Association between serum 25(OH)D and Life's Essential 8 score: A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading global cause of death.
• Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency is a potential CVD risk factor.
• Life's Essential 8 (LE8) is a key cardiovascular health metric, but its link with 25(OH)D is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and LE8 scores.
• To explore potential nonlinear relationships between 25(OH)D and cardiovascular health.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of 17,198 US adults (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2018).
• Calculation of LE8 scores using standardized protocols.
• Statistical analysis including multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models.

Main Results:

• A significant nonlinear association was found between serum 25(OH)D and LE8 scores, with an optimal threshold around 127 nmol/L.
• The association remained significant after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
• Uric acid was identified as a mediator, accounting for ~7% of the indirect effect.

Conclusions:

• Serum 25(OH)D levels are significantly associated with cardiovascular health as measured by LE8.
• Optimal vitamin D status may be inversely related to CVD risk, suggesting potential benefits of adequate supplementation.