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Vitamin D supplementation is widely used. However, there is no consensus on the use and dosage of this supplement and the existing recommendations arise from studies based on the benefits that this nutrient can facilitate in bones. In addition, individual genetics can influence the response to supplementation, therefore, research involving monozygotic twins aims to reduce these differences in phenotypic responses. The objective of this randomised controlled study is to examine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on body composition and the expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) mRnA. An intervention was performed through supplementation with cholecalciferol at the concentration of 2000 IU in 90 healthy adult monozygotic twins (male or female pairs) for 2 months. The findings showed that serum vitamin D concentration increased by 65% and VDR gene expression sixty times (p = 0.001). Changes in body composition parameters were observed regarding body fat and lean mass. our results indicate that an increase in serum vitamin D concentration may have potential therapeutic implications. Supplementation with vitamin D (cholecalciferol) has become a widely used practice, since a relationship has been demonstrated of low levels of this nutrient with the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, the recurrence of diseases, and mortality 1,2,3. However, as there is no consensus on sufficient serum levels of vitamin D, taking into account its non-skeletal functions, it is necessary to assess whether the increase in this nutrient in individuals with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D) levels above the current cutoff point, generates any health benefits 4. Vitamin D is involved in several non-skeletal functions, such as cell regulation, differentiation, and growth 3 , and adaptive and innate immunity control 5 , as well as being associated with inflammatory markers 6 , since the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is expressed in almost all human cells 7. The activity of this nutrient in the human organism involves its binding with VDR 8 , whose expression is modulated by the blood levels of the 1,25diidroxivitamin D (1,25 (OH) 2D) 9 and genetic variants 10. It is believed that there is a negative correlation between the concentration of 25 (OH) D with the body mass index (BMI) and percentage of fat mass 11. However, few studies have comprehensively evaluated the effect of

BackgroundObesity is a serious disease that burdens public health systems around the world. It is a risk factor for the development of several non-communicable chronic diseases that are related to the amount and distribution of body fat. Body composition assessment using simple and low-cost techniques can help in the early detection of excess fat, allowing for the prevention and treatment of both obesity and associated diseases. Thus, identifying and proposing valid anthropometric indices for this purpose can be a great ally of health programs.ObjectiveTo verify the validity of the Body Adiposity Index (BAI) in relation to Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) for estimating body fat percentage in Brazilian adults, as well as to propose a new mathematical model to estimate the fat-free mass of this population.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 424 subjects (of which 220 were women), aged between 20 and 59 years, were evaluated by BAI and DXA, then randomly divided into two groups stratified by sex: the development group (n = 283) and the cross-validation group (n = 141). Statistical analyses to test the validity of BAI as a predictor of fat mass, in addition to proposing a new mathematical model for estimating fat-free mass, using DXA as a reference method. The analysis included paired t-test, stepwise multiple regression, coefficient of concordance correlation, and Bland-Altman plots.ResultsThe BAI validity analysis showed a low correlation coefficient of agreement [CCC = 0.626; ρ (precision) = 0.795; Cb(accuracy) = 0.787]; in addition, the mean difference in the Bland-Altman plot was different from zero in the cross-validation group (p < 0.01) and limits of agreement (LOA) ranged between−8.0 and 14.4 kg, indicating a poor agreement between the BAI and the reference method. The new mathematical model for estimating FFM showed a high correlation coefficient of agreement (CCC = 0.952; ρ = 0.953; Cb = 0.999), in addition to acceptable LOA in the Bland-Altman plot (-6.7 and 6.7).ConclusionIn the studied sample, the BAI showed low validity for estimating body fat, while the new proposed model was found to be a good option to assess the body composition of Brazilian adults.

Although vitamin D is related to cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength, there is no evidence in the literature about the genetic influence of the response to vitamin D supplementation and improvements in these parameters. Therefore, we evaluate the effect of longitudinal supplementation of vitamin D on parameters of physical fitness in monozygotic twins. In total, 74 participants were included, with a mean age of 25 years, divided into two groups, one group received supplementation with cholecalciferol for 60 days and the other group did not. Cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength were measured before and after supplementation through maximal treadmill tests and dynamometry, respectively. Wilcoxon tests were used to compare intragroup results and the Mann–Whitney test to examine intergroup differences. There was an increase in the serum concentration of vitamin D in participants who ingested the supplementation. Cardiorespiratory fitness improved after supplementation through increases in the values of maximum oxygen consumption of 28% (p < .001). Muscle strength in left hand grip increased 18% in participants who received the supplement (p = .007). Sixty days of cholecalciferol supplementation improved cardiorespiratory fitness and upper limb muscle strength.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in the metabolic profile and body composition of monozygotic (MZ) twins concordant and discordant for the practice of physical exercise. The sample consisted of 92 MZ twins (72.5% female and 27.5% male, mean age 25.4 ± 5.69 years), registered with the Brazilian Registry of Twins, residing in Natal, Brazil. Data collection was carried out between the years 2016 and 2018. On day 1, subjects underwent a whole-body fitness evaluation, including measures of weight, height, body composition by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry and the Cardiorespiratory Exercise Test. On day 2, 10 ml blood samples were collected (overnight fasting) to determine the lipid profile and fasting glucose. The sample was separated into three groups: Active Concordant twins (Concordant A, n = 44 subjects), Inactive Concordant twins (Concordant I, n = 22 subjects) and Discordant pairs for Physical Exercise (Discordant PE, n = 26 subjects). The results demonstrated a difference between the discordant twins for exercise and also between the active versus sedentary groups, indicating a causal effect of exercise on the fat percentage, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and second ventilatory threshold variables. Between groups, a difference was also observed between the groups in ventilatory threshold, very low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides. We concluded that, regardless of genetics, the practice of physical exercise was sufficient to generate alterations in body composition and VO2max in MZ twins, but not in the lipid profile or fasting glucose.

Background: Although vitamin D is related to cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength, there is no evidence in the literature about the genetic influence of the response to the increase in body vitamin D. Therefore, we evaluate the effect of longitudinal supplementation of vitamin D on parameters of physical fitness in monozygotic twins.Methods: In total, 74 participants were included, with a mean age of 25 years, divided into two groups, one group received supplementation with cholecalciferol for 60 days and the other group did not. Cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength were measured before and after supplementation, through maximal treadmill tests and dynamometry, respectively. Wilcoxon tests were used to compare intra-group results and the Mann-Whitney test to examine intergroup differences.Results: There was an increase in the serum concentration of vitamin D in participants who ingested the supplementation. Cardiorespiratory fitness improved after supplementation through increases in the values of maximum oxygen consumption of 28% (P <0.001). Muscle strength in right hand grip significantly increased in participants who received the supplement to 33.0 (P = 0.007).Conclusion: 60 days of cholecalciferol supplementation improved cardiorespiratory fitness and upper limb muscle strength.Trial registration: RBR-3qy2f2. Registered 28 March 2016, http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-3qy2f2/2