Higher dietary intake of vitamin D may influence total cholesterol and carbohydrate profile independent of body composition in men with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2018 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2017.1361561 · Published: July 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Endocrinology Nutrition & Dietetics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the impact of vitamin D intake on metabolic health in men with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). It compares individuals with higher and lower vitamin D intake to assess effects on cholesterol, insulin sensitivity and glucose effectiveness. The research reveals that even though none of the participants met the recommended daily vitamin D intake, a higher dietary intake of vitamin D was associated with improved cholesterol levels and better glucose control, regardless of body composition. These findings suggest that increasing vitamin D intake could be a simple way to improve metabolic health in individuals with SCI, who are at a higher risk of developing metabolic disorders.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

20 male, paraplegic (T3-L1) with chronic (> one year) motor complete SCI (AIS A or B)

Evidence Level

Case-control design

Key Findings

1
Individuals with higher vitamin D intake had significantly lower total cholesterol levels compared to those with lower intake (P = 0.035).
2
Vitamin D intake, when adjusted for total dietary intake, showed a positive correlation with improvements in insulin sensitivity (Si) and glucose effectiveness (Sg) (P<0.05).
3
The study highlights that persons with SCI consume much less than the recommended guidelines for daily vitamin D intake.

Research Summary

This study aimed to determine the effects of dietary vitamin D intake on insulin sensitivity (Si), glucose effectiveness (Sg), and lipid profile in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The key finding was that a higher dietary intake of vitamin D may influence total cholesterol and carbohydrate profile as demonstrated by a significant decrease in total cholesterol and improvement in glucose homeostasis independent of body composition changes after SCI. The study concludes that increasing vitamin D intake, even by a small amount, may be a beneficial strategy for improving metabolic health in individuals with SCI, who are at a greater risk of dyslipidemia and related complications.

Practical Implications

Dietary Guidelines

Clinicians should consider recommending increased vitamin D intake for individuals with SCI to potentially improve their lipid profiles and glucose homeostasis.

Further Research

Future studies should investigate the optimal dosage and forms of vitamin D supplementation for SCI patients, as well as the long-term effects on metabolic health and cardiovascular outcomes.

Public Health

Public health initiatives should focus on educating individuals with SCI about the importance of adequate vitamin D intake and providing resources to help them meet their nutritional needs.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
2
Lack of serum vitamin D level measurements, making it difficult to directly correlate dietary intake with vitamin D status.
3
Reliance on three-day dietary recalls, which may be subject to recall bias and may not accurately reflect long-term dietary habits.

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