We explored the connection between vitamin D, particularly its epimer known as 3'-epi-25(OH)D, and anemia. The study analyzed data from 1,655 participants, examining how different forms of vitamin D relate to hemoglobin levels—a key indicator for anemia—while also considering other factors like age, sex, and body mass index (BMI).
Interestingly, we found that the total serum level of vitamin D didn't directly correlate with hemoglobin levels. However, when we focused on the 3'-epimeric form of vitamin D, we saw a significant association with hemoglobin levels, even when we accounted for age, sex, BMI, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). This suggests that 3'-epi-25(OH)D may have a unique role in improving hemoglobin levels, supporting its importance in red blood cell and iron metabolism.
On the other hand, the non-3'-epimeric form of vitamin D did not show a significant impact on hemoglobin levels. Overall, our findings highlight the potential benefits of vitamin D epimers in managing anemia and reinforce the need to look at vitamin D in its various forms when considering treatment options.