Association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with some cardiometabolic risk factors, thyroid, and hematological risk factors among students of Hormozgan University

@article{eghbalian2026association,
  title = {{Association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with some cardiometabolic risk factors, thyroid, and hematological risk factors among students of Hormozgan University}},
  author = {Mostafa Eghbalian and Mojtaba Norouzi and Sasan Amiri and Ali Nikbakht and Azam Mahrodi and Habibeh Nasab},
  journal = {Scientific Reports},
  year = {2026},
  month = jul,
  doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-63142-6},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-63142-6},
  note = {CC BY},
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with some cardiometabolic risk factors, thyroid, and hematological risk factors among students of Hormozgan University
AU  - Mostafa Eghbalian
AU  - Mojtaba Norouzi
AU  - Sasan Amiri
AU  - Ali Nikbakht
AU  - Azam Mahrodi
AU  - Habibeh Nasab
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/07/01
JO  - Scientific Reports
DO  - 10.1038/s41598-026-63142-6
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-63142-6
AB  - Emerging evidence suggests a link between vitamin D deficiency and health conditions; however, regional data from sun-rich areas, such as Hormozgan, remain scarce. Therefore, this study examines the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and early indicators of cardiometabolic risk factors and thyroid dysfunction among students at Hormozgan University. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 among 223 newly admitted undergraduate students at Hormozgan University in southern Iran. All participants were native residents of Hormozgan Province. Anthropometric data (height, weight, BMI), blood pressure, and fasting venous blood samples were collected. Laboratory assessments included serum 25(OH)D, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), fasting blood sugar (FBS), and complete blood count (CBC) indices. Linear regression was used to examine associations between serum 25(OH)D levels and clinical indicators. Additionally, a generalized linear model tree (GLMtree) was used to identify potential subgroups and interaction patterns that influence the relationship between vitamin D levels and health parameters. The mean age of students was 19.6 years, and 72% were female. The overall mean 25(OH)D was 28.57 ± 15.07 ng/mL, with 36.8% deficient and 36.3% adequate. Females had significantly lower levels than males (27.14 vs. 32.31 ng/mL, p = 0.029), while BMI‑related differences were not significant (p = 0.215). Underweight students had higher FBS (89.96 ± 9.93 vs. 86.94 ± 6.83, p = 0.010), lower WBC and MCHC, and higher MPV compared to others. Figure 2 illustrates the relationship between serum 25(OH)D and metabolic parameters (FBS, SBP, DBP, TSH) stratified by BMI using the GLMtree model. According to the GLMtree model results, in underweight students, significant associations were found with FBS (β = 0.35, p = 0.043) and TSH (β = -7.35, p < 0.001), but not in other BMI groups. No significant associations were observed with SBP or DBP across any subgroups (p > 0.05). The results showed that vitamin D deficiency is common among students, especially in underweight individuals and girls, and is probably associated with early changes in thyroid function and glucose metabolism. These findings emphasize the importance of screening and preventive measures to improve vitamin D status and prevent probable metabolic disorders in the young population.
SN  - 2045-2322
ER  -