Associations between vitamin D status and lipid profiles in military recruits

Recent data suggest a relationship between vitamin D status and cardiometabolic risk factors, especially in populations with cardiovascular disease, although few studies have investigated this association in healthy, young people. This study investigated the relationship between serum vitamin D (25[OH]D) and lipid profiles in military recruits. Blood biomarkers were assessed in fasted volunteers (n = 210, males = 134, females = 76, age [mean ± SD] = 20 ± 3 yrs) within one week of initially reporting for military service. In the total study population, there was a significant positive relationship between serum 25[OH]D and total cholesterol in females (P < 0.05, r = 0.241), but not males (r = 0.067). This relationship was significant in white females (P < 0.05, r = 0.365), but not in non‐white females. There were positive associations between 25[OH]D and HDL in white females (P < 0.05, r = 0.325), but not in males or non‐white females. Similarly, 25[OH]D and LDL levels were associated in white females (P = 0.06, r = 0.256), but not in males or non‐white females. These data suggest sex and race differences in relationships between serum 25[OH]D and lipid profiles in military recruits, with the strongest associations occurring in white females. Future studies should clarify the biological significance of associations between 25[OH]D and lipid profiles in healthy, young populations. Research supported by USAMRMC.