TitleEpidemiologic study of the C-3 epimer of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) in a population-based sample.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsEngelman, CD, Bo, R, Zuelsdorff, M, Steltenpohl, H, Kirby, T, F. Nieto, J
JournalClin Nutr
Volume33
Issue3
Pagination421-5
Date Published06/2014
ISSN1532-1983
Keywords25-Hydroxyvitamin D 2, Adult, Aged, Body Size, Calcifediol, Cross-Sectional Studies, Diet, Dietary Supplements, Epidemiologic Studies, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Seasons, Sunlight, Surveys and Questionnaires, Vitamin D, Waist Circumference, Wisconsin, Young Adult
Abstract
 

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Vitamin D is associated with many health outcomes and the blood concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is commonly measured in clinical practice. A C-3 epimer of this compound, 3-epi-25(OH)D3, has recently been detected in blood samples. Few clinical assays currently detect this epimer and its physiological function is unknown, as are the demographic, behavioral, and physiologic factors that may be correlated with it. We sought to determine the correlation between these factors and 3-epi-25(OH)D3.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional population-based study of 303 non-Hispanic white participants in the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin. Serum 25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3 and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. We measured vitamin D intake from foods and supplements via a food frequency questionnaire, sun exposure by spectrophotometry, waist circumference during a physical exam, and additional demographic and behavioral factors by questionnaire. We calculated the percent of 3-epi-25(OH)D3 out of the total 25(OH)D3.

RESULTS: Summer season (P = 0.009), higher alcohol intake (P = 0.007), and higher vitamin D intake from supplements (P = 0.0004), but not food (P = 0.20), were significantly associated with a higher percent of 3-epi-25(OH)D3 relative to the total 25(OH)D3, although these associations appear to be partially driven by individuals with low 3-epi-25(OH)D3. Moreover, the percent of 3-epi-25(OH)D3 was significantly correlated with the total 25(OH)D3 (r = 0.37, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: We report findings from an epidemiologic study of 3-epi-25(OH)D3 and show that individuals with lower total 25(OH)D3 tend to have a lower percent of 3-epi-25(OH)D3 relative to the total. While this is the largest reported sample of adults with measured 3-epi-25(OH)D3, the sample size of 303 is relatively small and replication of our findings is necessary.

DOI10.1016/j.clnu.2013.06.005
Alternate JournalClin Nutr
PubMed ID23831447
PubMed Central IDPMC3884039
Grant ListUL1 TR000427 / TR / NCATS NIH HHS / United States
5UL 1RR025011 / RR / NCRR NIH HHS / United States
RC2 HL101468 / HL / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States
UL1 RR025011 / RR / NCRR NIH HHS / United States
1 RC2 HL101468 / HL / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States