Etzel, TM; Braun, JM; Buckley, JP
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent endocrine disrupting chemicals found in industrial and commercial products. Previous research has shown that other endocrine disrupting chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenol A may alter circulating levels of vitamin D; however, no research has examined associations between PFAS and vitamin D biomarkers. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 7040 individuals aged 12 years and older participating in the 2003-2010 cycles of the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured in serum samples. We used multivariable linear regression to estimate covariate-adjusted differences in total 25(OH)D or prevalence odds of vitamin D deficiency per log2 change in PFAS concentrations. We also assessed potential effect measure modification by gender, age, and race/ethnicity. PFAS were detected in over 98% of the samples. In adjusted models, each 2-fold increase in PFOS was associated with 0.9 nmol/L (95% CI: 0.2, 1.5) lower total 25(OH)D concentrations, with associations significantly stronger among whites (β: -1.7; 95% CI: -2.6, -0.7) and individuals older than 60 years of age (β: -1.7; 95% CI: -2.9, -0.5). Each 2-fold increase in PFHxS was associated with 0.8 nmol/L (95% CI: 0.3, 1.3) higher total 25(OH)D, and this association was not modified by age, gender, and race/ethnicity. PFOA and PFNA were not associated with total 25(OH)D. When assessing prevalence odds of vitamin D deficiency, we observed similar patterns of association with PFAS concentrations. Our results suggest that some PFAS may be associated with altered vitamin D levels in the United States population, and associations may vary by chemical, age, and race/ethnicity. Prospective epidemiological studies are needed to confirm our findings and determine their implications for vitamin D-associated health outcomes in children and adults.
