Clinical Research Directory

Vitamin D Homeostasis in Sarcoidosis

This study evaluates the relationship between vitamin-D status and severity of sarcoidosis, and the effects of vitamin-D repletion in vitamin-D insufficient patients with sarcoidosis. Half the patients with sarcoidosis who are vitamin-D insufficient will receive standard vitamin-D supplementation via standard regimen while the other half will receive a placebo. Sarcoidosis patients who are vitamin-D sufficient will also act as controls.

Investigating the Impact of Vitamin D Biofortified Tomatoes on Serum Levels of 25(OH)D

In the UK, vitamin D deficiency occurs frequently especially during the winter months. Vitamin D biofortified tomatoes have been developed using precision breeding technique by researchers at John Innes Centre. Biofortification uses crop breeding to increase the nutritional value of crops. The goal of the ViTaL-D study is to examine whether the vitamin D biofortified tomatoes when eaten as a soup can increase blood levels of vitamin D in men and women with vitamin D deficiency. Additionally, researchers will learn if the tomato soups are feasible and safe to eat everyday. The main questions the study aims to answer are: * Does vitamin D biofortified tomatoes increase vitamin D levels in men and women with low blood levels of vitamin D? * Is consuming vitamin D biofortified tomatoes safe and easy to eat everyday as a soup? Researchers will compare how four types of tomato soup increase blood vitamin D levels. The four types of soup are: * Soup with vitamin D biofortified tomatoes * Soup with provitamin D biofortified tomatoes * Soup with store-bought tomatoes not containing vitamin D * Soup with store-bought tomatoes with added vitamin D Participants will: * Eat one of the four types of tomato soup every day for 21 days. * Visit the clinic once every 7 days after a 12 hour fast for body measurements, tests, and surveys. * Keep a daily diary when soups are eaten and when time is spent outside.

25(OH)-Vitamin D and Its Association With Structural and Functional Parameters in Hospitalized Patients With Neurological Diseases

The NeuroVitD study aims to assess vitamin D levels in hospitalized cohorts with neurological disorders resulting in motor disabilities, providing epidemiological data necessary for guidelines. The primary objective is to assess vitamin D insufficiency in the neurological populations under investigation and secondary to evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on problems associated with structural and functional parameters. The NeuroVitD study will be a randomized, cluster, controlled intervention trial lasting 2 years, enrolling 120 individulas, (30 controls), including those with stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. Comprehensive epidemiological data, including demographic and anthropometric information, will be documented alongside social behaviors such as exercise and smoking. Serum vitamin D levels, bone density, body composition, strength, speed, physical performance and pain will be assessed. The study will also evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation at two distinct dosages: 50,000 I.U of vitamin D weekly for 8 weeks or 25,000 I.U of vitamin D for 4 weeks followed by 10,000 I.U of vitamin D drops weekly for an additional 4 weeks. Calcium, parathyroid hormone, and phosphorus levels will be assessed to examine the impact of vitamin D administration on additional biochemical markers. The findings will encompass vitamin D levels, bone density, body composition, strength, walking speed, physical performance and pain. The impact of vitamin D supplementation on various biochemical parameters will be analyzed, along with gender and group comparisons. Correlations will be established based on participants' residential locations, the administration of vitamin D supplementation, seasonal variations, and associations with specific medications for neurological conditions.