High Percentage Of Vitamin Research Articles

Metal Content, Fatty Acid and Vitamins in Commercially Available Canned Fish on the Bulgarian Market: Benefit-Risk Ratio Intake.

Today, the distribution and consumption of canned products have become widespread due to the convenience of using processed fish products. This study aims to evaluate elements of toxicological concern and essential elements (Cd, Al, Cu, Cr, Mn, Fe, Pb, Ni, and Zn), the fatty acid composition, and the fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant pigment contents of various canned fish products purchased on the Bulgarian market. The estimated weekly intake and human health benefit-risk ratio based on metal elements and n-3 LC-PUFA contents in canned fish products were assessed. The contents of the analyzed elements in the canned samples were found to be below the limits set by various health organizations. Al was detected in only one sample. The profile of fatty acids showed that the canned fish had high PUFA/SFA ratios, EPA + DHA contents and low SFA, AI and TI values. The analyzed canned fish contained significant contents of fat-soluble vitamins. The Atlantic bonito in a jar sample was characterized by a high percentage of vitamin A (26.7% RDI) and vitamin D3 (142% RDI) per 100 g portion. The calculated EWI value shows that the consumption of canned fish products did not present any risk. The benefit-risk ratio indicates that the canned fish species are safe for human consumption, except for one sample regarding Cr.

Multiple sclerosis incidence rate in southern Iran: a Bayesian epidemiological study

BackgroundMultiple Sclerosis (MS) remains to be a public health challenge, due to its unknown biological mechanisms and clinical impacts on young people. The prevalence of this disease in Iran is reported to be 5.30 to 74.28 per 100,000-person. Because of high prevalence of this disease in Fars province, the purpose of this study was to assess the spatial pattern of MS incidence rate by modeling both the associations s of spatial dependence between neighboring regions and risk factors in a Bayesian Poisson model, which can lead to the improvement of health resource allocation decisions.MethodData from 5468 patients diagnosed with MS were collected, according to the McDonald’s criteria. New cases of MS were reported by the MS Society of Fars province from 1991 until 2016. The association between the percentage of people with low vitamin D intake, smoking, abnormal BMI and alcohol consumption in addition to spatial structure in a Bayesian spatio-temporal hierarchical model were used to determine the relative risk and trend of MS incidence rate in 29 counties of Fars province.ResultsCounty-level crude incidence rates ranged from 0.22 to 11.31 cases per 100,000-person population. The highest relative risk was estimated at 1.80 in the county of Shiraz, the capital of Fars province, while the lowest relative risk was estimated at 0.11 in Zarindasht county in southern of Fars. The percentages of vitamin D supplementation intake and smoking were significantly associated with the incidence rate of MS. The results showed that 1% increase in vitamin D supplementation intake is associated with 2% decrease in the risk of MS and 1% increase in smoking is associated with 16% increase in the risk of MS.ConclusionBayesian spatio-temporal analysis of MS incidence rate revealed that the trend in the south and south east of Fars province is less steep than the mean trend of this disease. The lower incidence rate was associated with a higher percentage of vitamin D supplementation intake and a lower percentage of smoking. Previous studies have also shown that smoking and low vitamin D, among all covariates or risk factors, might be associated with high incidence of MS.

Vitamin D in skin psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: where does it stand?

Background Psoriasis can affect skin, as well as articular and extra-articular tissues. It has a multifactorial pathogenesis in which vitamin D has been implicated.Objective To assess vitamin D status in patients with skin psoriasis (PsO) and/or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and its correlation with disease activity and quality of life (QOL) in a cohort of Egyptian patients.Patients and methods This cross-sectional study included 45 patients, divided into group A (21 patients) with PsO and group B (24 patients) with PsA, as well as 38 healthy controls as group C. Disease activity and QOL were assessed in all patients. The serum total 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) level was measured for all participants.Results The median psoriasis area severity index was 8.4 (0.8–45.8) in group A and 10.9 (0.9–44.4) in group B. The median dermatology life quality index in group A was 7 (2–18) and in group B was 12 (3–30). In group B, the mean disease activity in PsA was 40.2±21.2 and PsAQOL was 14.5±4.18. Serum 25(OH)D levels were not statistically different among the three studies groups (H=4.213 at P=0.122). However, the receiver operating characteristic curve cutoff value (26.8 ng/ml) showed that group C had a statistically higher number of participants with normal vitamin D status compared with groups A and B.Conclusion Although a higher percentage of vitamin D deficiency may be found among patients with PsO and PsA, 25(OH)D levels did not correlate with different parameters in both patient groups.

Vitamin D status of children with moderate to severe chronic Kidney Disease at a Tertiary Pediatric Center in Cape Town.

The prevalence of suboptimal Vitamin D levels is higher in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) than in the general population. Recent findings suggest that progression of CKD is linked to a suboptimal Vitamin D level. A high percentage of CKD patients have severe Vitamin D deficiency. These patients also have a low level of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] and consequently, a reduced ability to form active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Various factors underlie the low level of 25(OH)D, including a sedentary lifestyle, decreased intake of Vitamin D due to CKD-related dietary restrictions, and decreased synthesis of Vitamin D in skin due to uremia. All these factors may be particularly influential in patients with progressively worsening CKD, including those receiving chronic dialysis. The objective of our study is to determine the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in children with CKD stages three to five and those receiving chronic dialysis, to ascertain whether there is a relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and the stage of CKD, and to identify any clinical correlates associated with the Vitamin D status. A single-center, retrospective review was conducted of 46 children (younger than 18 years) with CKD stages 3-5D who attended the renal clinic of the Red Cross Children's Hospital between October 2013 and November 2014. In total, 73.9% of the study population had suboptimal Vitamin D levels (43.5% and 30.4% had Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency, respectively). The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in older children (≥10 years of age) than in younger children (P = 0.000) but did not significantly differ between males and females (P = 0.693). In total, 12 of 15 black children (80%), 19 of 26 colored children (73.1%), two of four white children (50%), and one Asian child (100%) had suboptimal Vitamin D levels. Neither white nor Asian child had Vitamin D deficiency. In addition, 90% of patients undergoing chronic dialysis, 80% of whom were receiving peritoneal dialysis, had suboptimal Vitamin D levels. Age, weight, height, and the albumin concentration were significantly associated with the Vitamin D level. There was a positive linear relationship between the Vitamin D level and the serum albumin concentration (Spearman's rho correlation coefficient = 0.397, P = 0.007). In total, 87.5% of patients with nephrotic-range proteinuria had suboptimal Vitamin D levels, and 80% were Vitamin D deficient (P = 0.004). A higher percentage of Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency cases was documented during the winter (24/34, 70.6%) than during the summer (10/34, 29.4%); however, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.685). Sub-optimal Vitamin D is high among children with moderate to severe CKD and significantly higher in those undergoing chronic dialysis. The emerging evidence of the role of Vitamin D in slowing progression of CKD highlights the need for monitoring and correction of Vitamin D levels in predialysis children.

Vitamin D deficiency in healthy people and its relationship with gender and age

Introduction: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid prohormone. Vitamin D is an important regulator of calcium absorption and bone growth. Objectives: There is considerable controversy and conflicting studies on relationship between serum vitamin D in healthy individuals and ageing. The aim of this study is to test the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin vitamin D with age groups and gender in a group of Iranian healthy individuals. Patients and Methods: In this current cross-sectional study, 102 healthy individuals were selected. Serum vitamin D levels were measured using ELISA kit. According to the history and laboratory tests, patients with the history of diabetes, any active or chronic infections, liver disease, diabetes or malignancy were excluded from the study. Any history of administration of vitamin D was also an exclusion criterion. All participants had normal renal function detected by normal serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). To determine the relationship between gender (two categories) and age group (three categories) with vitamin D levels, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used respectively. Results: The average age of the participants was 42.97±15.54 years. The mean vitamin D level was 17.32±12.16 ng/mL. In this study, 73% of individuals had vitamin D deficiency, 18 % had marginal deficiency and 9% had a normal vitamin D levels. This study showed a significant relationship between vitamin D and age of subjects(r=0.23, P=0.02). Conclusion: High percentage of vitamin D deficiency in the participants of our study requires more attention to this public health entity. A direct relationship between serum vitamin D level and the age of healthy individuals requires further investigation.

Vitamin C Status Correlates with Markers of Metabolic and Cognitive Health in 50-Year-Olds: Findings of the CHALICE Cohort Study.

A cohort of 50-year-olds from Canterbury, New Zealand (N = 404), representative of midlife adults, undertook comprehensive health and dietary assessments. Fasting plasma vitamin C concentrations (N = 369) and dietary vitamin C intake (N = 250) were determined. The mean plasma vitamin C concentration was 44.2 µmol/L (95% CI 42.4, 46.0); 62% of the cohort had inadequate plasma vitamin C concentrations (i.e., <50 µmol/L), 13% of the cohort had hypovitaminosis C (i.e., <23 µmol/L), and 2.4% had plasma vitamin C concentrations indicating deficiency (i.e., <11 µmol/L). Men had a lower mean plasma vitamin C concentration than women, and a higher percentage of vitamin C inadequacy and deficiency. A higher prevalence of hypovitaminosis C and deficiency was observed in those of lower socio-economic status and in current smokers. Adults with higher vitamin C levels exhibited lower weight, BMI and waist circumference, and better measures of metabolic health, including HbA1c, insulin and triglycerides, all risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Lower levels of mild cognitive impairment were observed in those with the highest plasma vitamin C concentrations. Plasma vitamin C showed a stronger correlation with markers of metabolic health and cognitive impairment than dietary vitamin C.

Elevated systolic blood pressure of children in the United States is associated with low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations related to body mass index: National Health and Examination Survey 2007-2010

A negative association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamn D (25[OH]D) concentrations and blood pressure has been found in adults; whether a similar relationship exists in children remains unclear. We hypothesized that serum 25(OH)D concentrations of children would negatively correlate with blood pressure. Using a nationally representative sample of children aged 8 to 18years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2010 (n=2908), we compared serum 25(OH)D levels with diastolic and systolic blood pressure by vitamin D nutritional status categories. A high percentage of children were either vitamin D deficient (28.8%) or vitamin D insufficient (48.8%). Prehypertension was defined as blood pressure as ≥90th to <95th percentile and hypertension as ≥95th percentile by age, height, and sex national blood pressure percentile norms for children. Vitamin D–deficient children aged 8 to 13years had higher systolic blood pressure (104.8±0.7mm Hg) than did vitamin D–sufficient children (102.3±0.6mmHg; P<.05). Controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income, systolic blood pressure was inversely associated with serum 25(OH)D concentrations (P<.03), but not when also controlling for body mass index (P=.63). A higher percentage of vitamin D–deficient and vitamin D–insufficient children (1.7%) vs vitamin D–sufficient children (0.6%) had prehypertension or hypertension. In conclusion, the association of low serum 25(OH)D concentrations with elevated systolic blood pressure in children is likely related to body weight and markers of adiposity.

Seasonality of Vitamin D Insufficiency in Children of Moscow

The article presents the analysis of vitamin D levels in children of various age groups residing in Moscow and assesses the seasonality of vitamin D variations in this population group. In this work, the results of 25 (ОН) D level measurement in 1041 children in the age from 1 month to 18 years collected in the period since 2012 to 2015 have been analyzed. In accordance with the analysis, in spite of the age, the high percentage of vitamin D insufficiency was detected among children in Moscow. The generally accepted optimum level of vitamin D metabolite – calcidiol in blood (>30 ng/ml) was observed only in the small part of the study participants (26%), while the larger part (74%) had the insufficient level of vitamin D of various intensity: 28% - insufficiency (20-29 ng/ml), 33% - deficiency (<20 ng/ml), 13% - severe deficiency (<10 ng/ml). With the age, the insufficiency level was more pronounced. The seasonality analysis showed the significant difference of vitamin D level between summer and winter seasons (p=0.01). The greatest decrease of vitamin D levels was observed in winter (median level of 25(ОН)D 17.0 (11.0; 25.0) ng/ml). In summer months, the relative calcidiol gain was fixed (median – 22.9 (18.0; 33.0) ng/ml) which, however, did not achieve the normal level. Children and, in particular, adolescents residing in Moscow need year-round hypovitaminosis D prophylaxis with cholecalciferol products.

English

A review including the processing techniques, properties and uses of cashew apple juice is reported. Cashew apple has multi-purpose; it can be processed to obtain human food. The process of cashew apple into several by-products can affect its nutritional, microbiological, and sensorial quality attributes. Therefore, clarification methods, thermal treatment and high hydrostatic pressure modify nutritional, microbiological, and sensorial attributes of cashew apple products. Moreover, the storage stability of cashew apple juice depends on the preservative methods used. Cashew apple is usually used in the fortification of the nutritional quality of some tropical foods,because of its high percentage of vitamin C. Cashew apple juice has great potential for bioprocess to obtain fermented products. Cashew apple contains phenolic compounds generally related to antioxidant. The valorization of cashew apples in developing countries by the improvement of the process of cashew apples available in these countries can contribute to cover the nutritional needs of the populations. Key words: Cashew apple, physico-chemical, processing, juice quality, storage.

Elevated systolic blood pressure is associated with low serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations of children in the United States: NHANES 2005–2006

Although a negative association between 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and blood pressure has been found in adults, a limited number of studies have examined the relationship in children. Therefore, the purposed of this study was to determine if serum 25(OH)D concentrations of children were correlated with blood pressured (BP) and the risk of prehypertension and hypertension. Using a nationally representative sample of children age 8–18 year from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006 (n=2277), serum 25(OH) concentrations were compared to diastolic, systolic, and mean arterial BP. Prehypertension was defined as BP ≥ 90th to &lt; 95th percentile and hypertension as ≥ 95th percentile by age, height and gender national BP percentiles norms for children. All statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) (version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC, 2010–12). The overall statistical significance was set at level of less than .05 (α &lt;.05). Based on serum 25(OH)D levels, 7.0 ± 1.2% of the children were vitamin D deficient (&lt;12 ng/mL) and 71.7 ± 2.4% were vitamin D sufficient (&gt;20 ng/mL). Vitamin D deficient children had higher systolic blood pressure (111.4 ± 0.8 mmHg) than vitamin D sufficient children (106.8 ± 0.6 mmHg) (P&lt; 0.05). Analysis of covariance (n=2277; 8–18 yr) controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, and income indicated that serum 25(OH)D concentrations were negatively associated with systolic BP (standardize β = −0.061; P = 0.02), but not associated with diastolic or mean arterial BP. Overall, a relatively small percentage of the children age 8 – 18 yr had prehypertension (10.8 ± 1.0%) or hypertension (8.4 ±1.1%). However, a higher percentage of vitamin D deficient children had prehypertension (12.6%) or hypertension (16.4%) compared to the percentage of vitamin D sufficient children with prehypertension (9.1%) or hypertension (7.4%). In conclusion, low serum 25(OH)D concentrations in children were associated with elevated systolic BP and an increased risk of prehypertension and hypertension.Support or Funding InformationTexas Woman's University Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences

Vitamin D deficiency in Swiss elite wheelchair athletes.

This is a retrospective analysis of total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) in Swiss elite wheelchair athletes. The aim was to investigate the occurrence of vitamin D deficiency in Swiss elite wheelchair athletes over the whole year and to detect differences between winter and summer months, and between indoor and outdoor athletes. This study was conducted in Switzerland. A total of 164 blood samples from 72 Swiss elite wheelchair athletes (mean±s.d.: age 32±13 years) were analyzed for total serum 25[OH]D. All participants were members of the national team in their discipline. The following disciplines have been included: rugby, athletics, cycling, tennis, ski alpine, curling and basketball. According to general guidelines, insufficient vitamin D status was defined between 50 and 75 nmol l-1, deficiency below 50 nmol l-1 and severe deficiency below 27.5 nmol l-1. In all, 73.2% of all samples showed an insufficiency/deficiency in vitamin D status. Total serum 25[OH]D was significantly higher during summer compared with winter months (69.5±21.4 nmol l-1 vs 51.5±21.9 nmol l-1; P<0.001). Indoor sports showed a higher amount of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency (80.9%) than outdoor sports (70.1%), with a significantly higher 25[OH]D concentration in outdoor sports (P=0.042). A high percentage of vitamin D deficiency was found among Swiss elite wheelchair athletes. Conclusively, we recommend supplementation with vitamin D-especially during winter-to prevent a deficiency and an impairment of performance.

Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated with Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity

Previous studies on experimental mouse models have suggested a role of vitamin D in immune system regulation and IBD disease severity. In this study, we examine the relationship between vitamin D levels and clinical disease activity in human subjects with ulcerative colitis (UC). We hypothesized that patients with vitamin D deficiency will display increased UC disease activity as compared to patients with normal vitamin D levels. A cross-sectional study was performed by querying the outpatient electronic medical record of our health system for patients seen in the gastroenterology clinic from January 2007 to October 2009 who carried both a diagnosis of UC and a documented 25-OH vitamin D level within 30 days of their clinic visit. Demographic and clinical variables were collected. Clinical disease activity was calculated using the six-point partial Mayo index. Active disease was defined as a six-point index score of ≥ 1. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a 25-OH D level below 30 ng/ml. Data were analyzed using the chi-square distribution test. Thirty-four patients met inclusion criteria (53 % female, mean age 45.7 ± 24.7 years). Fifteen patients had normal vitamin D levels and 19 patients were vitamin D deficient. Twelve patients had vitamin D levels <20 ng/ml. Vitamin D deficient patients were statistically more likely to have increased disease activity than patients with normal vitamin D levels (p = 0.04), with 68 % of deficient patients displaying active disease compared with 33 % in the sufficient group. There was also a statistically significant association between vitamin D status and need for treatment with steroids, with a higher percentage of vitamin D deficient patients (47 %) requiring such treatment compared with 7 % in the sufficient group (p = 0.02). There was no association between season of visit and disease activity. Vitamin D deficiency is common among patients with active UC, particularly those requiring corticosteroids. Further investigation is needed to determine the clinical utility of vitamin D monitoring in patients with UC and whether there is a role for vitamin D as a treatment for UC.

PP265-MON THIAMINE DEFICIENCY: A PREVENTABLE TRAGEDY

Rationale: Patients with morbid obesity may have vitamin D deficiency and bariatric surgery may exacerbate it due to various factors such as lack of dietary compliance, reduced intake, malabsorption, etc. Objective: To study the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with morbid obesity before and after bariatric surgery and its relationship with other laboratory parameters. Methods: A retrospective study of 72 morbidly obese patients before and 1 year after surgery (bypass or sleeve). We collected data about: age, sex, previous comorbidities, physical examination, impedance testing and laboratory parameters (25Hydroxyvit D, iPTH, Ca, HbA1c, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, uric acid and leptin). Results: The mean age of patients was 45.84±10.39 years, 78.4% women. Pre-and postoperatively BMI: 51.51±8.11 and 33.36±5.21 (P 0.00). One year after surgery there were significant decreases in HbA1c, TC, LDL, triglycerides, uric acid, leptin and HDL increase. Mean serum 25-OH vit D pre and post were: 16.96±7.87 vs 22.53±12.44 (P 0.013) and iPTH: 16.9±43.97 vs. 41.79±1.89 (NS). The percentage of vitamin D deficiency (less than 20 ng/ml) were pre and post: 71.8% vs. 44.9% (P 0.04) and hyperparathyroidism 19.4% vs 14.6% (NS). Vitamin D levels negatively correlated with preoperative age, body fat percentage and iPTH. Vitamin D levels negatively correlated with postoperative BMI, leptin, total cholesterol and HbA1c. Conclusions: Patients with morbid obesity have Vitamin D deficiency in 71.8% of cases preoperatively, which should lead us to measure 25OH vitamin D levels routinely in patients with morbid obesity. After the surgical procedure, despite supplementation with vitamin D, patients maintain a high percentage of vitamin D deficiency (44.9%) and elevated iPTH.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Potential Link to Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity

Purpose: Previous studies on experimental mouse models have suggested a role of Vitamin D in immune system regulation and IBD disease severity. In this study, we examine the relationship between Vitamin D levels and clinical disease activity in human subjects with ulcerative colitis (UC). We hypothesized that patients with Vitamin D deficiency will display increased UC disease activity as compared to patients with normal Vitamin D levels. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed by querying the outpatient electronic medical record of our health system for patients seen in the gastroenterology clinic from January 2007 to October 2009 who carried both a diagnosis of UC and a documented 25-OH Vitamin D level within 30 days of their clinic visit. Demographic and clinical variables were collected including patient age, gender, years with UC diagnosis, current medications (immunemodulators, steroids, biologics, antibiotics, 5-ASA and Vitamin D supplementation), NSAID exposure and smoking history. Clinical disease activity was calculated using the 6-point partial Mayo index based on symptoms recorded in the patient's gastroenterology clinic notes. Active disease was defined as a 6-point index score of ≥1. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a 25-OH D level below 30 ng/mL. Data were analyzed using the chi-square distribution test. Results: 34 patients met inclusion criteria (53% female, mean age 45.7 ± 24.7 years). 15 patients had normal Vitamin D levels and 19 patients were Vitamin D deficient. 12 patients had vitamin D levels <20 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficient patients were statistically more likely to have increased disease activity than patients with normal Vitamin D levels (p=0.04), with 68% of deficient patients displaying active disease compared with 33% in the sufficient group. There was also a statistically significant association between Vitamin D status and need for treatment with steroids, with a higher percentage of Vitamin D deficient patients (47%) requiring such treatment compared with 7% in the sufficient group (p=0.02). There was no association between season of visit and disease activity. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is common among patients with active UC, particularly those requiring corticosteroids. Further investigation is needed to determine the clinical utility of Vitamin D monitoring in patients with UC and whether there is a role for Vitamin D as a treatment for UC.

Relative contributions of different food groups to vitamin D intake in Asian and Caucasian UK women: results from the Vitamin D, Food Intake, Nutrition and Exposure to Sunlight in Southern England (D-FINES) Study

There has been a lack of research into the contribution of different food groups to vitamin D intake in varying age and ethnic groups in theUK. The 2006Ð7 D-FINES Study was undertaken in 373 Surrey premenopausal (PRM) and post-menopausal (POM) Caucasian (C) andAsian (A) women. They were assessed in four seasons of the year for vitamin D (25OHD) status, vitamin D dietary intake and UVBexposure. Relative contributions from different food groups for vitamin D intake were calculated for A and C women in each of the fourseasons.As can be seen in the Table, the top three sources of vitamin D in Asians were meat, cereals and eggs. In Caucasians the top sourceswere meat, Þsh and cereals. Analysis by ANOVA indicated that A women obtained a signiÞcantly higher percentage of vitamin D fromeggs and egg products, meat products and from vegetable foods than the C women. However, C women had a signiÞcantly higher absolutevitamin D intake ( P < 0.001). When the women were divided into four groups by ethnicity and menopausal status, signiÞcant differenceswere found in vitamin D intake from cereals, egg products, vegetables and snacks between the groups but no differences were found formilk, Þsh, meat and fats. These differences were found to be to be signiÞcant ( post hoc tests) only between the PRM A and POM Cgroups. For absolute intakes, there was a signiÞcant difference between the four groups ( P < 0.001). POM C had the highest intake ( posthoc tests), followed in order by PRM C, PRM A and POM A, although signiÞcant differences were only found between intakes of POM Aand POM C ( P < 0.001), and between POM A and PRM C ( P = 0.026).

Vitamin D deficiency and causative factors in the population of Tehran.

BackgroundThere are multiple studies in different countries regarding the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. These studies showed high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Asian countries. This study tries to elucidate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its influencing factors in population of Tehran.Methods1210 subjects 20–64 years old were randomly selected. 25 (OH) D serum levels were measured. Duration of exposure to sunlight, the type of clothing and level of calcium intake and BMI were quantified based on a questionnaire.ResultsA high percentage of vitamin D deficiency was defined in the study population. Prevalence of severe, moderate and mild Vitamin D deficiency was 9.5%, 57.6% and 14.2% respectively. Vitamin D serum levels had no significant statistical relation with the duration of exposure to sunlight, kind of clothing and BMI. Calcium intake in the normal vitamin D group was significantly higher than the other groups (714.67 ± 330.8 mg/day vs 503.39 ± 303.1, 577.93 ± 304.9,595.84 ± 313.6). Vitamin D serum levels in young and middle aged females were significantly lower than the older group.ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency has a high prevalence in Tehran. In order to avoid complications of vitamin D deficiency, supplemental dietary intake seems essential.