Sex Differences in the Association between Vitamin D and Early-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease: a Population-Based Study

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is commonly observed in people with late-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease, and it has also been proven to be associated with the progression of kidney disease. We hypothesized that VDD played a role in early-stage chronic kidney disease as well. Thus, this cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and CKD stages 1-3 (early-stage CKD) in a relatively healthy population in China. A total of 3142 Chinese individuals were included in this cross-sectional study. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) was observed in 108 (5.6%) male and 307 (25.33%) female. We found a significant inverse association between serum 25(OH)D concentration with CKD stages in both sexes. Furthermore, VDD was associated with CKD stages 1-3 in males (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 15.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.85-31.98, P < 0.001), but not in females. Vitamin D status should be evaluated in people who are newly diagnosed with CKD stages 1-3 or decreased eGFR, especially in males.