New Research Reveals Connection Between HDL Cholesterol and Vitamin D Deficiency in Adults Aged 20–59

Utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), researchers found a significant association between HDL-C levels and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, highlighting the need for integrated monitoring of these two crucial health indicators. Based on the findings, the researchers suggest that boosting vitamin D intake should be a priority, especially for males with low HDL-C levels, to help prevent associated health problems.

HDL-C is often referred to as "good cholesterol" due to its role in transporting cholesterol away from arteries and back to the liver, where it can be processed and eliminated. Higher levels of HDL-C are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, making it a key target for cardiovascular health management. Meanwhile, vitamin D is essential for various bodily functions, including bone health and immune function. Recent evidence suggests that it may also play a role in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk.

Serum lipids are significantly influenced by genetics and are crucial for cardiovascular and metabolic health. However, the connection between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and serum 25(OH)D levels remains uncertain. Considering this, the researchers Biting Zhao & Shuang Yang from China aimed to investigate the relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and HDL-C in adults aged 20 to 59.

For this purpose, the researchers utilized data from the NHANES in the cross-sectional study. They employed multivariable logistic regression to assess the relationship between HDL-C and serum 25(OH)D levels, along with additional analyses using smooth spline fitting and generalized additive models. The study included a total of 28,084 adults.

Based on the study, the following findings were revealed:

• After adjusting for multiple variables, a significant positive correlation was found between HDL-C and serum 25(OH)D levels (β = 8.3).
• Stratified subgroup analysis by gender showed that females consistently exhibited a positive correlation (β = 10.12), while males demonstrated an inverted U-shaped relationship between HDL-C and serum 25(OH)D.

The study authors demonstrated a significant positive correlation between HDL-C levels and serum 25(OH)D levels, revealing notable gender-specific differences. In females, the relationship remains consistently positive, while in males, it takes on an inverted U-shaped curve. These findings underscore the importance of considering gender when assessing the connection between HDL-C and vitamin D levels.

The clinical and public health implications of these results are substantial. The authors recommend concurrent monitoring of HDL-C and vitamin D levels to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular risk.

"For individuals, especially males with lower HDL-C levels, the authors suggest that increasing vitamin D intake should be considered to enhance overall health and prevent deficiencies that could impact cardiovascular and skeletal health," they concluded.

Reference:

Zhao, B., Yang, S. Exploring the unique association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and vitamin D deficiency in adults aged 20–59: findings based on the NHANES database. BMC Endocr Disord 24, 192 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-024-01719-w