ANALYSIS OF SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS OF VITAMIN D LEVELS IN RESIDENTS OF SOUTHERN REGIONS OF UKRAINE DEPENDING ON GENDER AND AGE

Abstract

According to the WHO, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has reached the level of a global pandemic. Despite the fact that deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin D are noted in various population groups all over the world, there are quite limited data on the status of 25(OH)D blood serum among residents of the Southern regions of Ukraine, who live in conditions of sufficient insolation. The purpose of the study was to analyze the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in residents of Southern Ukraine, depending on the season. In the course of the study, 928 residents of the Southern region of Ukraine aged from 19 to 82 were examined. The study took place during a calendar year, which made it possible to evaluate the fluctuations of the 25(OH)D level in different months with different duration of insolation. The prevalence of deficiency, insufficiency and sufficient level of vitamin D in the study group was 33.6%, 33% and 33.4%, respectively. Fluctuations in 25(OH)D levels depending on the season of the year are described. The results obtained in the course of the study contradict a previous study conducted in Ukraine, which recorded a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency states, but confirms the majority of regional European studies that reflect the status of 25(OH)D in blood serum. Key words: vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D insufficiency, prevention, risk factors, population of Ukraine.