Abstract
BackgroundVitamin D deficiency is one of the most common medical conditions worldwide. In Tunisia, several studies evaluated Vitamin D status, but this was concerning specific populations (pregnant women, obese or diabetic patients and children with asthma). The only study that evaluated Vitamin D status in a healthy Tunisian population was conducted by Meddeb and associeties in 2002. The update of data available, based on the currently recommended limits, is necessary. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in a healthy Tunisian population, and correlate the values with potential risk factors.MethodsIt was conducted on 209 Tunisian healthy subjects. Data collected included clinical characteristics and dietary intakes. We measured 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), glycemia, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations. Hypovitaminosis D was retained for 25(OH)D concentrations <75 nmol/L. Vitamin D deficiency was defined by 25(OH)D concentrations <25 nmol/L.ResultsThe prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and vitamin D deficiency were respectively 92.3% and 47.6%. The main factors that were significantly associated with low vitamin D levels in our multivariate analysis were veiling, living in rural areas and sunscreen use. However, sex, age, socioeconomic level, phototype, solar exposure score, smoking and bone mass index, were not statistically associated with hypovitaminosis D. The study of relationship between vitamin D status and serum PTH levels showed a significative and negative correlation (P < 0.005).ConclusionsGiven the high prevalence of vitamin D, an adapted health policy is essential. A widespread vitamin D supplementation and food fortification seems to be necessary in Tunisia.
Highlights
The importance of vitamin D in phosphocalcic metabolism has been clearly established
The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in women (P
Multivariate analysis showed that female was not independently related to the risk of vitamin D deficiency
Summary
The importance of vitamin D in phosphocalcic metabolism has been clearly established. It helps prevent the risk of rickets, fractures, osteopenia and osteoporosis [1]. Vitamin D status has been correlated with the severity of Corona Virus Disease 2019 [6, 7]. Vitamin D deficiency is considered to be one of the most common medical conditions worldwide [8]. Numerous studies around the world have shown a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency [1] in different degrees , going up to 100% in certain populations [9]
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