Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 is related to physical activity and ethnicity but not obesity in a multicultural workforce

Abstract

Methods: Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D₃, a marker of recent sun exposure and vitamin D status, was measured in 390 New Zealand residents (95 Pacific Islanders, 74 Maori and 221 others mostly of European descent), who were part of a larger cross‐sectional survey of a workforce (n= 5677) aged 40–64 years. Results: Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D₃ levels were significantly lower in Pacific Islanders (mean (SE) = 56 (3) nmol/L; p= 0.0001) and Maoris (68 (3) nmol/L; p=0.036) compared with Europeans (75 (2) nmol/L) after adjusting for age, sex and time of year. Also adjusting for ethnic group, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, was higher in people doing vigorous (aerobic) leisure physical activities (71 (2) nmol/L; p=0.0066) and moderate (non‐aerobic) activities (68 (3) nmol/L; p = 0.12) compared with those who were inactive (63 (2) nmol/L). However, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D₃ was unrelated to body mass index, serum lipids, blood pressure or cigarette smoking. Background: Recent research suggests that body vitamin D levels are decreased in coronary heart disease and diabetes, but it is unclear which cardiovascular risk factors are related to vitamin D status. Aims: To examine the relation between vitamin D status and major cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusions: People with increased skin pigmentation, such as Polynesians, and people who are inactive, have decreased body levels of vitamin D; this might partly explain their increased risk of cardiovascular disease.