P802 - TITLE: INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AND AIR POLLUTION ON SARCOPENIA RISK IN ADULTS: BASELINE DATA FROM THE 2009-2013 HEALTH EXAMINEE STUDY

P802

TITLE: INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AND AIR POLLUTION ON SARCOPENIA RISK IN ADULTS: BASELINE DATA FROM THE 2009-2013 HEALTH EXAMINEE STUDY

J. Kim^1,*

¹Food and Nutrition, Changwon National University, Gyeongnam, Korea, Republic Of

Rationale: Sarcopenia is defined as a progressive loss of muscle strength and is influenced by a multifaceted interaction between nutritional and environmental determinants. Although vitamin D deficiency is linked to impaired muscle function, the role of air pollution and its interaction with vitamin D status remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the independent and interactive effects of vitamin D deficiency and air pollution exposure on sarcopenia risk.

Methods: A total of 20,304 participants were included from a cohort study based on the 2009-2013 Health Examinee study. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels <20 ng/mL. Annual average concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) were estimated based on residential addresses. Sarcopenia was defined using sex-specific handgrip strength thresholds. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to assess associations, adjusting for relevant covariates. Interaction terms evaluated effect modification by vitamin D status.

Results: Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 65.0% of participants and was significantly associated with higher air pollution exposure. Each 1 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5, PM10, and NO₂ corresponded to a decrease in serum 25(OH)D levels by 5.02, 3.93, and 0.25 ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.001). Higher air pollution levels were associated with increased odds of sarcopenia (PM2.5 OR = 1.22, PM10 OR = 1.37, NO₂ OR = 1.04; all P < 0.05). A significant interaction between PM2.5 and vitamin D deficiency was observed (P for interaction = 0.005).

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the independent and interactive roles of vitamin D deficiency and air pollution in sarcopenia development, reinforcing the necessity of comprehensive prevention approaches targeting both dietary and environmental determinants.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared