Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Healthy, Reproductive Age Women Living in Mongolia

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study assessed the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) <20 ng/ml) and insufficiency (serum 25OHD 20–30 ng/ml) in healthy women of reproductive age in Mongolia.DesignCross‐sectional studyMethodsBlood was drawn between March and April 2009 from 420 healthy Mongolian women, aged 18–44 years. Serum 25OHD levels were measured, anthropometric measurements were performed and information was collected by interview on lifestyle and reproductive factors.ResultsIn spring, the mean (SD) serum 25(OH)D concentration was 7.5 (4.0) ng/ml. About 98% of women had serum 25OHD <20 ngl/ml and only 1.2% were in the sufficient category. Education level was inversely associated with circulating serum 25OHD, while reproductive factors, diet, body mass index (BMI) and activity levels were not associated with serum 25OHD levels. Only 5.7% of the women reported consuming vitamin D supplements.ConclusionsIn Mongolia, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the spring in healthy, reproductive age women is very high (98%). Given their limited use of vitamin D supplements, women of childbearing age in Mongolia are at substantial risk of inadequate vitamin D status during the winter and early spring and food fortification and/or supplementation with vitamin D should be seriously considered.