muscle mass, and physical functions. In addition, this program may help to prevent disorders of the musculoskeletal system in aged women.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.46-61
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• 1998

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of vitamin D nutritional status on bone mineral density of adults (21-49 years). To attain the aim, we measured bone mineral density (BMD) of the subjects at distal radius by single-photon absorptiometry (SPA). Serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25-(OH)D) , known to be the best indicator of indicator of vitamin D status in humans was analyzed . The factors affecting this vitamin D level were also investigated in autumn in 122 young adults. Serum level of 25-(OH)D was measured by high pressure liquid chromatography(HPLC) and biochemical variables, general health status, time spent outdoors, and dietary intakes of the subjects. BMD of the male subjects was significantly greater than that of female subjects. Weight, activity and total energy expediture (TEE) showed a positive correlation with distal BMD. The mean level of serum 25-(OH)D was 24.4$\pm$11.0 ng./ml and by sex, 26.0$\pm$6.8ng/ml for males and 23.3$\pm$12.3ng/ml for females , the level was significantly higher in male (p<0.01). there was significant correlation between BMD at distal-radius and s-25(OH)D levels (p<0.001). The serum level fo parathyroid hormone (PTH) showed a negative correlation with BMD(p<0.05), with the more obvious correlation in females. Vitamin D intake was estimated to be 3.75$\pm$2.19ug/day in average. Among the nutrients studied, protein ,fat, calcium , and vitamin D intake were positively correlated with distal BMD. When food frequencies were concerned , milk and dairy products showed a significant positive correlation with the BMD level, and driedfoods, eggs , fats and oils, and cereals also showed a positive correlation. Time spent outdoors was estimated to be about 70 minutes in average and positively correlated with the distal BMD level(p<0.01). During the day, the specific time between 12 :00pm and 2:00pm showed the most significant correlation with BMD (p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis with the variables showed that distal BMD could be fit 31.9% by the time spent outdoors a day, intake of Ca and vitamin D, and TEE. The standardized estimates were 0.344 for vitamin D intake, 0.284 for Ca intake 0.179 for the time spent outdoors a day and 0.273 for TEE. For males, s-25*OH)D level, TEE and time spent outdoors during a day showed a significant correlation. For females, intake of Ca and vitamin D could fit about 27.1% of the distal BMD.