OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the general United States population.

METHODS AND RESULTS:

We analyzed data from 4839 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001 to 2004 to evaluate the relationship between 25(OH)D and PAD (defined as an ankle-brachial index < 0.9). Across quartiles of 25(OH)D, from lowest to highest, the prevalence of PAD was 8.1%, 5.4%, 4.9%, and 3.7% (P trend < 0.001). After multivariable adjustment for demographics, comorbidities, physical activity level, and laboratory measures, the prevalence ratio of PAD for the lowest, compared to the highest, 25(OH)D quartile (< 17.8 and > or = 29.2 ng/mL, respectively) was 1.80 (95% confidence interval: 1.19, 2.74). For each 10 ng/mL lower 25(OH)D level, the multivariable-adjusted prevalence ratio of PAD was 1.35 (95% confidence interval: 1.15, 1.59).

CONCLUSIONS:

Low serum 25(OH)D levels are associated with a higher prevalence of PAD. Several mechanisms have been invoked in the literature to support a potential antiatherosclerotic activity of vitamin D. Prospective cohort and mechanistic studies should be designed to confirm this association.