Vitamin D status and its correlates in Saudi male population

Karim H Farhat,Hussein S Amin,Nahla K Ibrahim,Mostafa A Arafa,Danny M Rabah

doi:10.1186/s12889-019-6527-5

Abstract

BackgroundVitamin-D deficiency is a universal health problem caused primarily by inadequate exposure to sunlight. This study aimed to assess the vitamin D status and investigate the factors affecting vitamin D distribution among Saudi males.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at the King Saud University Medical City from December 2015 to August 2016. Saudi males attending the outpatient primary health care clinics were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected on the current and past health status along with biochemical investigations for total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), blood sugar, and cholesterol.ResultsMajority of the participants (76.1%) had vitamin D deficiency. Blood sugar level, age, and cholesterol level were the most significant factors associated with vitamin D status. The highest percentage of deficiency was observed in the youngest age group (30-40 years). With increasing age, the percentage of deficiency decreased significantly. Those with normal blood sugar and cholesterol level had higher serum vitamin D levels compared to those with diabetes and hypercholesterolemia.ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency is still endemic in Saudi Arabia, particularly among younger males and those with diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Vitamin D screening, supplementations, and vitamin D-fortified foods should be provided especially for these groups.

Highlights

Vitamin-D deficiency is a universal health problem caused primarily by inadequate exposure to sunlight
1 billion people are suffering from vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency worldwide, and it is especially high among the elderly population [3], girls, and women from the Middle East [4]
The higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency reported in the current study highlights that though vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabia is still high, there is no evidence of any interventions to decrease these high figures

Summary

Introduction

Vitamin-D deficiency is a universal health problem caused primarily by inadequate exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is an important vitamin with powerful effects on several systems of the body [1]. Vitamin D functions as a hormone, and every cell in the body has a receptor for it. The main source of vitamin D is sunlight in addition to certain types of foods such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products [2]. 1 billion people are suffering from vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency worldwide, and it is especially high among the elderly population [3], girls, and women from the Middle East [4]. Risk factors that are commonly associated with vitamin D deficiency include darker skin color, staying

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