Valeurs de référence de la vitamine D chez la Femme du Sud Tunisien

Abstract

IntroductionTotal 25 Hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) is currently considered as the most representative metabolite of vitamine D status. Low levels of Vitamin D have been reported in many countries even in sunnier regions especially in Tunisia. We aimed to establish a Vitamin D reference range in healthy South Tunisian women, using electrochimiluminesence assay. MethodsCross-sectional study has been conducted in the south of Tunisia including Tunisian healthy women. Each participant underwent a questionnaire, clinical examination, food survey and biological exploration. 25OHD reference range was determined according to the recommendations of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Results279 women accepted to participate in the study, 21 were excluded for hypocalcemia with/without hyperparathyroidism. 258 women were included with a mean age of 41,29±17,06 years. 72% of participants were dark-skinned vs. 28% with a light phototype. No participants reached the recommended daily intakes of vitamin D and calcium. The average of 25OHD was 7,88±6,08ng/mL (IC 95%: 7,06 et 8,7). 25OHD levels were lower in dark skinned (P=0,06) and veiled women compared to others subgroups (P=0,03). ConclusionThere are a multitude of challenges that still deserve to be addressed. Despite recent technologies advances, 25OHD assessment and standardization remains complicated and needs to be discussed with clinicians when establishing practical guidelines and diagnosis cutoffs.