Vitamin D3 and Body Composition Association with Graft Function in Long-Term Kidney Transplant Recipients

This study evaluated the association between vitamin D3 levels, transplanted kidney function, and body composition in 315 stable renal transplant recipients (median 7.7 years post-transplant). The biochemical profile included eGFR, PTH, calcium, phosphorus, and 25(OH)D₃ levels. Vitamin D status was defined as deficiency (<20 ng/mL), insufficiency (20-30 ng/mL), or optimal (>30 ng/mL). Body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis, capturing parameters such as BMI, visceral fat area, and phase angle. Multivariable quantile regression models were used to assess the associations between clinical/metabolic parameters and graft function. Vitamin D3 supplementation was prescribed in 61.5% of patients, with 49.7% receiving active analogues and 50.3% cholecalciferol. Results showed that 25(OH)D₃ levels did not correlate with graft function in the total population, and no significant differences in eGFR were observed regarding vitamin D status. In multivariable models, 25(OH)D₃ levels correlated significantly only with calcium levels. No significant correlations were observed between vitamin D and transplant vintage, age, eGFR, or any anthropometric and body composition parameters.