Exploring the association between vitamin D levels and dyslipidemia risk: insights from machine learning and generalized additive models.

Introduction: Vitamin D is a necessary nutrient that is important for calcium homeostasis and bone health. Dyslipidemia is thought to be a risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic illnesses. Recent research suggests that vitamin D may influence lipid metabolism, specifically the levels of circulating lipids in the blood. However, the relationship between vitamin D and dyslipidemia remains controversial, indicating a need for further research to clarify this association. Objectives: Data from 780 participants in the "Early Identification, Early Diagnosis Techniques, and Points of Risk for Diabetes in Major Chronic Non-communicable Disease Prevention and Control Studies" were analyzed. Methods: We employed machine learning with the XGboost algorithm, Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, and univariate logistic regression to screen variables. Subsequently, multiple logistic regression and a generalized additive model (GAM) were utilized to construct models analyzing the association between vitamin D levels and dyslipidemia. Results: In our study, the XGboost machine learning algorithm explored the relative importance of all included variables, confirming a robust association between vitamin D levels and dyslipidemia. After adjusting for all the important covariates, the results showed that the risk of dyslipidemia in vitamin D insufficiency group and vitamin D deficiency group was 2.11 times and 2.77 times of that in vitamin D sufficiency group, respectively. A smooth curve was constructed based on GAM and a significant negative association was found between 25(OH)D and the risk of dyslipidemia. Conclusion: There may be a negative association between 25(OH)D and the risk of dyslipidemia. Nonetheless, additional well-designed studies are necessary to substantiate this relationship.