European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Various factors like physiological and emotional stress, drugs and nutritional deficiencies can result in hair loss. Results of laboratory tests examining the underlying aetiology of hair loss vary in patients. Materials and methods: Fifty-four patients with hair loss (47 females, 7 males) and 55 healthy individuals within the control group (47 females, 8 males) were included in this study. Serum levels of ferritin, folate, vitamin B12, zinc, thyroid stimulating hormone and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were evaluated in all participants retrospectively. Result: A total of 70 patients were studied which included 45 males and 25 females. Out of these mild AA was seen in 15 males and 10 females, moderate AA was found in 30 males and 15 females. We did not get any cases of alopecia totalis (AT), alopecia universalis (AU) or ophiasis. Conclusion: Women with hair loss can benefit from higher ferritin levels

Introduction: Vitamin D plays a significant role in the functioning of the immune system and it influences many dermatological diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is growing globally with around 30–50% of people are known to have low levels of vitamin D.  Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. Studies about the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris have shown conflicting and nonconclusive results. Thus, the precise purpose of vitamin D has not yet been established.  Aims & Objective: To evaluate serum levels of vitamin D in sample of patients with acne vulgaris and compare it with matched healthy controls & to investigate if there is any relation between serum vitamin D level and the severity of acne vulgaris. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 40 patients with acne vulgaris and 40 matched healthy controls. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25 (OH) D] levels were measured for both patients and healthy controls.  Results: Patients with acne are younger than healthy controls and female preponderance was observed as compared with male patients.  The mean (± SD) concentrations of 25[OH]D in patient group and the control group were 21.3 ± 9.7 ng mL and 29.6 ± 11.2 ng/mL respectively. The difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). Thus our study yielded lower levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in patients with acne vulgaris than its level in healthy controls. Conclusion: This study has shown clearly that in patients with acne Vulgaris vitamin D deficiency is more evident with P-value P < 0.05. Moderate to severe vitamin deficiency was observed in 27 cases (67.5%) and in 20 controls (50%) (P < 0.05). Further clinical studies with larger sample size are required to address the importance of vitamin D in pathogenesis & grading of Acne vulgaris. Specifically, to determine the effects of treatment of acne with both topical vitamin D analogs and vitamin D supplementation.

Background: It has recently been demonstrated that vitamin D, long thought to be a hormone that regulates calcium and phosphate, is essential for the treatment of a number of non-skeletal illnesses, including cardiovascular disease. Numerous research have been conducted on the connection and potential causal involvement of vitamin D in cardiovascular diseases and the well-known risk factors associated with them. There aren't many research conducted in this region of the world, though. This study's primary goal was to measure the 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in heart failure patients. Methods: This was a institute based Observational Cross Sectional Study, done at General Medicine Ward, Department of General Medicine, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal, India, from March 2021 to May 2022. Total 100 patients with heart failure and fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in this study data were entered into a Microsoft excel spreadsheet and then analyzed by SPSS (version 27.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and Graph Pad Prism version 5. Result: In present study maximum participants 57 (57%) were from the age group of 61-80 years. Mean age of the participants was 65.38±13.7656l. In our study, 46 (46.0%) patients were Normal BMI, 14 (14.0%) patients were Obese BMI and 40 (40.0%) patients were Overweight BMI. In the present study 100 (100%) of the participants had Exertional Dyspnoea followed by PND and fine crepts 79 (79%) each. Vitamin D ≤30 was present in 88 (88%) off study population and >30 was present in 12 (12%) of study population.  Conclusion: In our study we found that 88 out of 100 study participants were Vit D deficient. It was also found that, 25(OH) Vit D levels had negative correlation with LVEF

Background: Vitamin D plays a vital role in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Postmenopausal women face a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency due to aging, reduced sun exposure, and estrogen decline, which worsens insulin resistance. This study examines the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College, Dhanbad, in the Departments of Physiology and Medicine, with a sample size of 175 postmenopausal women aged 45–70 years. Participants were recruited from outpatient and inpatient services based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic, lifestyle, and clinical data. Biochemical parameters assessed included serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (ECLIA method), fasting plasma glucose, postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting insulin, and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Correlations between vitamin D levels and insulin resistance markers were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and linear regression models. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was prevalent in 56.0% of participants, with only 12.6% having sufficient levels (≥30 ng/mL). A strong inverse correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and insulin resistance markers, including fasting insulin (r = -0.39, p < 0.001) and HOMA-IR (r = -0.45, p < 0.001). Participants with vitamin D deficiency exhibited significantly higher fasting glucose (132.8 mg/dL), postprandial glucose (186.4 mg/dL), and HbA1c (7.4%), indicating poor glycemic control. Additionally, 81.6% of vitamin D-deficient individuals had an HbA1c >7%, compared to 22.7% in those with sufficient vitamin D levels (p < 0.001). The findings suggest a significant association between vitamin D insufficiency and increased insulin resistance in postmenopausal women. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in postmenopausal women and strongly correlates with insulin resistance. Routine vitamin D screening and targeted interventions, including supplementation and lifestyle modifications, may improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health. Further studies are needed to explore vitamin D optimization in diabetes prevention

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a common health concern globally and has been implicated in a range of musculoskeletal symptoms, particularly fatigue and muscle weakness. Despite increasing awareness, the extent to which vitamin D deficiency correlates with these symptoms in the general population remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with fatigue and muscle weakness among adults in a community-based setting. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a six-month period, enrolling 300 participants aged 18–60 years from outpatient clinics and community centers. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured using a chemiluminescence immunoassay. Participants were categorized into three groups: deficient (<20 ng/mL), insufficient (20–30 ng/mL), and sufficient (>30 ng/mL). Fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and muscle strength was evaluated by handgrip dynamometry. Statistical analysis included Chi-square and ANOVA tests, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Out of 300 participants, 162 (54%) were vitamin D deficient, 84 (28%) were insufficient, and 54 (18%) had sufficient levels. The mean FSS score in the deficient group was 5.6 ± 1.1 compared to 3.8 ± 0.9 in the sufficient group (p<0.001). Mean handgrip strength was significantly lower in the deficient group (18.4 ± 3.2 kg) than in the sufficient group (26.1 ± 4.5 kg) (p<0.001). A strong inverse correlation was observed between serum vitamin D levels and both fatigue severity (r = -0.61) and muscle weakness (r = -0.58). Conclusion: The findings suggest a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the general population, which is significantly associated with increased fatigue and reduced muscle strength. Routine screening and correction of vitamin D levels may help alleviate these symptoms and improve quality of life.

Background: Hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production, is commonly caused by autoimmune thyroiditis, particularly Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Vitamin D deficiency has been increasingly recognized as a factor in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases, including hypothyroidism. Despite growing evidence of a potential relationship between vitamin D levels and thyroid function, the exact correlation between vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism remains inconclusive. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and thyroid function in patients with primary hypothyroidism, specifically examining the association between serum vitamin D levels and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). Materials and Methods: This was a study conducted between January  2023 and December  2024 at Andhra   medical college, King George hospital , Visakhapatnam. A total of 221 patients, aged 20-60 years, diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism were included. The study excluded patients undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism, those receiving thyroid hormone replacement therapy, and individuals on medications affecting thyroid function. Participants underwent clinical examinations, and laboratory tests were performed to measure TSH, T3, T4, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D) levels. Vitamin D levels were categorized as deficient (<20 ng/ml), insufficient (20-30 ng/ml), and sufficient (>30 ng/ml). The relationship between vitamin D levels and thyroid function was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: Among the 221 patients, 69.64% were vitamin D deficient, 16.74% had insufficient levels, and 13.62% had sufficient levels. A significant negative correlation was found between vitamin D deficiency and TSH (r = -0.336), with lower vitamin D levels associated with higher TSH, particularly in patients with overt hypothyroidism. Pearson’s correlation analysis also indicated a positive correlation between vitamin D deficiency and T3 (r = 0.248) and T4 (r = 0.291), suggesting a potential regulatory effect of vitamin D on thyroid hormones. Conclusion : The study confirmed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with primary hypothyroidism, with a significant negative correlation between vitamin D levels and TSH. The findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the progression of hypothyroidism, particularly in more severe forms.

Background: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a debilitating disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that is not improved with rest and worsens with physical or mental exertion. Recent studies suggest a potential role of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly Vitamin D, in the pathophysiology and symptomatology of CFS. Objective: To assess the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in adults diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 100 adult patients (aged 18–60 years) diagnosed with CFS based on CDC criteria. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured, and deficiency was defined as <20 ng/mL. Demographic data, fatigue severity, and comorbidities were recorded and analyzed. Results: Among the 100 participants, 68% were found to have Vitamin D deficiency, 22% had insufficiency (20–30 ng/mL), and only 10% had sufficient levels (>30 ng/mL). A significant association was found between Vitamin D deficiency and higher fatigue severity scores (p<0.01). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among adults with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Screening for and correcting this deficiency may be a valuable adjunct in managing fatigue symptoms.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly recognized as a global health issue and has been implicated in the development of several chronic metabolic conditions. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between low serum vitamin D levels and components of metabolic syndrome (MetS), including central obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with metabolic syndrome among urban adults. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 adults aged 25–60 years residing in an urban area. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and fasting blood samples were collected to assess serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], fasting glucose, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria. Serum vitamin D levels were categorized as sufficient (≥30 ng/mL), insufficient (20–29 ng/mL), and deficient (<20 ng/mL). Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and logistic regression tests. Results: Among the 200 participants, 62% were found to have vitamin D deficiency, 24% had insufficient levels, and only 14% had sufficient vitamin D levels. The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 38%. A significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome was observed in individuals with vitamin D deficiency (49%) compared to those with sufficient vitamin D levels (18%) (p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that vitamin D deficiency was independently associated with increased odds of metabolic syndrome (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.4–5.3, p = 0.003), even after adjusting for age, gender, and BMI. Conclusion: This study highlights a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in urban adults and suggests a significant association between low vitamin D levels and metabolic syndrome. Early identification and correction of vitamin D deficiency may be beneficial in reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome and related complications.

Background: Emerging evidence suggests a link between vitamin D deficiency and elevated cardiovascular risk. However, limited data exist from population-based cohorts in India. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D levels and cardiovascular risk factors in an adult population. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 338 apparently healthy adults were evaluated over a six-month period at a tertiary care center. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured and categorized into deficient (<20 ng/mL), insufficient (20–30 ng/mL), and sufficient (>30 ng/mL) groups. Cardiovascular risk markers—including BMI, blood pressure, lipid profile, and fasting glucose—were assessed. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to identify significant associations. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was present in 34.3% of participants. Deficient individuals had significantly higher mean BMI (27.3 ± 3.5 vs. 23.2 ± 2.9 kg/m²), systolic BP (138.4 ± 14.1 vs. 123.6 ± 10.5 mmHg), LDL (141.3 ± 31.1 vs. 118.7 ± 28.6 mg/dL), triglycerides (186.4 ± 50.5 vs. 142.3 ± 47.1 mg/dL), and fasting glucose (108.3 ± 15.4 vs. 94.7 ± 11.2 mg/dL) compared to the sufficient group (p < 0.001). Vitamin D levels were negatively correlated with BMI (ρ = -0.285), SBP (ρ = -0.350), LDL (ρ = -0.459), TG (ρ = -0.438), and fasting glucose (ρ = -0.295). Multivariate regression identified BMI, SBP, LDL, and TG as independent predictors of vitamin D levels. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent and independently associated with unfavorable cardiovascular risk profiles. These findings highlight the potential utility of vitamin D screening in cardiovascular risk assessment.

Background: Long COVID, characterized by persistent symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, poses a significant public health challenge. Vitamin D deficiency, prevalent globally, has been implicated in immune dysregulation and inflammatory processes, potentially influencing the development and severity of Long COVID. This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency at hospital discharge and the incidence and severity of Long COVID symptoms in post-hospitalized patients. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 350 adult patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured at hospital discharge. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL. Participants were followed up at 6 months post-discharge to assess for the presence and severity of Long COVID symptoms using a standardized questionnaire encompassing fatigue, dyspnea, cognitive dysfunction, and musculoskeletal pain. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between vitamin D deficiency and Long COVID, adjusting for age, sex, BMI, comorbidities, and disease severity during hospitalization. Results: At hospital discharge, 185 (52.9%) patients were vitamin D deficient. At 6-month follow-up, 196 (56%) patients reported at least one Long COVID symptom. Vitamin D deficient patients had a significantly higher prevalence of Long COVID (68.1%) compared to vitamin D sufficient patients (42.9%) (p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, vitamin D deficiency was independently associated with an increased risk of Long COVID (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 2.35, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.48-3.72). Furthermore, vitamin D deficient patients reported significantly higher severity scores for fatigue (p = 0.012) and cognitive dysfunction (p = 0.035). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency at hospital discharge is independently associated with an increased risk and severity of Long COVID symptoms at 6-month follow-up in post-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. These findings suggest that vitamin D status may be a modifiable risk factor for Long COVID, warranting further investigation into the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in this population.