Serum vitamin D level is inversely associated with non–high-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratio: a cross-sectional study utilizing Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2022–2023 data

Background: Recent evidence has underscored the crucial metabolic role of vitamin D. An increased non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL)/HDL ratio has been identified as a meaningful marker of metabolic risk. This study aimed to examine the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and non-HDL/HDL ratio in a cohort of Korean adults. Methods: For analysis, 10,864 participants aged 19 years or older were selected from the 2022-2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were classified into three groups: deficient (<20 ng/mL), insufficient (20-30 ng/mL), and sufficient (≥30 ng/mL). Non-HDL/HDL ratio was derived from total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol values. One-way analysis of variance and separate multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess differences in metabolic parameters between the 25(OH)D groups in both the general and diabetes subgroups (glycated hemoglobin ≥6.5%). Results: Triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and non-HDL/HDL ratio values were significantly lower in the group with sufficient vitamin D levels. Serum 25(OH)D and non-HDL/HDL ratio showed an inverse correlation in both general (r=-0.09) and diabetes (r=-0.15) subgroups. Across all regression models, a statistically significant inverse association persisted even after comprehensive adjustments for potential confounders. Conclusion: A significant inverse correlation exists between serum 25(OH)D concentration and non-HDL/HDL ratio in Korean adults, with a more pronounced effect observed in individuals with diabetes.