25-Hydroxyvitamin D in African-origin populations at varying latitudes challenges the construct of a physiologic norm.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The vitamin D-endocrine system is thought to play a role in physiologic processes that range from mineral metabolism to immune function. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is the accepted biomarker for vitamin D status. Skin color is a key determinant of circulating 25(OH)D concentrations, and genes responsible for melanin content have been shown to be under strong evolutionary selection in populations living in temperate zones. Little is known about the effect of latitude on mean concentrations of 25(OH)D in dark-skinned populations.

Objective

The objective was to describe the distribution of 25(OH)D and its subcomponents in 5 population samples of African origin from the United States, Jamaica, Ghana, South Africa, and the Seychelles.

Design

Participants

SUBMITTER: Durazo-Arvizu RA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4135499 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature