Elucidating the Link Between Hypovitaminosis D and Sarcopenia: New Insights into Mechanisms and Threshold from the Evidence of NHANES 2011-2018

Abstract

Abstract Background: Sarcopenia is most common in older adults and is defined as a decrease in skeletal muscle muscle mass, which can cause impaired mobility and increased risk of physical disability. The role of Vitamin D is well known for its classical effects on bone health, and growing evidence also suggests its beneficial effects on muscle function and metabolism. Our study aimed to explore the association between vitamin D and sarcopenia/low muscle mass by using statistic approaches. Methods: In this study, 7217 participants aged 18–60 years in the nationally National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)2011–2018 were included finally. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the the potential and deeper connection of vitamin D and sarcopenia/low muscle mass. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) was used to explore their potential dose-response relationships and interactions. Mediation analysis was used to explore their potential mediated effects of neutrophils and calcium and phosphate product between vitamin D and sarcopenia/low muscle mass. Results: With increasing vitamin D, both the risk of sarcopenia and low muscle mass decreased significantly. The RCS showed the similar results. Mediation analysis suggested that neutrophils can be affected by mediations from vitamin D to sarcopenia/low muscle mass. Additionally, vitamin D may lead to low muscle mass by stimulating mechanisms calcium and phosphate product. Conclusions: Decreased serum vitamin D may be strongly associated with occurrence of sarcopenia/low muscle mass. This study provided important evidence for elucidating the relationships between vitamin D and skeletal muscle mass.