The Correlation between Caries and Vitamin: A Retrospective Investigation

The Correlation between Caries and Vitamin: A Retrospective Investigation | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article The Correlation between Caries and Vitamin: A Retrospective Investigation Chuang Li, Kexiao Chen, Weini Xin This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4291884/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Objectives Vitamin consumption and caries are related, although not much research has looked at the two together. This study examined the connection between the total number of decayed teeth (Decay, D) and vitamin intake using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. Methods NHANES (2011–2018) provided the data for this retrospective analysis. Dental examiners, who were licensed dentists in at least one U.S. state, defined the number of caries-ridden teeth using the Radike AW Criteria for Diagnosis of Caries (1968), whereas the vitamin consumption data came from in-person interviews. To investigate the link between the total number of decayed teeth (D) and vitamin, multiple linear regression analysis was done. The quantitative data was described by mean ± standard deviation, whereas the categorical data was described by number of instances and proportion [n (%)]. Results Results: This retrospective study comprised 3226 people in total. Approximately 579955.26 mg (579955.26/3226/30 = 5.99 mg/day/person) of vitamin C was the most consumed throughout the course of 30 days, making up 88.72% of the total amount of vitamin nutrients consumed. The total number of decayed teeth (D) was influenced by age (years) (β = 0.0125, P = 0.0281), PIR (β = 0.3348, P < 0.0001), BMI (β = -0.0299, P < 0.0391), gender (β = 0.5127, P = 0.0063), race (β = -0. 8265, P < 0.0001), education (β = 0.9201, P = 0.0013), vitamin B6 (β = 0.0112, P = 0.0076), vitamin C (β = 0.0005, P = 0.0370), and vitamin D (β = -0.0080, P = 0.0001), with BMI, race, and vitamin D exhibiting a negative correlation. Conclusions There is a correlation between vitamin intake and carie. Caries is more common when there is an excess of vitamin C, insufficient vitamin D, and excessive vitamin B6. Naturally, additional prospective clinical trials are required to confirm our findings and investigate potential causes. caries oral health vitamin retrospective study Figures Figure 1 1 Background Caries is a prevalent chronic bacterial infection among oral diseases, caused by the local destruction of tooth hard tissues by acidic byproducts from bacterial fermentation of dietary carbohydrates. Caries imposed a significant global disease burden[ 1 ], and the World Health Organization's (WHO) “Oral Health 2022” pointed out that about 2 billion people suffered from permanent tooth caries and 514 million children suffered from primary tooth caries[ 2 ]. Caries is a multifactorial disease influenced by salivary flow, saliva composition, fluoride exposure, and preventive behaviors, and is also affected by dietary habits and nutritional elements[ 3 ]. Vitamins play an indispensable role in human life, exerting crucial functions in growth, metabolism, and development, and simultaneously impacting the progression of caries. There are 13 essential vitamins for the human body[ 4 ], among which vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and vitamin D were associated with caries[ 5 ]. Sufficient vitamin D correlates with a lower incidence of caries[ 6 ], vitamin B6 inhibited the growth of cariogenic biota by promoting the proliferation of non-cariogenic microorganisms and selectively altering the oral microbiota[ 5 ], a deficiency in vitamin B12 leads to an increased prevalence of caries and periodontal diseases in children[ 7 ], and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) could inhibit the formation of dental plaque[ 8 ]. This study aims to explore the relationship between certain vitamin nutrients and the number of decayed teeth (Decay, D) in the population over a 30-day period, providing insights for caries prevention, along with suggestions and referential evidence. 2 Methods 2.1 Study Design The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a research project conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) using a multistage probability sampling method[ 9 ]. The project protocol is approved by the Institutional Review Board of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), and each participant is required to sign a written informed consent. Approximately 5,000 individuals from a nationally representative sample across 15 different counties (second-level administrative divisions in the United States, below the state level) are examined annually ( https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.htm ). This retrospective study selected 39,156 participants from the NHANES database spanning from 2011 to 2018. The exclusion criteria for this study were as follows: (1) participants with hypertension; (2) participants with diabetes mellitus (defined as a fasting blood glucose level ≥ 7.0 mmol/L after an overnight fast of at least 8 hours, according to the 1999 WHO criteria); (3) any missing demographic data, vitamins data, or caries information. Ultimately, a total of 3,226 participants were included in this study. All methods were conducted in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations (Declaration of Helsinki). 2.2 Data Collection In this study, the collected variables included demographic data such as age (years), Poverty-Income Ratio (PIR), Body Mass Index (BMI, kilograms per square meter), sex, education level, race, and marital status. Vitamins comprised vitamin B1 (milligrams), vitamin B2 (milligrams), vitamin B6 (milligrams), vitamin B9 (milligrams), vitamin B12 (micrograms), vitamin C (milligrams), vitamin K (micrograms), and vitamin D (micrograms), with all vitamins totaling the intake over a 30-day period for each participant. The number of decayed teeth (D) was examined by dentists licensed in the state of the United States and recorded by technicians and entered into the system, with diagnoses based on the caries diagnostic criteria (1968, Radike AW)[ 10 ]. All oral health examinations were conducted within rooms of the Mobile Examination Center (MEC), equipped with portable dental units, lights, and compressed air. Information on vitamin intake was obtained through home interviews and calculated accordingly. During the interview, participants were shown a card listing dietary supplements and asked to select which supplements they had taken within the past 30 days, providing all packaging boxes/bottles of dietary supplements used to the interviewer. 2.3 Statistical Analysis Quantitative data were described using the mean ± standard deviation, while categorical data were described using frequencies and proportions [n (%)]. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess the association between vitamins, demographic information, and the number of decayed teeth (D). Statistical analyses were conducted using SAS software (version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). 3 Results 3.1 Demographic characteristics The demographic characteristics of the study participants by age group are presented in Table 1 . A total of 3,226 participants were included in this study, with a mean number of decayed teeth (D) of 4.23 ± 5.41 and a mean PIR of 2.93 ± 1.63. The average BMI was 28.54 ± 6.44, with 1,573 males (48.76%) and 1,549 Non-hispanic white individuals (48.02%). A total of 2,765 participants (85.71%) had attained education at the university level or higher, and 1,801 (55.83%) were married. There were statistically significant differences in the distribution of decayed teeth (D) (P < 0.0001), PIR (P < 0.0001), BMI (P < 0.0001), race (P < 0.0001), education level (P < 0.0001), and marital status (P < 0.0001) across age groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference in sex distribution across the age groups (P = 0.1451). Table 1 Demographic characteristics Groups Age Group Total (n = 3326) Statistics P 20–44 years (n = 972) 44–60 years (n = 886) 60–80 years (n = 1082) 80 years and above (n = 286) Decayed teeth(D) 3.62 ± 4.39 4.97 ± 5.45 4.21 ± 5.97 4.10 ± 5.90 4.23 ± 5.41 9.81 < 0.0001 a* PIR 2.89 ± 1.65 3.11 ± 1.68 2.88 ± 1.60 2.65 ± 1.50 2.93 ± 1.63 7.08 < 0.0001 a* BMI 27.96 ± 6.95 29.15 ± 6.61 28.91 ± 6.15 27.17 ± 4.53 28.54 ± 6.44 10.93 < 0.0001 a* Sex 5.39 0.1451 b Male 469 (48.25%) 450 (50.79%) 531 (49.08%) 123 (43.01%) 1573 (48.76%) Female 503 (51.75%) 436 (49.21%) 551 (50.92%) 163 (56.99%) 1653 (51.24%) Ethnicity 186.69 < 0.0001 b* Non-hispanic white 406 (41.77%) 387 (43.68%) 517 (47.78%) 239 (83.57%) 1549 (48.02%) Non-hispanic black 171 (17.59%) 174 (19.64%) 240 (22.18%) 19 (6.64%) 604 (18.72%) Other 395 (40.64%) 325 (36.68%) 325 (30.04%) 28 (9.79%) 1073 (33.26%) Education level 85.64 < 0.0001 b* High school and below 69 (7.10%) 112 (12.64%) 222 (20.52%) 58 (20.28%) 461 (14.29%) University and above 903 (92.9%) 774 (87.36%) 860 (79.48%) 228 (79.72%) 2765 (85.71%) Marital status 931.15 < 0.0001 b* Unmarried 419 (43.11%) 130 (14.67%) 83 (7.67%) 13 (4.55%) 645 (19.99%) Married 462 (47.53%) 544 (61.40%) 653 (60.35%) 142 (49.65%) 1801 (55.83%) Divorced 89 (9.16%) 187 (21.11%) 190 (17.56%) 16 (5.59%) 482 (14.94%) Bereft of one's spouse 2 (0.21%) 25 (2.82%) 156 (14.42%) 115 (40.21%) 298 (9.24%) a: The P−value is based on analysis of variance; b: The P−value is based on the chi−square test; PIR: Poverty−Income Ratio; BMI: Body Mass Index; *: P < 0.05 3.2 Vitamin Intake The vitamin intake of the study population over a 30-day period was depicted in Fig. 1 . As illustrated, vitamin C was the most consumed, with a total intake of 579,955.26 milligrams (approximately 579955.26/3226/30 ≈ 5.99 mg/day/person), accounting for 88.72% of the total vitamin intake. Vitamins B1, B2, and B6 had intermediate proportions, with total intakes of 30,745.51 mg (approximately 0.32 mg/day/person), 17,361.79 mg (approximately 0.18 mg/day/person), and 23,813.72 mg (approximately 0.25 mg/day/person), representing 4.70%, 2.66%, and 3.64% of the intake, respectively. The intake of vitamins B9, B12, K, and D was relatively lower, with total intakes of 1,206.96 mg (about 0.01 mg/day/person), 392.77 mg (below 0.01 mg/day/person), 100.73 mg (below 0.01 mg/day/person), and 88.57 mg (also below 0.01 mg/day/person), constituting 0.18%, 0.06%, 0.02%, and 0.01% of the total intake, respectively. 3.3 Multivariate Regression Analysis of Vitamin and the Number of Decayed Teeth (D) The Model 1 of multivariate regression shows that (Table 2 ) age (β = 0.0142, P = 0.0135), PIR (β = 0.3385, P < 0.0001), BMI (β = -0.0293, P = 0.0430), sex (β = 0.5442, P = 0.0038), ethnicity (β = -0.8254, P < 0.0001), education level (β = 0.9180, P = 0.0013), vitamin B6 intake (β = 0.0138, P = 0.0081), vitamin C intake (β = 0.0006, P = 0.0180), and vitamin D intake (β = -0.0069, P = 0.0012) were significantly correlated with the number of decayed teeth (D). Intriguingly, an inverse relationship was observed with respect to BMI, ethnicity, and vitamin D, where an elevated BMI was associated with a decrement in the prevalence of decayed teeth (D). Non-hispanic whites exhibited a higher count of decayed teeth (D) in comparison to Non-hispanic blacks and other racial groups. Additionally, increased vitamin D intake was correlated with a reduction in the total number of decayed teeth (D). Conversely, lower values of age, PIR, educational attainment, vitamin B6, and vitamin C were indicative of a reduced caries rate. In Model 2, the multivariate regression analysis supported these findings, with age (β = 0.0125, P = 0.0281), PIR (β = 0.3348, P < 0.0001), BMI (β = -0.0299, P < 0.0391), gender (β = 0.5127, P = 0.0063), race (β = -0.8265, P < 0.0001), education (β = 0.9201, P = 0.0013), vitamin B6 (β = 0.0112, P = 0.0076), vitamin C (β = 0.0005, P = 0.0370), and vitamin D (β = -0.0080, P = 0.0001) maintaining a significant association with caries. The inverse relationship persists, with lower levels of the aforementioned variables being predictive of a diminished caries incidence. Table 2 Multiple Linear Regression Analysis of Vitamins and the Number of Decayed Teeth (D) Model Variables β Standardized β Standard Error CI t value P Model 1 Age (Years) 0.0142 0.0450 0.0057 0.00, 0.03 2.47 0.0135 * PIR 0.3385 0.1021 0.0601 0.22, 0.46 5.63 < 0.0001 * BMI -0.0293 -0.0349 0.0145 -0.06, -0.00 -2.02 0.0430 * Sex 0.5442 0.0503 0.1881 0.18, 0.91 2.89 0.0038 * Ethnicity -0.8254 -0.1357 0.1080 -1.04, -0.61 -7.65 < 0.0001 * Education level 0.9180 0.0594 0.2852 0.36, 1.48 3.22 0.0013 * Vitamin B1 (mg) 0.0022 0.0234 0.0017 -0.00, 0.01 1.30 0.1920 Vitamin B2 (mg) 0.0030 0.0070 0.0097 -0.02, 0.02 0.31 0.7584 Vitamin B6 (mg) 0.0138 0.0574 0.0052 0.00, 0.02 2.65 0.0081 * Vitamin B9 (µg) -0.0004 -0.0233 0.0003 -0.00, 0.00 -1.20 0.2309 Vitamin B12 (µg) -0.0003 -0.0307 0.0002 -0.00, 0.00 -1.69 0.0906 Vitamin C (mg) 0.0006 0.0433 0.0003 0.00, 0.00 2.37 0.0180 * Vitamin K (µg) -0.0035 -0.0318 0.0020 -0.01, 0.00 -1.70 0.0889 Vitamin D (µg) -0.0069 -0.0589 0.0021 -0.01, -0.00 -3.23 0.0012 * Model 2 Age (Years) 0.0125 0.0395 0.0057 0.00, 0.02 2.2 0.0281 * PIR 0.3348 0.1010 0.0601 0.22, 0.45 5.57 < 0.0001 * BMI -0.0299 -0.0356 0.0145 -0.06, -0.00 -2.06 0.0391 * Sex 0.5127 0.0474 0.1875 0.15, 0.88 2.73 0.0063 * Ethnicity -0.8265 -0.1359 0.1079 -1.04, -0.62 -7.66 < 0.0001 * Education level 0.9201 0.0595 0.2853 0.36, 1.48 3.23 0.0013 * Vitamin B6 (mg) 0.0112 0.0467 0.0042 0.00, 0.02 2.67 0.0076 * Vitamin C (mg) 0.0005 0.0369 0.0003 0.00, 0.00 2.09 0.0370 * Vitamin D (µg) -0.0080 -0.0683 0.0021 -0.01, -0.00 -3.87 0.0001 * Note: Model 1 includes all variables without exclusion; Model 2 employs stepwise regression to exclude vitamins B1, B2, B9, B12, and K, with entry and removal criteria set at P < 0.05; * indicates P < 0.05; PIR: Poverty-Income Ratio; BMI: Body Mass Index; CI: Confidence Interval; 0.00 and − 0.00 represent values rounded to the nearest decimal as required, with the negative sign indicating that the value prior to rounding was negative. 3.4 Demographic Subgroup Analysis of Vitamins and the Number of Decayed Teeth (D) To explore the impact of various vitamins on the number of decayed teeth (D) within different subgroups, a subgroup analysis was conducted (Table 3 ). In the age subgroups, the intake of vitamins had no effect on the number of decayed teeth (D) for the 20–44, 44–60, and 80 + age groups. However, in the 60–80 age group, reduced intake of vitamin B6 (P = 0.0074) and vitamin C (P = 0.0161) played a role in decreasing the number of decayed teeth (D). In the sex subgroups, for males, reduced intake of vitamin B1 (P = 0.0479), vitamin B6 (P = 0.0004), and vitamin C (P < 0.0001) contributed to a decrease in the number of decayed teeth (D), as did intake of vitamin B2 (P = 0.0017), vitamin B12 (P = 0.0463), and vitamin D (P = 0.0041). For females, reduced intake of vitamin B2 (P = 0.0031) and vitamin K (P = 0.0271) contributed to a decrease in the number of decayed teeth (D). In terms of race, Non-hispanic whites showed a significant effect of reduced intake of vitamin B6 (P = 0.0095), vitamin B12 (P = 0.0106), vitamin C (P = 0.0067), and vitamin K (P = 0.0251) on the reduction of decayed teeth (D), while Non-hispanic blacks and other races showed no significant effect of vitamin intake on the number of decayed teeth (D). Regarding education level, the intake of vitamins had no effect on the number of decayed teeth (D) for those with a high school education or below, while those with a college education or above showed a significant effect of reduced intake of vitamin B6 (P = 0.0056), vitamin C (P = 0.0045), and vitamin D (P = 0.0261) on the reduction of decayed teeth (D). Table 3 Subgroup Analysis of Vitamins and the Number of Decayed Teeth (D) Variables t value P t value P t value P t value P Age Aged 20–44 (n = 972) Aged 44–60 (n = 886) Aged 60–80 (n = 1082) Aged 80 and above (n = 286) Vitamin B1 (mg) -0.31 0.7556 -1.18 0.2376 1.47 0.1408 0.57 0.5685 Vitamin B2 (mg) 0.20 0.8421 1.57 0.1157 -0.55 0.5795 -0.59 0.5534 Vitamin B6 (mg) -0.49 0.6244 1.87 0.0622 2.69 0.0074 * 1.28 0.2003 Vitamin B9 (µg) 0.64 0.5225 -0.01 0.9922 0.07 0.9459 0.21 0.8340 Vitamin B12 (µg) 1.39 0.1657 -1.11 0.2655 -1.04 0.2979 -1.94 0.0537 Vitamin C (mg) 0.17 0.8625 1.16 0.2469 2.41 0.0161 * 0.17 0.8677 Vitamin K (µg) -1.19 0.2361 -1.81 0.0704 -0.78 0.4348 -0.2 0.8411 Vitamin D (µg) -1.5 0.1347 -0.86 0.3917 -0.95 0.3441 -1.31 0.1909 Sex Male (n = 1573) Female (n = 1653) Vitamin B1 (mg) 1.98 0.0479 * -0.35 0.7235 Vitamin B2 (mg) -3.15 0.0017 * 2.96 0.0031 * Vitamin B6 (mg) 3.53 0.0004 * 1.19 0.2326 Vitamin B9 (µg) 1.04 0.2999 -1.46 0.1442 Vitamin B12 (µg) -1.99 0.0463 * -0.27 0.7874 Vitamin C (mg) 4.39 < 0.0001 * 0.32 0.7478 Vitamin K (µg) -0.95 0.3447 -2.21 0.0271 * Vitamin D (µg) -2.88 0.0041 * -0.86 0.3916 Ethnicity Non-hispanic white (n = 1549) Non-hispanic black (n = 604) Other (n = 1073) Vitamin B1 (mg) 1.61 0.1067 -0.68 0.4945 -1.09 0.2746 Vitamin B2 (mg) 0.98 0.3255 -0.79 0.4305 0.29 0.7741 Vitamin B6 (mg) 2.60 0.0095 * 0.85 0.3962 0.73 0.4639 Vitamin B9 (µg) -0.40 0.6914 -1.32 0.1890 0.59 0.5581 Vitamin B12 (µg) -2.56 0.0106 * -0.07 0.9405 0.74 0.4624 Vitamin C (mg) 2.71 0.0067 * 1.41 0.1604 0.69 0.4934 Vitamin K (µg) -2.24 0.0251 * -0.20 0.8409 -1.16 0.2464 Vitamin D (µg) -1.76 0.0789 0.05 0.9587 -1.93 0.0533 Education level High school and below (n = 2765) University and above (n = 461) Vitamin B1 (mg) -1.49 0.1361 1.49 0.1357 Vitamin B2 (mg) 1.76 0.0787 -0.61 0.5450 Vitamin B6 (mg) 0.01 0.9955 2.78 0.0056 * Vitamin B9 (µg) -1.34 0.1823 0.05 0.9589 Vitamin B12 (µg) -1.30 0.1953 -1.29 0.1980 Vitamin C (mg) -0.26 0.7947 2.84 0.0045 * Vitamin K (µg) -0.45 0.6502 -1.54 0.1226 Vitamin D (µg) -0.46 0.6474 -2.23 0.0261 * Note: No variables were excluded; *: P < 0.05. 4 Discussion Teeth are formed from the epithelium of the oral surface and the underlying tissues. The development of teeth begins with the basal layer of the epithelium and the condensed mesenchyme beneath it. The epithelium forms the tooth germ, which continues to grow and undergo morphogenesis, determining the shape of the future tooth crown. The formation of dentin and enamel begins at the interface between the epithelium and mesenchyme, and after the crown is completed, root development commences[ 11 ]. The development of teeth is inextricably linked to vitamins; for instance, vitamin C can induce the differentiation of periodontal ligament and osteoblasts[ 12 ]. Concurrently, vitamins play a significant role in the disease process of caries. Vitamin C maintains dental health by forming collagen, and a deficiency in vitamin C can lead to the destruction of tooth structure[ 13 ]. Eydou pointed out that vitamin C can inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans, a pathogen in caries, making it an effective anticaries agent[ 14 ]. However, on the other hand, after consumption, vitamin C dissolves and releases hydrogen ions (H+) in the oral cavity, causing the oral environment to become acidic, leading to the dissolution of hydroxyapatite on the tooth surface and subsequently causing tooth decay and the onset of caries[ 15 ]. This is consistent with the multiple linear regression results of this study, which show that excessive intake of vitamin C leads to an increase in the number of decayed teeth (D) (Table 2 , Model 2). We have confirmed that vitamins influence the number of decayed teeth (D) to a certain extent. Vitamin D is an essential substance for the intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are indispensable for the mineralization of bones and teeth[ 16 ]. During the development of dentin, the levels of calcium and phosphate in the plasma are regulated by vitamin D and promote mineralization by binding to tooth cells. The tooth surface may demineralize due to acid-producing bacteria, but vitamin D can maintain sufficient levels of calcium and phosphate in saliva for remineralization after demineralization[ 17 ], thereby serving as an anticaries purpose. Numerous studies have found a significant association between vitamin D levels and the occurrence of caries[ 18 – 21 ], which is similar to the results of our study. Our findings also indicate that an appropriate intake of vitamin D can reduce the number of decayed teeth (D). Vitamin D has an impact on the reduction of the total number of decayed teeth in caries, and its intake can effectively decrease the number of decayed teeth (D). Moreover, a deficiency in vitamin D can lead to incomplete calcification of dentin in primary and permanent teeth, delayed eruption, and the occurrence of wear and cracked tooth[ 22 ]. The demographic findings of this study revealed that older individuals are more susceptible to caries. This is attributed to the deterioration of overall health and the presence of comorbidities with increasing age in the elderly, which elevates the risk of caries[ 23 ]. The subgroup analysis in this study identified that individuals aged 60–80 are particularly influenced by vitamins B6 and C, and a survey indicated that the prevalence of caries in individuals over 60 years old is 76.4%[ 24 ]. The study's results indicated that BMI affects the total number of decayed teeth, with lower BMI populations exhibiting a higher number of decayed teeth (D). Research has shown that malnourished children may suffer from more caries, as high sugar intake can be detrimental to dental health and nutrition, leading to controlled intake of high-sugar foods that result in a low BMI[ 25 ]. Non-Hispanic blacks have relatively fewer decayed teeth (D) compared to non-Hispanic whites. The study's findings also suggest that women have a higher number of decayed teeth (D) than men, consistent with previous research[ 26 ], possibly due to earlier tooth eruption in females, preference for sweets, and hormonal changes[ 27 ]. Subgroup analysis indicated that males are influenced by B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, and B12) and vitamin C, while females are affected by vitamin B2 and vitamin K. Due to the unique physiological structure of women, their caries incidence is influenced by fluctuations in estrogen levels, saliva composition and flow rate, and food cravings and aversions during pregnancy[ 28 ], hence the impact of vitamin nutrients also differs between males and females. Among the B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B9, and B12), only vitamin B6 was found to influence the number of decayed teeth (D), with reduced intake of vitamin B6 leading to a lower prevalence of caries. Studies have observed that an increase in caries prevalence may be related to a significant increase in the requirement for vitamin B6[ 29 ]. Vitamin B6 has immunomodulatory functions, but excessive doses of vitamin B6 beyond the required amount can impair immune responses[ 30 ], leading to sensory neuropathy and insufficient blood supply to pulp tissue[ 31 ], which in turn can result in the occurrence of caries. 5 Conclusion In summary, our findings indicate that excessive intake of vitamin C, low levels of vitamin D, and high intake of vitamin B6 can increase the prevalence of caries. The results of this study can provide a foundational direction for the prevention of caries and offer reference suggestions for the establishment of standards for the intake of vitamins. Of course, we require additional prospective clinical studies to further validate our results and explore potential mechanisms. Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a program of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The NHANES dataset is publicly available and is intended for use by researchers in compliance with CDC guidelines. Given the de-identified nature of the NHANES dataset and the retrospective, non-interventional design of this study, our research did not require ethical approval or informed consent from participants. The NHANES data collection protocols were approved by the NCHS Research Ethics Review Board (ERB), and all participants provided informed consent prior to their inclusion in the study. Consent for publication Not applicable Availability of data and materials The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are available in the NHANES repository, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.htm. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests Authors’ Contributions CL: substantial contributions to the conception , design of the work, interpretation of data, have drafted the work or substantively revised it KC: substantial contributions to the conception , design of the work, interpretation of data, have drafted the work or substantively revised it WX: substantial contributions to the conception , have drafted the work or substantively revised it, provided overall guidance on the research, and supervised the project Funding 2021 Provincial Quality Engineering Project Dentistry Experimental Teaching Demonstration Centre (002-181233120) Acknowledgements This research would not have been possible without the valuable data provided by the NHANES. We gratefully acknowledge the efforts of the NHANES team in collecting, maintaining, and making available their comprehensive and publicly accessible health and nutrition database. The findings and conclusions of this study are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NHANES or its associated institutions. References Peres MA, Macpherson LMD, Weyant RJ, Daly B, Venturelli R, Mathur MR, Listl S, Celeste RK, Guarnizo-Herreño CC, Kearns C et al : Oral diseases: a global public health challenge . Lancet (London, England) 2019, 394 (10194):249-260. Oral Health [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health] Zero DTJDCoNA: Dental caries process . 1999, 43 (4):635-664. Godswill AG, Somtochukwu IV, Ikechukwu AO, Kate ECJIJoFS: Health benefits of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and their associated deficiency diseases: A systematic review . 2020, 3 (1):1-32. Vanishree T, Panchmal GS, Shenoy RP, Jodalli P, Sonde LJIJHSR: Caries prevention: Vitamin way-A novel approach . 2016, 6 (1):484-488. Pu R, Fu M, Li N, Jiang Z: A certain protective effect of vitamin D against dental caries in US children and youth: A cross-sectional study . Journal of public health dentistry 2023, 83 (3):231-238. S MH, N SD, Majeed A, Badakar C, Gokhale N, Mistry L: Assessment of Vitamin B(12) and Its Correlation with Dental Caries and Gingival Diseases in 10- to 14-year-old Children: A Cross-sectional Study . International journal of clinical pediatric dentistry 2017, 10 (2):142-146. Isela N-NR, Sergio N-C, José M-SJ, Rene H-D, Claudio C-RJTPIJ: Ascorbic Acid On Oral Microbial Growth and Biofilm Formation . 2013, 2 :103-109. Fain JA: NHANES . The Diabetes educator 2017, 43 (2):151. Radike AW: Criteria for diagnosis of dental caries . In: Proceedings of the Conference on the Clinical Testing of Cariostatics Agents: 1968 : American Dental Association; 1968: 8. Thesleff I: From understanding tooth development to bioengineering of teeth . European journal of oral sciences 2018, 126 Suppl 1 :67-71. Alagl AS, Bhat SG: Ascorbic acid: new role of an age-old micronutrient in the management of periodontal disease in older adults . Geriatrics & gerontology international 2015, 15 (3):241-254. Damayanti AY, Marfu’ah N, Salamah S, Husna F: Relationship between Vitamin A and Vitamin C intake on Dental Caries . In: U-Go Healthy 2020: Proceedings of the U-Go Healthy International Conference, U-Go Healthy 2020, 29 March 2020, Pacitan, East Java, Indonesia: 2022 : European Alliance for Innovation; 2022: 190. Eydou Z, Jad BN, Elsayed Z, Ismail A, Magaogao M, Hossain A: Investigation on the effect of vitamin C on growth & biofilm-forming potential of Streptococcus mutans isolated from patients with dental caries . BMC microbiology 2020, 20 (1):231. Saads Carvalho T, Lussi A: Chapter 9: Acidic Beverages and Foods Associated with Dental Erosion and Erosive Tooth Wear . In: The Impact of Nutrition and Diet on Oral Health. Volume 28 , edn. Edited by Zohoori FV, Duckworth RM, Zohoori V, Duckworth R: S.Karger AG; 2020: 0. Uwitonze AM, Rahman S, Ojeh N, Grant WB, Kaur H, Haq A, Razzaque MSJTJosb, biology m: Oral manifestations of magnesium and vitamin D inadequacy . 2020, 200 :105636. Mahmood MK, Tassery H, Tardivo D, Lan R: Association between Vitamin D Levels and Dental Caries: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies . 2023, 13 (17):9883. Hujoel PP: Vitamin D and dental caries in controlled clinical trials: systematic review and meta-analysis . Nutrition reviews 2013, 71 (2):88-97. Zhou F, Zhou Y, Shi JJOD: The association between serum 25 ‐hydroxyvitamin D levels and dental caries in US adults . 2020, 26 (7):1537-1547. Li Z, Wei X, Shao Z, Liu H, Bai S: Correlation between vitamin D levels in serum and the risk of dental caries in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis . BMC oral health 2023, 23 (1):768. Peponis M, Antoniadou M, Pappa E, Rahiotis C, Varzakas T: Vitamin D and Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms Relationship to Risk Level of Dental Caries . 2023, 13 (10):6014. Kim IJ, Lee HS, Ju HJ, Na JY, Oh HW: A cross-sectional study on the association between vitamin D levels and caries in the permanent dentition of Korean children . BMC oral health 2018, 18 (1):43. Chan AKY, Tamrakar M, Jiang CM, Lo ECM, Leung KCM, Chu CH: A Systematic Review on Caries Status of Older Adults . 2021, 18 (20):10662. Salunke S, Shah V, Ostbye T, Gandhi A, Phalgune D, Ogundare MO, Sable V: Prevalence of dental caries, oral health awareness and treatment-seeking behavior of elderly population in rural Maharashtra . Indian journal of dental research : official publication of Indian Society for Dental Research 2019, 30 (3):332-336. Sheiham A: Dental caries affects body weight, growth and quality of life in pre-school children . British dental journal 2006, 201 (10):625-626. Ellakany P, Madi M, Fouda SM, Ibrahim M, AlHumaid J: The Effect of Parental Education and Socioeconomic Status on Dental Caries among Saudi Children . 2021, 18 (22):11862. Lukacs JR, Largaespada LL: Explaining sex differences in dental caries prevalence: saliva, hormones, and "life-history" etiologies . American journal of human biology : the official journal of the Human Biology Council 2006, 18 (4):540-555. Lukacs J: Fertility and Agriculture Accentuate Sex Differences in Dental Caries Rates , vol. 49; 2008. Hillman RWJV, Hormones: Effect of vitamin B6 on dental caries in man . 1964, 22 :695-704. Elmadfa I, Meyer AL: The Role of the Status of Selected Micronutrients in Shaping the Immune Function . Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets 2019, 19 (8):1100-1115. Calderón‐Ospina CA, Nava‐Mesa MOJCn, therapeutics: B Vitamins in the nervous system: Current knowledge of the biochemical modes of action and synergies of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin . 2020, 26 (1):5-13. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4291884","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":295857804,"identity":"4518105c-b092-4a37-8921-d3ddd89d5f82","order_by":0,"name":"Chuang Li","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Clinic of Stomatology·Department of Stomatology, Shantou University Medical College","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Chuang","middleName":"","lastName":"Li","suffix":""},{"id":295857805,"identity":"16140d8b-c303-445d-9ec6-de5318ed1421","order_by":1,"name":"Kexiao Chen","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Clinic of Stomatology·Department of Stomatology, Shantou University Medical College","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Kexiao","middleName":"","lastName":"Chen","suffix":""},{"id":295857806,"identity":"628c5b46-ed2c-42de-bb49-5258b0beac54","order_by":2,"name":"Weini Xin","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAsElEQVRIiWNgGAWjYJCCAwwVEIYECVrOQFQTr4WBsY0ULQa3ewwPF86rqzM4wHzwNg+DXR5hLXeOJRyeue2whMEBtmRrHobkYoJazG4kHzjMu+0AUAuPmTQPw4HEBsJaEhsO886pA2rh/0asFpAtDcwgW9iI02J/Iy3hMM+xw5IzD7MZW84xSCasRXJGjvFnnpo6fr7jzQ9vvKmwI6wFAZhBhAHx6kfBKBgFo2AU4AEAzcA6Hu0WN8AAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"Clinic of Stomatology·Department of Stomatology, Shantou University Medical College","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Weini","middleName":"","lastName":"Xin","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-04-19 08:31:03","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4291884/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4291884/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":55747776,"identity":"853de566-3fbc-441f-a6a3-2290497bb9aa","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-05-02 14:49:09","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":201252,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eTotal Intake of Vitamin Nutrient Elements over 30 Days (milligrams)\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4291884/v1/8c5c587610a7671fa7c62197.png"},{"id":58832529,"identity":"699e1438-fc2a-4f2f-afb0-16a1625941cb","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-06-21 18:05:06","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1722869,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4291884/v1/7c18a341-448e-4dfa-bd07-333b2a83d634.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"The Correlation between Caries and Vitamin: A Retrospective Investigation","fulltext":[{"header":"1 Background","content":"\u003cp\u003eCaries is a prevalent chronic bacterial infection among oral diseases, caused by the local destruction of tooth hard tissues by acidic byproducts from bacterial fermentation of dietary carbohydrates. Caries imposed a significant global disease burden[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e], and the World Health Organization's (WHO) \u0026ldquo;Oral Health 2022\u0026rdquo; pointed out that about 2\u0026nbsp;billion people suffered from permanent tooth caries and 514\u0026nbsp;million children suffered from primary tooth caries[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. Caries is a multifactorial disease influenced by salivary flow, saliva composition, fluoride exposure, and preventive behaviors, and is also affected by dietary habits and nutritional elements[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamins play an indispensable role in human life, exerting crucial functions in growth, metabolism, and development, and simultaneously impacting the progression of caries. There are 13 essential vitamins for the human body[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e], among which vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and vitamin D were associated with caries[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]. Sufficient vitamin D correlates with a lower incidence of caries[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e], vitamin B6 inhibited the growth of cariogenic biota by promoting the proliferation of non-cariogenic microorganisms and selectively altering the oral microbiota[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e], a deficiency in vitamin B12 leads to an increased prevalence of caries and periodontal diseases in children[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e], and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) could inhibit the formation of dental plaque[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study aims to explore the relationship between certain vitamin nutrients and the number of decayed teeth (Decay, D) in the population over a 30-day period, providing insights for caries prevention, along with suggestions and referential evidence.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2 Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1 Study Design\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a research project conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) using a multistage probability sampling method[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e]. The project protocol is approved by the Institutional Review Board of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), and each participant is required to sign a written informed consent. Approximately 5,000 individuals from a nationally representative sample across 15 different counties (second-level administrative divisions in the United States, below the state level) are examined annually (\u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.htm\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.htm\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e). This retrospective study selected 39,156 participants from the NHANES database spanning from 2011 to 2018. The exclusion criteria for this study were as follows: (1) participants with hypertension; (2) participants with diabetes mellitus (defined as a fasting blood glucose level\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;7.0 mmol/L after an overnight fast of at least 8 hours, according to the 1999 WHO criteria); (3) any missing demographic data, vitamins data, or caries information. Ultimately, a total of 3,226 participants were included in this study. All methods were conducted in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations (Declaration of Helsinki).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2 Data Collection\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this study, the collected variables included demographic data such as age (years), Poverty-Income Ratio (PIR), Body Mass Index (BMI, kilograms per square meter), sex, education level, race, and marital status. Vitamins comprised vitamin B1 (milligrams), vitamin B2 (milligrams), vitamin B6 (milligrams), vitamin B9 (milligrams), vitamin B12 (micrograms), vitamin C (milligrams), vitamin K (micrograms), and vitamin D (micrograms), with all vitamins totaling the intake over a 30-day period for each participant. The number of decayed teeth (D) was examined by dentists licensed in the state of the United States and recorded by technicians and entered into the system, with diagnoses based on the caries diagnostic criteria (1968, Radike AW)[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. All oral health examinations were conducted within rooms of the Mobile Examination Center (MEC), equipped with portable dental units, lights, and compressed air. Information on vitamin intake was obtained through home interviews and calculated accordingly. During the interview, participants were shown a card listing dietary supplements and asked to select which supplements they had taken within the past 30 days, providing all packaging boxes/bottles of dietary supplements used to the interviewer.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3 Statistical Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eQuantitative data were described using the mean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard deviation, while categorical data were described using frequencies and proportions [n (%)]. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess the association between vitamins, demographic information, and the number of decayed teeth (D). Statistical analyses were conducted using SAS software (version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3 Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1 Demographic characteristics\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe demographic characteristics of the study participants by age group are presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e. A total of 3,226 participants were included in this study, with a mean number of decayed teeth (D) of 4.23\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.41 and a mean PIR of 2.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.63. The average BMI was 28.54\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.44, with 1,573 males (48.76%) and 1,549 Non-hispanic white individuals (48.02%). A total of 2,765 participants (85.71%) had attained education at the university level or higher, and 1,801 (55.83%) were married. There were statistically significant differences in the distribution of decayed teeth (D) (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001), PIR (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001), BMI (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001), race (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001), education level (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001), and marital status (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001) across age groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference in sex distribution across the age groups (P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.1451).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDemographic characteristics\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGroups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge Group\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3326)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStatistics\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u0026ndash;44 years\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;972)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44\u0026ndash;60 years\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;886)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u0026ndash;80 years\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1082)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80 years and above\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;286)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDecayed teeth(D)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.97\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.21\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.97\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.23\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.81\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001\u003csup\u003ea*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePIR\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.89\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.11\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.65\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.08\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001\u003csup\u003ea*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBMI\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.96\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.15\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.91\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.53\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.54\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.93\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001\u003csup\u003ea*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1451\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e469 (48.25%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e450 (50.79%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e531 (49.08%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e123 (43.01%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1573 (48.76%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e503 (51.75%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e436 (49.21%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e551 (50.92%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e163 (56.99%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1653 (51.24%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEthnicity\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e186.69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001\u003csup\u003eb*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-hispanic white\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e406 (41.77%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e387 (43.68%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e517 (47.78%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e239 (83.57%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1549 (48.02%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-hispanic black\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e171 (17.59%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e174 (19.64%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e240 (22.18%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19 (6.64%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e604 (18.72%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOther\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e395 (40.64%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e325 (36.68%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e325 (30.04%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28 (9.79%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1073 (33.26%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEducation level\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e85.64\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001\u003csup\u003eb*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigh school and below\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e69 (7.10%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e112 (12.64%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e222 (20.52%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58 (20.28%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e461 (14.29%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUniversity and above\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e903 (92.9%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e774 (87.36%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e860 (79.48%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e228 (79.72%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2765 (85.71%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarital status\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e931.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001\u003csup\u003eb*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnmarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e419 (43.11%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e130 (14.67%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e83 (7.67%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13 (4.55%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e645 (19.99%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e462 (47.53%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e544 (61.40%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e653 (60.35%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e142 (49.65%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1801 (55.83%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e89 (9.16%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e187 (21.11%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e190 (17.56%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16 (5.59%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e482 (14.94%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBereft of one's spouse\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2 (0.21%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25 (2.82%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e156 (14.42%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e115 (40.21%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e298 (9.24%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003e\u003csup\u003ea: The P\u0026minus;value is based on analysis of variance; b: The P\u0026minus;value is based on the chi\u0026minus;square test; PIR: Poverty\u0026minus;Income Ratio; BMI: Body Mass Index; *: \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.05\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2 Vitamin Intake\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe vitamin intake of the study population over a 30-day period was depicted in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e. As illustrated, vitamin C was the most consumed, with a total intake of 579,955.26 milligrams (approximately 579955.26/3226/30\u0026thinsp;\u0026asymp;\u0026thinsp;5.99 mg/day/person), accounting for 88.72% of the total vitamin intake. Vitamins B1, B2, and B6 had intermediate proportions, with total intakes of 30,745.51 mg (approximately 0.32 mg/day/person), 17,361.79 mg (approximately 0.18 mg/day/person), and 23,813.72 mg (approximately 0.25 mg/day/person), representing 4.70%, 2.66%, and 3.64% of the intake, respectively. The intake of vitamins B9, B12, K, and D was relatively lower, with total intakes of 1,206.96 mg (about 0.01 mg/day/person), 392.77 mg (below 0.01 mg/day/person), 100.73 mg (below 0.01 mg/day/person), and 88.57 mg (also below 0.01 mg/day/person), constituting 0.18%, 0.06%, 0.02%, and 0.01% of the total intake, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3 Multivariate Regression Analysis of Vitamin and the Number of Decayed Teeth (D)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Model 1 of multivariate regression shows that (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e) age (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0142, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0135), PIR (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.3385, P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001), BMI (β = -0.0293, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0430), sex (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.5442, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0038), ethnicity (β = -0.8254, P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001), education level (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.9180, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0013), vitamin B6 intake (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0138, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0081), vitamin C intake (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0006, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0180), and vitamin D intake (β = -0.0069, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0012) were significantly correlated with the number of decayed teeth (D). Intriguingly, an inverse relationship was observed with respect to BMI, ethnicity, and vitamin D, where an elevated BMI was associated with a decrement in the prevalence of decayed teeth (D). Non-hispanic whites exhibited a higher count of decayed teeth (D) in comparison to Non-hispanic blacks and other racial groups. Additionally, increased vitamin D intake was correlated with a reduction in the total number of decayed teeth (D). Conversely, lower values of age, PIR, educational attainment, vitamin B6, and vitamin C were indicative of a reduced caries rate.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn Model 2, the multivariate regression analysis supported these findings, with age (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0125, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0281), PIR (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.3348, P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001), BMI (β = -0.0299, P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0391), gender (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.5127, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0063), race (β = -0.8265, P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001), education (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.9201, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0013), vitamin B6 (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0112, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0076), vitamin C (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0005, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0370), and vitamin D (β = -0.0080, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0001) maintaining a significant association with caries. The inverse relationship persists, with lower levels of the aforementioned variables being predictive of a diminished caries incidence.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMultiple Linear Regression Analysis of Vitamins and the Number of Decayed Teeth (D)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eModel\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eβ\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStandardized β\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStandard Error\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCI\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003et value\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"13\" rowspan=\"14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eModel 1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge (Years)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0142\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0450\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0057\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00, 0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0135\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePIR\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3385\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0601\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.22, 0.46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBMI\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.0293\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.0349\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0145\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.06, -0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-2.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0430\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5442\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0503\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1881\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.18, 0.91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.89\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0038\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEthnicity\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.8254\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.1357\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1080\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.04, -0.61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-7.65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEducation level\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9180\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0594\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2852\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.36, 1.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0013\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B1 (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0022\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0234\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0017\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.00, 0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1920\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B2 (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0030\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0070\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0097\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.02, 0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7584\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B6 (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0138\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0574\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0052\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00, 0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0081\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B9 (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.0004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.0233\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.00, 0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2309\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B12 (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.0003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.0307\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0002\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.00, 0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0906\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin C (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0006\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0433\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00, 0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0180\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin K (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.0035\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.0318\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0020\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.01, 0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0889\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin D (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.0069\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.0589\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.01, -0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-3.23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0012\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"8\" rowspan=\"9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eModel 2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge (Years)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0125\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0395\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0057\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00, 0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0281\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePIR\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3348\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1010\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0601\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.22, 0.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.57\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBMI\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.0299\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.0356\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0145\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.06, -0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-2.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0391\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5127\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0474\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1875\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.15, 0.88\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.73\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0063\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEthnicity\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.8265\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.1359\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1079\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.04, -0.62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-7.66\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEducation level\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9201\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0595\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2853\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.36, 1.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0013\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B6 (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0112\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0467\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0042\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00, 0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0076\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin C (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0005\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0369\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00, 0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.09\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0370\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin D (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.0080\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.0683\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.01, -0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-3.87\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0001\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003eNote: Model 1 includes all variables without exclusion; Model 2 employs stepwise regression to exclude vitamins B1, B2, B9, B12, and K, with entry and removal criteria set at P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05; * indicates P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05; PIR: Poverty-Income Ratio; BMI: Body Mass Index; CI: Confidence Interval; 0.00 and \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.00 represent values rounded to the nearest decimal as required, with the negative sign indicating that the value prior to rounding was negative.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.4 Demographic Subgroup Analysis of Vitamins and the Number of Decayed Teeth (D)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo explore the impact of various vitamins on the number of decayed teeth (D) within different subgroups, a subgroup analysis was conducted (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). In the age subgroups, the intake of vitamins had no effect on the number of decayed teeth (D) for the 20\u0026ndash;44, 44\u0026ndash;60, and 80\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;age groups. However, in the 60\u0026ndash;80 age group, reduced intake of vitamin B6 (P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0074) and vitamin C (P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0161) played a role in decreasing the number of decayed teeth (D). In the sex subgroups, for males, reduced intake of vitamin B1 (P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0479), vitamin B6 (P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0004), and vitamin C (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001) contributed to a decrease in the number of decayed teeth (D), as did intake of vitamin B2 (P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0017), vitamin B12 (P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0463), and vitamin D (P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0041). For females, reduced intake of vitamin B2 (P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0031) and vitamin K (P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0271) contributed to a decrease in the number of decayed teeth (D). In terms of race, Non-hispanic whites showed a significant effect of reduced intake of vitamin B6 (P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0095), vitamin B12 (P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0106), vitamin C (P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0067), and vitamin K (P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0251) on the reduction of decayed teeth (D), while Non-hispanic blacks and other races showed no significant effect of vitamin intake on the number of decayed teeth (D). Regarding education level, the intake of vitamins had no effect on the number of decayed teeth (D) for those with a high school education or below, while those with a college education or above showed a significant effect of reduced intake of vitamin B6 (P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0056), vitamin C (P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0045), and vitamin D (P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0261) on the reduction of decayed teeth (D).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSubgroup Analysis of Vitamins and the Number of Decayed Teeth (D)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003et value\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003et value\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003et value\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003et value\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAged 20\u0026ndash;44\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;972)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAged 44\u0026ndash;60\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;886)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAged 60\u0026ndash;80\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1082)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAged 80 and above\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;286)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B1 (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7556\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2376\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1408\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.57\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5685\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B2 (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.8421\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.57\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1157\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5795\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5534\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B6 (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6244\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.87\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0622\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0074\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B9 (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.64\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5225\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9922\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9459\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.8340\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B12 (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1657\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2655\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2979\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.94\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0537\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin C (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.8625\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2469\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0161\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.8677\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin K (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2361\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.81\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0704\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4348\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.8411\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin D (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1347\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3917\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3441\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1909\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1573)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1653)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B1 (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.98\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0479\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7235\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B2 (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-3.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0017\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.96\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0031\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B6 (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.53\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0004\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2326\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B9 (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2999\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1442\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B12 (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.99\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0463\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7874\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin C (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7478\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin K (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3447\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-2.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0271\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin D (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-2.88\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0041\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3916\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEthnicity\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-hispanic white\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1549)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-hispanic black\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;604)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOther\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1073)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B1 (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1067\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4945\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.09\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2746\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B2 (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.98\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3255\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.79\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4305\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7741\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B6 (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0095\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3962\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.73\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4639\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B9 (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6914\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1890\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5581\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B12 (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-2.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0106\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9405\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.74\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4624\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin C (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.71\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0067\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1604\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4934\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin K (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-2.24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0251\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.8409\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2464\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin D (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0789\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9587\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.93\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0533\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEducation level\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigh school and below\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2765)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUniversity and above\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;461)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B1 (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1361\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1357\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B2 (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0787\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5450\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B6 (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9955\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0056\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B9 (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1823\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9589\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin B12 (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1953\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1980\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin C (mg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7947\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0045\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin K (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6502\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.54\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1226\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin D (\u0026micro;g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6474\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-2.23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0261\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003eNote: No variables were excluded; *: P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4 Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eTeeth are formed from the epithelium of the oral surface and the underlying tissues. The development of teeth begins with the basal layer of the epithelium and the condensed mesenchyme beneath it. The epithelium forms the tooth germ, which continues to grow and undergo morphogenesis, determining the shape of the future tooth crown. The formation of dentin and enamel begins at the interface between the epithelium and mesenchyme, and after the crown is completed, root development commences[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]. The development of teeth is inextricably linked to vitamins; for instance, vitamin C can induce the differentiation of periodontal ligament and osteoblasts[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. Concurrently, vitamins play a significant role in the disease process of caries. Vitamin C maintains dental health by forming collagen, and a deficiency in vitamin C can lead to the destruction of tooth structure[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e]. Eydou pointed out that vitamin C can inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans, a pathogen in caries, making it an effective anticaries agent[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. However, on the other hand, after consumption, vitamin C dissolves and releases hydrogen ions (H+) in the oral cavity, causing the oral environment to become acidic, leading to the dissolution of hydroxyapatite on the tooth surface and subsequently causing tooth decay and the onset of caries[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]. This is consistent with the multiple linear regression results of this study, which show that excessive intake of vitamin C leads to an increase in the number of decayed teeth (D) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, Model 2).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe have confirmed that vitamins influence the number of decayed teeth (D) to a certain extent. Vitamin D is an essential substance for the intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are indispensable for the mineralization of bones and teeth[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e]. During the development of dentin, the levels of calcium and phosphate in the plasma are regulated by vitamin D and promote mineralization by binding to tooth cells. The tooth surface may demineralize due to acid-producing bacteria, but vitamin D can maintain sufficient levels of calcium and phosphate in saliva for remineralization after demineralization[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e], thereby serving as an anticaries purpose. Numerous studies have found a significant association between vitamin D levels and the occurrence of caries[\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR19 CR20\" citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e], which is similar to the results of our study. Our findings also indicate that an appropriate intake of vitamin D can reduce the number of decayed teeth (D). Vitamin D has an impact on the reduction of the total number of decayed teeth in caries, and its intake can effectively decrease the number of decayed teeth (D). Moreover, a deficiency in vitamin D can lead to incomplete calcification of dentin in primary and permanent teeth, delayed eruption, and the occurrence of wear and cracked tooth[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe demographic findings of this study revealed that older individuals are more susceptible to caries. This is attributed to the deterioration of overall health and the presence of comorbidities with increasing age in the elderly, which elevates the risk of caries[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. The subgroup analysis in this study identified that individuals aged 60\u0026ndash;80 are particularly influenced by vitamins B6 and C, and a survey indicated that the prevalence of caries in individuals over 60 years old is 76.4%[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study's results indicated that BMI affects the total number of decayed teeth, with lower BMI populations exhibiting a higher number of decayed teeth (D). Research has shown that malnourished children may suffer from more caries, as high sugar intake can be detrimental to dental health and nutrition, leading to controlled intake of high-sugar foods that result in a low BMI[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]. Non-Hispanic blacks have relatively fewer decayed teeth (D) compared to non-Hispanic whites. The study's findings also suggest that women have a higher number of decayed teeth (D) than men, consistent with previous research[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e], possibly due to earlier tooth eruption in females, preference for sweets, and hormonal changes[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. Subgroup analysis indicated that males are influenced by B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, and B12) and vitamin C, while females are affected by vitamin B2 and vitamin K. Due to the unique physiological structure of women, their caries incidence is influenced by fluctuations in estrogen levels, saliva composition and flow rate, and food cravings and aversions during pregnancy[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e], hence the impact of vitamin nutrients also differs between males and females.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAmong the B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B9, and B12), only vitamin B6 was found to influence the number of decayed teeth (D), with reduced intake of vitamin B6 leading to a lower prevalence of caries. Studies have observed that an increase in caries prevalence may be related to a significant increase in the requirement for vitamin B6[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. Vitamin B6 has immunomodulatory functions, but excessive doses of vitamin B6 beyond the required amount can impair immune responses[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e], leading to sensory neuropathy and insufficient blood supply to pulp tissue[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e], which in turn can result in the occurrence of caries.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5 Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn summary, our findings indicate that excessive intake of vitamin C, low levels of vitamin D, and high intake of vitamin B6 can increase the prevalence of caries. The results of this study can provide a foundational direction for the prevention of caries and offer reference suggestions for the establishment of standards for the intake of vitamins. Of course, we require additional prospective clinical studies to further validate our results and explore potential mechanisms.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a program of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The NHANES dataset is publicly available and is intended for use by researchers in compliance with CDC guidelines. Given the de-identified nature of the NHANES dataset and the retrospective, non-interventional design of this study, our research did not require ethical approval or informed consent from participants. The NHANES data collection protocols were approved by the NCHS Research Ethics Review Board (ERB), and all participants provided informed consent prior to their inclusion in the study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are available in the NHANES repository, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.htm.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they have no competing interests\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors\u0026rsquo; Contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCL:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003esubstantial contributions to the conception\u003cstrong\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003edesign of the work, interpretation of data, have drafted the work or substantively revised it\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKC:\u003c/strong\u003e substantial contributions to the conception\u003cstrong\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003edesign of the work, interpretation of data, have drafted the work or substantively revised it\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWX:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003esubstantial contributions to the conception\u003cstrong\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ehave drafted the work or substantively revised it, provided overall guidance on the research, and supervised the project\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2021 Provincial Quality Engineering Project Dentistry Experimental Teaching Demonstration Centre (002-181233120)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research would not have been possible without the valuable data provided by the NHANES. We gratefully acknowledge the efforts of the NHANES team in collecting, maintaining, and making available their comprehensive and publicly accessible health and nutrition database. The findings and conclusions of this study are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NHANES or its associated institutions.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeres MA, Macpherson LMD, Weyant RJ, Daly B, Venturelli R, Mathur MR, Listl S, Celeste RK, Guarnizo-Herre\u0026ntilde;o CC, Kearns C\u003cem\u003e et al\u003c/em\u003e: \u003cstrong\u003eOral diseases: a global public health challenge\u003c/strong\u003e. \u003cem\u003eLancet (London, England) \u003c/em\u003e2019, \u003cstrong\u003e394\u003c/strong\u003e(10194):249-260.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOral Health \u003c/strong\u003e[https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health]\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZero DTJDCoNA: \u003cstrong\u003eDental caries process\u003c/strong\u003e. 1999, \u003cstrong\u003e43\u003c/strong\u003e(4):635-664.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGodswill AG, Somtochukwu IV, Ikechukwu AO, Kate ECJIJoFS: \u003cstrong\u003eHealth benefits of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and their associated deficiency diseases: A systematic review\u003c/strong\u003e. 2020, \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c/strong\u003e(1):1-32.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVanishree T, Panchmal GS, Shenoy RP, Jodalli P, Sonde LJIJHSR: \u003cstrong\u003eCaries prevention: Vitamin way-A novel approach\u003c/strong\u003e. 2016, \u003cstrong\u003e6\u003c/strong\u003e(1):484-488.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePu R, Fu M, Li N, Jiang Z: \u003cstrong\u003eA certain protective effect of vitamin D against dental caries in US children and youth: A cross-sectional study\u003c/strong\u003e. \u003cem\u003eJournal of public health dentistry \u003c/em\u003e2023, \u003cstrong\u003e83\u003c/strong\u003e(3):231-238.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eS MH, N SD, Majeed A, Badakar C, Gokhale N, Mistry L: \u003cstrong\u003eAssessment of Vitamin B(12) and Its Correlation with Dental Caries and Gingival Diseases in 10- to 14-year-old Children: A Cross-sectional Study\u003c/strong\u003e. \u003cem\u003eInternational journal of clinical pediatric dentistry \u003c/em\u003e2017, \u003cstrong\u003e10\u003c/strong\u003e(2):142-146.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIsela N-NR, Sergio N-C, Jos\u0026eacute; M-SJ, Rene H-D, Claudio C-RJTPIJ: \u003cstrong\u003eAscorbic Acid On Oral Microbial Growth and Biofilm Formation\u003c/strong\u003e. 2013, \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e:103-109.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFain JA: \u003cstrong\u003eNHANES\u003c/strong\u003e. \u003cem\u003eThe Diabetes educator \u003c/em\u003e2017, \u003cstrong\u003e43\u003c/strong\u003e(2):151.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRadike AW: \u003cstrong\u003eCriteria for diagnosis of dental caries\u003c/strong\u003e. 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In: \u003cem\u003eU-Go Healthy 2020: Proceedings of the U-Go Healthy International Conference, U-Go Healthy 2020, 29 March 2020, Pacitan, East Java, Indonesia: 2022\u003c/em\u003e: European Alliance for Innovation; 2022: 190.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEydou Z, Jad BN, Elsayed Z, Ismail A, Magaogao M, Hossain A: \u003cstrong\u003eInvestigation on the effect of vitamin C on growth \u0026amp; biofilm-forming potential of Streptococcus mutans isolated from patients with dental caries\u003c/strong\u003e. \u003cem\u003eBMC microbiology \u003c/em\u003e2020, \u003cstrong\u003e20\u003c/strong\u003e(1):231.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSaads Carvalho T, Lussi A: \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 9: Acidic Beverages and Foods Associated with Dental Erosion and Erosive Tooth Wear\u003c/strong\u003e. In: \u003cem\u003eThe Impact of Nutrition and Diet on Oral Health. Volume 28\u003c/em\u003e, edn. Edited by Zohoori FV, Duckworth RM, Zohoori V, Duckworth R: S.Karger AG; 2020: 0.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUwitonze AM, Rahman S, Ojeh N, Grant WB, Kaur H, Haq A, Razzaque MSJTJosb, biology m: \u003cstrong\u003eOral manifestations of magnesium and vitamin D inadequacy\u003c/strong\u003e. 2020, \u003cstrong\u003e200\u003c/strong\u003e:105636.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMahmood MK, Tassery H, Tardivo D, Lan R: \u003cstrong\u003eAssociation between Vitamin D Levels and Dental Caries: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies\u003c/strong\u003e. 2023, \u003cstrong\u003e13\u003c/strong\u003e(17):9883.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHujoel PP: \u003cstrong\u003eVitamin D and dental caries in controlled clinical trials: systematic review and meta-analysis\u003c/strong\u003e. \u003cem\u003eNutrition reviews \u003c/em\u003e2013, \u003cstrong\u003e71\u003c/strong\u003e(2):88-97.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZhou F, Zhou Y, Shi JJOD: \u003cstrong\u003eThe association between serum 25\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e‐hydroxyvitamin D levels and dental caries in US adults\u003c/strong\u003e. 2020, \u003cstrong\u003e26\u003c/strong\u003e(7):1537-1547.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLi Z, Wei X, Shao Z, Liu H, Bai S: \u003cstrong\u003eCorrelation between vitamin D levels in serum and the risk of dental caries in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis\u003c/strong\u003e. \u003cem\u003eBMC oral health \u003c/em\u003e2023, \u003cstrong\u003e23\u003c/strong\u003e(1):768.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeponis M, Antoniadou M, Pappa E, Rahiotis C, Varzakas T: \u003cstrong\u003eVitamin D and Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms Relationship to Risk Level of Dental Caries\u003c/strong\u003e. 2023, \u003cstrong\u003e13\u003c/strong\u003e(10):6014.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKim IJ, Lee HS, Ju HJ, Na JY, Oh HW: \u003cstrong\u003eA cross-sectional study on the association between vitamin D levels and caries in the permanent dentition of Korean children\u003c/strong\u003e. \u003cem\u003eBMC oral health \u003c/em\u003e2018, \u003cstrong\u003e18\u003c/strong\u003e(1):43.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChan AKY, Tamrakar M, Jiang CM, Lo ECM, Leung KCM, Chu CH: \u003cstrong\u003eA Systematic Review on Caries Status of Older Adults\u003c/strong\u003e. 2021, \u003cstrong\u003e18\u003c/strong\u003e(20):10662.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSalunke S, Shah V, Ostbye T, Gandhi A, Phalgune D, Ogundare MO, Sable V: \u003cstrong\u003ePrevalence of dental caries, oral health awareness and treatment-seeking behavior of elderly population in rural Maharashtra\u003c/strong\u003e. \u003cem\u003eIndian journal of dental research : official publication of Indian Society for Dental Research \u003c/em\u003e2019, \u003cstrong\u003e30\u003c/strong\u003e(3):332-336.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSheiham A: \u003cstrong\u003eDental caries affects body weight, growth and quality of life in pre-school children\u003c/strong\u003e. \u003cem\u003eBritish dental journal \u003c/em\u003e2006, \u003cstrong\u003e201\u003c/strong\u003e(10):625-626.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEllakany P, Madi M, Fouda SM, Ibrahim M, AlHumaid J: \u003cstrong\u003eThe Effect of Parental Education and Socioeconomic Status on Dental Caries among Saudi Children\u003c/strong\u003e. 2021, \u003cstrong\u003e18\u003c/strong\u003e(22):11862.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLukacs JR, Largaespada LL: \u003cstrong\u003eExplaining sex differences in dental caries prevalence: saliva, hormones, and \u0026quot;life-history\u0026quot; etiologies\u003c/strong\u003e. \u003cem\u003eAmerican journal of human biology : the official journal of the Human Biology Council \u003c/em\u003e2006, \u003cstrong\u003e18\u003c/strong\u003e(4):540-555.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLukacs J: \u003cstrong\u003eFertility and Agriculture Accentuate Sex Differences in Dental Caries Rates\u003c/strong\u003e, vol. 49; 2008.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHillman RWJV, Hormones: \u003cstrong\u003eEffect of vitamin B6 on dental caries in man\u003c/strong\u003e. 1964, \u003cstrong\u003e22\u003c/strong\u003e:695-704.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElmadfa I, Meyer AL: \u003cstrong\u003eThe Role of the Status of Selected Micronutrients in Shaping the Immune Function\u003c/strong\u003e. \u003cem\u003eEndocrine, metabolic \u0026amp; immune disorders drug targets \u003c/em\u003e2019, \u003cstrong\u003e19\u003c/strong\u003e(8):1100-1115.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCalder\u0026oacute;n‐Ospina CA, Nava‐Mesa MOJCn, therapeutics: \u003cstrong\u003eB Vitamins in the nervous system: Current knowledge of the biochemical modes of action and synergies of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin\u003c/strong\u003e. 2020, \u003cstrong\u003e26\u003c/strong\u003e(1):5-13.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"caries, oral health, vitamin, retrospective study","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4291884/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4291884/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eObjectives\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eVitamin consumption and caries are related, although not much research has looked at the two together. This study examined the connection between the total number of decayed teeth (Decay, D) and vitamin intake using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eNHANES (2011\u0026ndash;2018) provided the data for this retrospective analysis. Dental examiners, who were licensed dentists in at least one U.S. state, defined the number of caries-ridden teeth using the \u003cem\u003eRadike AW Criteria for Diagnosis of Caries\u003c/em\u003e (1968), whereas the vitamin consumption data came from in-person interviews. To investigate the link between the total number of decayed teeth (D) and vitamin, multiple linear regression analysis was done. The quantitative data was described by mean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard deviation, whereas the categorical data was described by number of instances and proportion [n (%)].\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eResults: This retrospective study comprised 3226 people in total. Approximately 579955.26 mg (579955.26/3226/30\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5.99 mg/day/person) of vitamin C was the most consumed throughout the course of 30 days, making up 88.72% of the total amount of vitamin nutrients consumed. The total number of decayed teeth (D) was influenced by age (years) (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0125, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0281), PIR (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.3348, P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001), BMI (β = -0.0299, P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0391), gender (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.5127, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0063), race (β = -0. 8265, P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001), education (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.9201, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0013), vitamin B6 (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0112, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0076), vitamin C (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0005, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0370), and vitamin D (β = -0.0080, P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.0001), with BMI, race, and vitamin D exhibiting a negative correlation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusions\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere is a correlation between vitamin intake and carie. Caries is more common when there is an excess of vitamin C, insufficient vitamin D, and excessive vitamin B6. Naturally, additional prospective clinical trials are required to confirm our findings and investigate potential causes.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"The Correlation between Caries and Vitamin: A Retrospective Investigation","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-05-02 14:49:04","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4291884/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"2e2a30f4-bb21-4bbb-8bda-3d9f7e89dd43","owner":[],"postedDate":"May 2nd, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-06-21T17:33:08+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-05-02 14:49:04","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4291884","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4291884","identity":"rs-4291884","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}