Association between food intake patterns and serum vitamin D concentrations in US adults

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between food patterns and serum vitamin D concentrations in US adults. Data from two cycles of National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2003-2004 and 2005-2006, were used (n 6637). Three major food patterns were derived using factor analysis. These three patterns were labeled as meat and processed meat foods (MPF), vegetables, fruit, nuts, and whole grains (VFNW), and sweet, snack, and beverage pattern (SSB). Serum vitamin D was measured with RIA and later standardized to reflect the assay changes over time. In multivariate-adjusted regression analysis, the MPF pattern was significantly, inversely associated with serum vitamin D concentrations (P < 0 center dot 001). However, the relation between the VFNW pattern and serum vitamin D was non-linear (P < 0 center dot 001). There was no relationship between SSB pattern and serum vitamin D in US adults. In conclusion, persons with a high intake of meat and processed meats are associated with lower serum vitamin D concentrations. Reducing processed foods and emphasizing VFNW will be beneficial from a health perspective.

Automated summary

This study investigated the association between food patterns and serum vitamin D concentrations in US adults. The results showed that a high intake of meat and processed meats was associated with lower serum vitamin D concentrations. The relationship between intake of vegetables, fruit, nuts, and whole grains and serum vitamin D was non-linear. This study highlights the importance of promoting a healthy diet and reducing processed food consumption.