Differences in the Concentration of Vitamin D Metabolites in Plasma Due to the Low-Carbohydrate-High-Fat Diet and the Eastern European Diet-A Pilot Study

Vitamin D deficiency is a global problem with many health consequences, and it is currently recommended to supplement vitamin D. Change of diet should also be considered to ensure adequate vitamin D in the human body. The aim of this study was to assess the concentration of vitamin D metabolites in two different groups: one group on the low-carbohydrate-high-fat (LCHF) diet and the other group on the Eastern European (EE) diet. In the first stage, 817 participants declaring traditional EE diet or LCHF diet were investigated. Nutrition (self-reported 3-day estimated food record) and basic anthropometric parameters were assessed. After extra screening, 67 participants on the EE diet and 41 on the LCHF diet were qualified for the second stage. Plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D-3) and (25(OH)D-2) concentration was measured by the validated HPLC-MS/MS method. Plasma 25(OH)D-3 concentration was significantly higher in the group on the LCHF diet (34.9 +/- 15.9 ng/mL) than in the group on the EE diet (22.6 +/- 12.1 ng/mL). No statistical differences were observed in plasma 25(OH)D-2 concentration between the study groups (p > 0.05). Women had a higher plasma 25(OH)D-2 concentration than men regardless of diet type. The LCHF diet had a positive influence on plasma vitamin D concentration. However, long-term use of the LCHF diet remains contentious due to the high risk of cardiovascular disease. This study confirmed that the type of diet influences the concentration of vitamin D metabolites in the plasma.