Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the United States - Data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background: Results of several epidemiologic and clinical studies have suggested that there is an excess risk of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in persons with suboptimal intake of vitamin D. Methods: We examined the association between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D ( 25[ OH] D) and select cardiovascular disease risk factors in US adults. A secondary analysis was performed with data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a national probability survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics between January 1, 1988, and December 31, 1994, with oversampling of persons 60 years and older, non-Hispanic black individuals, and Mexican American individuals. Results: There were 7186 male and 7902 female adults 20 years and older with available data in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The mean 25( OH) D level in the overall sample was 30 ng/mL ( 75 nmol/L). The 25( OH) D levels were lower in women, elderly persons ( >= 60 years), racial/ethnic minorities, and participants with obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The adjusted prevalence of hypertension ( odds ratio [ OR], 1.30), diabetes mellitus ( OR, 1.98), obesity ( OR, 2.29), and high serum triglyceride levels ( OR, 1.47) was significantly higher in the first than in the fourth quartile of serum 25( OH) D levels ( P < .001 for all). Conclusions: Serum 25( OH) D levels are associated with important cardiovascular disease risk factors in US adults. Prospective studies to assess a direct benefit of cholecalciferol ( vitamin D) supplementation on cardiovascular disease risk factors are warranted.