Abstract
BackgroundAlthough there is some evidence that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in the Middle East, however its health impact is still not clear. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, causes and health implications of vitamin D deficiency in local United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizens.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on community free living adults living in the city of Al Ain, UAE. Following informed written consent eligible subject’s blood and urine samples were taken for measurements of vitamin D [25(OH)D], metabolic and bone turnover markers. Clinical assessment that includes general and self-rated health, muscle health, and physical activity were also performed.ResultsA total of 648 subjects (491 female) were included in this analysis. Their mean (SD) age was 38 (12) years. Mean 25(OH)D was 24 ng/ml (range: 4–67) with 286 (44%) subjects found to have vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/ml), 234 (36%) subjects have insufficiency (20-32 ng/ml) and 128 (20%) subjects have optimal concentrations (> 32 ng/ml). 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly higher in local indigenous UAE subjects compared to other Arab expatriates (p = 0.071). Although there were no statistically significant differences in clinical markers between groups, however, utra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), body mass index (BMI) and the bone markers U-PYD and PYD/CR were higher in vitamin D deficient older subjects aged ≥50 years and female subjects younger than 50 years respectively compared to those with insufficiency or optimal concentrations (p value < 0.05. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed significant and independent association between 25(OH)D status and age and sex (p < 0.05).ConclusionOlder subjects with vitamin D deficiency have increased BMI, inflammation and PTH compared with those with insufficiency or optimal concentrations. Co-existence of obesity and vitamin D deficiency may have increased adverse health effects.
Highlights
There is some evidence that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in the Middle East, its health impact is still not clear
We found statistically significant differences in 25(OH)D concentrations between ethnic Arab expatriates and local indigenous United Arab Emirates (UAE) subjects (p = 0.071)
We found no statistically significant association in biochemical bone turnover markers except for U-Urine Pyridinoloine (PYD) and PYD/CR which are higher in young female subjects with vitamin D deficiency compared with those with insufficiency or optimal concentrations
Summary
There is some evidence that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in the Middle East, its health impact is still not clear. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, causes and health implications of vitamin D deficiency in local United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizens. Humans get vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, from diet, and from dietary supplements. Several studies have revealed that vitamin D deficiency is common in the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent and appears largely to be due to inadequate sun exposure [6,7,8]. Most of these studies so far were of small size. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, determinants and whether there is measurable increase in markers of bone turnover and adverse health outcomes in 25(OH)D deficient UAE subjects
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.