False negative effect of high triglycerides concentration on vitamin D levels: A big data study

Area of Science:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Endocrinology
• Laboratory Medicine

Background:

• Inaccurate vitamin D test results contribute to the global perception of vitamin D deficiency.
• Sample matrix interferences are primary drivers of measurement errors in vitamin D testing.
• This study investigates the interplay between lipid profiles and vitamin D levels in a Turkish population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.
• To assess the impact of lipid levels on the accuracy of vitamin D measurements.
• To identify potential risks associated with vitamin D supplementation in individuals with dyslipidemia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 1,135,644 test results from Turkey in 2021.
• Comparison of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with triglyceride and total cholesterol measurements.
• Data sourced from the Ministry of Health National Health Database.

Main Results:

• Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels correlated with lower mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.
• A significant proportion of patients with high cholesterol or triglycerides had vitamin D levels below 20 mg/L.
• Zero percent of patients with very high triglyceride levels (10.17-113 mmol/L) exhibited vitamin D levels above 100 mg/L.

Conclusions:

• High cholesterol and triglyceride levels pose a risk for vitamin D toxicity during supplementation.
• Elevated lipids can interfere with accurate vitamin D level measurements.
• Careful interpretation of vitamin D tests is crucial in patients with high lipid profiles.