Prevalence Of Vitamin Research Articles

Role of vitamin D in the academic performance of health sciences students in Saudi Arabia

PurposeMany researchers have reported that vitamin D can affect brain development as well as brain function. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the Saudi population is 81% and it is more among women than among men. Though many studies have been done to find out the factors influencing the academic performance of Health sciences students, there is not adequate evidence regarding the influence of vitamin D level on academic performance. Therefore, this study aims to find out the association if any, between the vitamin D level and academic performance of health sciences students.Design/methodology/approachAfter obtaining the ethical committee approval, the data was collected from 86 female medical students, 70 female applied medical sciences students and 57 nursing students of Northern Border University. The detailed questionnaire contained the aim of the study, demographic characteristics and academic performance predictors such as self-efficacy, academic motivation, academic engagement and social engagement. The vitamin D levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) machine (BioTek) which is available in the local hospital. The multiple linear regression analysis was used to find out the association between vitamin D levels and academic performance.FindingsThis study showed that vitamin D level had a significant association with the overall performance of the students as well as their self-efficacy.Research limitations/implicationsSince there is a lot of stress among health sciences students due to subject overload and inadequacy of time, the health aspects are often overlooked. This study emphasizes the importance of early screening of vitamin D levels and early intervention in those with low vitamin D levels for better academic performance.Social implicationsThere is very little awareness of the impact of vitamin D deficiency on academic motivation, academic engagement, social engagement and self-efficacy among medical and health sciences students. This study can increase awareness.Originality/valueThere are very few studies done to find out the association between Vitamin D level and academic performance. This study is unique as it has highlighted the association between vitamin D level and grade point average (GPA) and also the association between vitamin D level and academic predictors such as self-efficacy, academic motivation, academic engagement and social engagement.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Depression in Thai Medical Students During COVID-19 Pandemic: a Cross-Sectional Study.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with osteoporosis, cancer, and autoimmune disease; evidence on its association with depression remains controversial. During the COVID-19 pandemic, preventive measures lead to reduced outdoor time and sunlight exposure, which is the major source of vitamin D. This study aims to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Thai medical students during the pandemic and to determine its association with depression. Medical students of year 4 and year 5 rotating in the Srinakharinwirot University Hospital who had no diseases associated with vitamin D deficiency and had not taken vitamin D supplement in the past year were invited to participate. Their total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were assessed with ELISA. Their demographic data were recorded, including age, sex, family income, class year, grade point average, current and history of psychiatrist-diagnosed psychiatric illnesses, other underlying diseases, and perceived difficulties in academic, relationship, substance use, and social supports. Students' depressive symptoms were assessed using the Thai version of Patient Health Questionnaire-adolescent (PHQ-A). A total of 63 female and 36 male medical students participated. 47.5% were year 4 and 52.5% were year 5. The mean vitamin D level was 21.7 ng/mL. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic was 52.6% (using the cut-off of <20 ng/mL) or 69.5% (using the cut-off of <30 ng/mL). The mean vitamin D level in year 4 students was significantly lower than that in year 5 students (12.2 vs 30.2 ng/mL, t = -10.00, p < 0.01). Vitamin D level was associated with age (r = 0.38, p < 0.01) and sex (marginally) [t = -1.80, p = 0.07]. In linear regression analysis, vitamin D level remained associated with the year of class after adjusting for age and sex (B = 18.67, p < 0.01). The mean PHQ-A score was 5.8. 16 participants were identified to have depression. Vitamin D level was not correlated with PHQ-A score (r = 0.03, p = 0.80). In stepwise regression analysis, only total perceived difficulties score remained a predictor for PHQ-A score. In linear regression analysis, vitamin D level was not associated with PHQ-A score after adjusting for total perceived difficulties score (B = -0.02, p = 0.46). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in Thai medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic was high (52.6% or 69.5%), probably owing to a lack of sunlight exposure. Nonetheless, vitamin D level was not associated with depressive symptoms, probably owing to the small sample size or delayed onset of depressive symptoms.

Could the Majority of the Greek and Cypriot Population Be Vitamin D Deficient?

OBJECTIVE: Hypovitaminosis D is prevalent in epidemic proportions in many developed countries. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of adequate 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in two Mediterranean countries, Greece and Cyprus. METHODS: Data such as 25(OH)D, the month of blood sample collection, and demographic information were blindly collected from 8780 Greek and 2594 Cypriot individuals over 5 years. Comorbidities were also recorded for 839 Greek subjects. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine the relationship between these variables and 25(OH)D levels. RESULTS: In the samples studied, 72.7% of the Greek and 69.3% of the Cypriot population sample had inadequate levels of 25(OH)D. The mean level for the Greek subjects was 25.1 ng/mL and for Cypriots 25.8 ng/mL. For both samples, only month and gender were significantly associated with 25(OH)D levels, and the highest mean levels were recorded in September. For the recorded diseases, the lowest levels were recorded in sickle cell anaemia 13.6 ± 10.2 ng/mL, autoimmune diseases 13.0 ± 8.4 ng/mL, and cancer 22.6 ± 9.5 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is paradoxically high in both Mediterranean countries.

Prevalence of Vitamin-D Deficiency and its Associations with Skin Color In First Trimester Pregnant Women

Background: Background and Aim: Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy has negative clinical consequences, such as associations with glucose intolerance, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and intra-uterine growth retardation. The rate of vitamin D deficiency in first trimester pregnant women differed depending on their skin colour. Objective: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin-D deficiency and its association with skin color in first trimester pregnant women, at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 156 vitamin-D deficient first trimester pregnant women at Derma Clinic, Fatimiyah Hospital, Karachi from during the period from July 2021 to March 2022. Ethical approval was taken from the hospital’s ethical committee. All the twin pregnancy women &gt;18 years with parathyroid history, chronic malabsorption, HIV, liver disease, and suspected drug use were excluded. Vitamin-D deficiency was referred to as &lt;20 ng/mL against sufficient &gt;20 ng/mL. Written informed consent was taken from each individual. During routine examination of pregnancy, approximately 10 mL blood sample was collected and centrifuged. Serum was extracted and analyzed for vitamin-D deficiency. SPSS version 25 was utilized for data analysis. Results: The overall mean age in vitamin D sufficiency and deficiency was 30.45 and 28.91 years respectively. The incidence of vitamin D deficiency was 53.8% (n=84). Of the total, about 72 (46.2%) pregnant women were vitamin D sufficient. The mean serum concentration (25- hydroxyvitamin D) was 25.9 ng/mL (95% CI, 24.5-27.5) in vitamin-D sufficient group and 10.7 ng/mL (95% CI, 9.5-11.5) in vitamin-D deficient group women. Deficiency in Vitamin-D was significantly found in dark-skinned women compared to light-skinned women (OR 2.56; 95% CI 1.1-6.35) based on the most parsimonious model when adjusted for vitamin D supplement, age, smoking, BMI, and parity. Conclusion: The present study found that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women was 53.5%. The differences in prevalence and 25-OH vitamin D levels mainly rely on maternal skin color, highlighting the need for supplementation programs and consequent screening for pregnant women particularly, dark-skinned pregnant women. Keywords: Vitamin D deficiency, Skin Color, First Trimester, Pregnant women

Association between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D and cardiometabolic risk factors in adults in rural and urban settings

BackgroundAn inverse association between vitamin D status and cardiometabolic risk has been reported but this relationship may have been affected by residual confounding from adiposity and physical activity due to imprecise measures of these variables. We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and cardiometabolic risk factors, with adjustment for objectively-measured physical activity and adiposity.MethodsThis was a population-based cross-sectional study in 586 adults in Cameroon (63.5% women). We assessed markers of glucose homoeostasis (fasting blood glucose (BG), 2 h post glucose load BG, HOMA-IR)) and computed a metabolic syndrome score by summing the sex‐specific z‐scores of five risk components measuring central adiposity, blood pressure, glucose, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.ResultsMean±SD age was 38.3 ± 8.6 years, and serum 25(OH)D was 51.7 ± 12.5 nmol/L. Mean 25(OH)D was higher in rural (53.4 ± 12.8 nmol/L) than urban residents (50.2 ± 12.1 nmol/L), p = 0.002. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (<50 nmol/L) was 45.7%. There was an inverse association between 25(OH)D and the metabolic syndrome score in unadjusted analyses (β = −0.30, 95% CI −0.55 to −0.05), which became non-significant after adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, alcohol intake and education level. Serum 25(OH)D was inversely associated with fasting BG (−0.21, −0.34 to −0.08)), which remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, education, smoking, alcohol intake, the season of data collection, BMI and physical activity (−0.17, −0.29 to −0.06). There was an inverse association of 25(OH)D with 2-h BG (−0.20, −0.34 to −0.05) and HOMA-IR (−0.12, −0.19 to −0.04) in unadjusted analysis, but these associations became non-significant after adjustment for potential confounders.ConclusionVitamin D insufficiency was common in this population. This study showed an inverse association between vitamin D status and fasting glucose that was independent of potential confounders, including objectively measured physical activity and adiposity, suggesting a possible mechanism through insulin secretion.

Assessment of the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and albuminuria in type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundDiabetic nephropathy occurs in about one-third of diabetic patients. This health problem is characterized by increased urinary albumin excretion, leading to decreased glomerular filtration rate and renal failure. In this regard, previous investigations have revealed the possibility of a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and diabetic nephropathy. The present study assessed the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsThis study was conducted with 200 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus from December 2019 to January 2021. The patients’ 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) serum level and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) were measured concurrently. Afterward, the subjects were divided into three groups based on their albuminuria level. Finally, 25OHD serum level and other clinical characteristics were compared among these albuminuria groups, and the relation between albuminuria level and 25OHD was analyzed.ResultsThe prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in macroalbuminuric patients (UACR≥300 mg/g) was 61.8%, and in microalbuminuric (30 ≤ UACR< 300 mg/g) and normoalbuminuric groups (UACR< 30 mg/g) was 33.3% and 24%, respectively. Further analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between 25OHD and albuminuria(r = − 0.257, p-value< 0.001). According to ROC curve analysis, a 25OHD level ≤ 21 ng/ml was considered an optimal cut-off point value for having macroalbuminuria in diabetic patients.ConclusionsThe current study evaluates the relation between vitamin D deficiency and the prevalence of albuminuria in the setting of diabetes. Overall, the prevalence of macroalbuminuria increased when the 25OHD serum level was less than 20 ng/ml.

Does the plasma vitamin D level affect the severity of infection in COVID-19 patients of different age groups?

Purpose: SARS-CoV-2 has caused an on-going global pandemic of COVID-19 disease. Vitamin-D has an immunomodulatory effect on the disease by suppressing the adaptive immune system which can lead to a cytokine storm, and boosting the innate immune system. This study evaluated the relationship between both the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients and the severity of their infections, and their serum Vitamin D levels. Material and Methods: Forty COVID-19 patients from the period April to July, 2020, and 46 healthy subjects from a similar period in 2019, were included. Serum Vitamin-D level, Clinical findings, comorbidities, chest computed tomography findings, hematological and serum biochemistry analyzes of the patients were evaluated. Results: COVID-19 patients had a significantly lower mean serum 25(OH) Vitamin-D level (12·86 ± 6·27 ng/mL) than healthy subjects (25·4 ± 12·7 ng/mL) (p<<0·001). The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in COVID-19 patients was high, not only in the elderly, but also in middle age and young patients. Ground-glass opacification and paving stone sign were the most frequent patterns observed in chest-computed tomography (CT) images. There was a significant negative relationship between Vitamin-D deficiency and C-reactive protein (CRP) level (p=0·0243). In addition, a high CRP level was associated with abnormal CT findings (p=0·001). Conclusion: The authors conclude that determining the Vitamin-D level in COVID-19 patients and administering it at the appropriate dosage can reduce the severity and progression of COVID-19 disease by contributing to the regulation of the cytokine storm and pulmonary inflammatory response.

Influence of Serum Levels of Vitamin D on Insulin Resistance in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Vitamin D plays an important role in bone and modulates mineral metabolism and immune function with probable link to several chronic and infectious conditions. In vivo studies have revealed that vitamin D deficiency reduces insulin secretion capacity of the islet beta cells in pancreas. Several studies have shown a correlation between vitamin D levels and insulin resistance, nonetheless, extensive studies showing the relationship between the two are lacking especially among southern Indian population. So the present study was aimed at evaluating the relationship between vitamin D and insulin resistance by using homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional study, 184 people among which 92 were diabetic and 92 were nondiabetic were recruited at RL Jalappa Hospital, Kolar in the Department of Medicine between May 2018 and April 2019. Fasting serum insulin (I0), fasting plasma glucose (G0), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), renal function test, liver function test (LFT), lipid profile, and vitamin D levels were estimated. IBM SPSS version 22 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in our study was (72) 78.2% among diabetic cases and (59) 64.1% among the nondiabetic controls, with the diabetic cases showing lower levels of vitamin D than the controls, however, it was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in homeostatic model assessment-beta-cell function (HOMA-B) and HOMA-IR between vitamin D deficient and nondeficient groups among cases and controls. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in both type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as well as nondiabetic. Furthermore, there is no association between vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance or beta-cell function.

Influence of Serum Levels of Vitamin D on Insulin Resistance in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus.

Vitamin D plays an important role in bone and modulates mineral metabolism and immune function with probable link to several chronic and infectious conditions. In vivo studies have revealed that vitamin D deficiency reduces insulin secretion capacity of the islet beta cells in pancreas. Several studies have shown a correlation between vitamin D levels and insulin resistance, nonetheless, extensive studies showing the relationship between the two are lacking especially among southern Indian population. So the present study was aimed at evaluating the relationship between vitamin D and insulin resistance by using homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In a cross-sectional study, 184 people among which 92 were diabetic and 92 were nondiabetic were recruited at RL Jalappa Hospital, Kolar in the Department of Medicine between May 2018 and April 2019. Fasting serum insulin (I0), fasting plasma glucose (G0), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), renal function test, liver function test (LFT), lipid profile, and vitamin D levels were estimated. IBM SPSS version 22 was used for statistical analysis. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in our study was (72) 78.2% among diabetic cases and (59) 64.1% among the nondiabetic controls, with the diabetic cases showing lower levels of vitamin D than the controls, however, it was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in homeostatic model assessment-beta-cell function (HOMA-B) and HOMA-IR between vitamin D deficient and nondeficient groups among cases and controls. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in both type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as well as nondiabetic. Furthermore, there is no association between vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance or beta-cell function.

Prevalence of Vitamin E deficiency and its correlation with symptoms, spirometry, and serum eosinophil in patients of asthma: A pilot study

BACKGROUND: Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic respiratory diseases. Immunomodulatory effects of Vitamin E have been recognized in human and animal models under disease and normal conditions. OBJECTIVE: To observe the serum level of Vitamin E of patients suffering from asthma and to study the relation of serum Vitamin E levels with serum eosinophil, pulmonary function test, and asthma control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine of GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Gotri, Vadodara, Gujarat, on adult patients of asthma. After obtaining a detailed history and performing thorough physical examination of the patient, blood sample was collected for measurement of serum vitamin E and serum eosinophils. Then, patients were subjected to spirometry. Serum Vitamin E levels were measured by the calorimetric method. RESULTS: The serum Vitamin E is lower in asthma patients. The level of serum Vitamin E was significantly lower in patients with severe asthma as compared to mild and moderate asthma as well as it was also significantly lower in patients with uncontrolled asthma as compared to controlled asthma. CONCLUSION: The serum Vitamin E is lower in asthma patients and its level correlated well with spirometry and asthma control test (ACT) scores. Hence, Vitamin E supplementation may be beneficial for patients with poor ACT scores and severe disease in spirometry along with other treatments.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Hypervitaminosis D Among Adult Patients Admitted to the Tertiary Care Hospitals in Turkey

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Hypervitaminosis D Among Adult Patients Admitted to the Tertiary Care Hospitals in Turkey

A STUDY OF SERUM VITAMIN D LEVEL IN THE ADULT POPULATION OF DISTRICT SHOPIAN

Background: Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that can be synthesized in epithelial cells of the skin but its deficiency can have deleterious effects on health. Vitamin D deficiency prevails in epidemic proportions all over the Indian subcontinent, with a prevalence of 70%–100% in the general population. Objective: To assess the serum Vitamin D level in the adult population of district Shopian. Method: We sampled 126 consenting participants aged 18 years and above who attended the hospital for common reasons randomly and their serum vitamin D levels determined after proper and detailed history. Results: Of the 126 consenting participants 27 were male which corresponded 21.43% and 99 were female which corresponded to (78.57%) of the sample size. We had 44 participants in the age group of 20-29 years, 33 in the age group of 30-39 years, 17 in the age group of 40-49 years and finally 32 participants 50 and above years. 43.65% were found to be deficient, 24.60% were found to be insufficient and only 31.75% were found to be sufficient. The lowest level was 5.0 ng/ml. Conclusion: This study finds that the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency is very high in the natives of district Shopian &amp; a survey with a very large sample size be conducted with emphasis on the supplementation of vitamin D on the recommended guidelines.

The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation After Resistance Training on Physiological Characteristics in Futsal Players with Vitamin D Deficiency

Background: Recent research indicates the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency worldwide and is conflicting evidence as to whether vitamin D supplementation actually improves physical performance. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on improving muscle strength, muscle volume and cardiorespiratory fitness through resistance training in male athletes with vitamin D deficiency. Methods: This study was conducted with pre-test and post-test series design and quasi-experimental method. The population included 36 male futsal players with vitamin D deficiency that were randomly divided into four groups of nine: exercise (EX), exercise-supplement (EXS), supplement (SUP) and control (CON). SUP and EXS groups received vitamin D3 (50,000 intramuscular injections) every two weeks for 8 weeks and performed three resistance training (RT) sessions per week at a rate of 75% 1RM. Before and after intervention, blood sampling were drawn and measurements performed for 1RM, muscle volume (cm2), and VO2max by standard Bruce test. Correlated t-test was used to compare pre-test and post-test results and to measure the differences between groups, one-way analysis of variance and LSD post hoc test were used using SPSS statistical software. Results: Muscle volume increased significantly (P-value = 0.001) only in EX and EXS groups. Cardio-respiratory fitness did not change significantly in any of the groups (P &gt; 0.05). There were no significant differences between EXS and SUP groups for any of the measured variables (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusions: It seems that simultaneous application of vitamin D supplementation and resistance training for 8 weeks does not have a significant effect on the improvement of the strength and endurance of futsal players.

Vitamin D level in relation to depression symptoms during adolescence

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and depression symptoms among adolescents in Kuwait, a country with a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency.MethodsA school based cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected 704 adolescents in middle schools. Data on depression symptoms were collected using the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI). Data on covariates were collected from the parents by self-administered questionnaire and from adolescents by face-to-face interview. Blood samples were analyzed in an accredited laboratory; and 25(OH)D was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsOf 704 adolescents, 94 (13.35%; 95%CI:10.35–17.06%) had depression symptom (a score of 19 or more on the CDI). There was no significant difference in the median CDI score between different vitamin D status (p = 0.366). There was also no significant correlation between serum 25(OH)D concentration and CDI score (Spearman’s rank correlation = 0.01; p = 0.825).There was no significant association between 25(OH)D and depression symptoms whether 25(OH)D was fitted as a continuous variable (crude odds ratio (OR) 0 .99 [95%CI: 0.98, 1.01], p = 0.458 and adjusted OR 1.01 [95%CI: 0.99, 1.02], p = 0.233), categorical variable as per acceptable cut-of points (crude analysis p = 0.376 and adjusted analysis p = 0.736), or categorical variable as quartiles (crude analysis p = 0.760 and adjusted analysis p = 0.549).ConclusionVitamin D status does not seem to be associated with depression symptoms among adolescents in our setting. Nevertheless, it is important to have sufficient vitamin D levels during adolescence for several other health benefits.

Socioeconomic and environmental determinants and hypovitaminosis D in adolescents in the northeast of Brazil: a hierarchical approach

Family socioeconomic and environmental conditions are associated with health status and disease outcomes in infancy, acting at different levels of determination over these events, positively or negatively affecting individuals. Methods was adopted a hierarchical approach to investigate a vitamin D insufficiency and socioecomimc determinants in the basic, intermediate, and immediate levels. The logistic regression and odds ratio (OR) as an association measure were used to assess the relationship of interest. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (10-29.9 ng/ml) was 54.1% of the adolescents, no vitamin D deficiency (&lt;10 ng/ml) was identified. At the basic level, was observed a 52% protective effect (OR = 0.48; p&lt; 0.003) of the low socioeconomic stratum for the occurrence of insufficient vitamin D levels; living in rural area increased by 2.35 times more chances of having insufficient vitamin D levels (OR = 2.35; p &lt; 0.001). At the intermediate level, the sanitary conditions of the household situated at the lowest level of the distribution tercile, resulted in a 1.41% higher risk (OR = 2.41; p &lt; 0.034) of those conditions being associated with vitamin D insufficiency. At the immediate level, the results showed that those with 14-years had 2.37 times more chances (OR = 2.37; p &lt; 0.024) and to be black/brown skin (OR = 2.00; p &lt; 0.047) were associated with vitamin D insufficiency. Conclusion socioeconomics factors and individual level were associated with vitamin D insufficiency in adolescents.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Children with Fractures: Before and during the COVID-19 Outbreak.

Background Although it is generally agreed that vitamin D is important for bone health, the role of vitamin D in preventing fractures in children and adolescents remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in healthy Korean children with fractures. Our secondary aim was to compare serum vitamin D levels before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Methods We evaluated 334 patients with fractures who were surgically treated at our institution between 2018 and 2019 before the onset of COVID-19 (group I). In addition, we collected data on the serum 25(OH)D levels of 210 patients who visited our pediatric department for evaluation of short stature (group II) and the serum 25(OH)D levels of the patients with fractures during the COVID-19 pandemic period (group III). A serum 25(OH)D level of <20 ng/mL was considered deficient, between 20 and 32 ng/mL was insufficient, and ≥32 ng/mL was considered sufficient. Results The mean age was 8.1 ± 3.5 years in group I, 8.2 ± 3.7 years in group II, and 8.6 ± 3.5 years in group III. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 53.0% in group I and 32.9% in group II. The mean serum 25(OH)D level was lower in group I than in group II (20.0 ± 7.3 ng/ml vs. 23.2 ± 6.9 ng/ml, p < 0.001). The mean serum 25(OH)D level of younger patients (<10 years) in group III was lower than that of the younger patients in the prepandemic period (21.4 ± 7.2 ng/mL vs. 19.2 ± 6.8 ng/mL, p=0.037). Conclusions We observed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in children with fractures who required surgical treatment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the serum vitamin D levels became even lower, especially in younger children.

Vitamin D Level in Patients Receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso

Background and objective: Hypovitaminosis D is a worldwide disorder, with a high prevalence in the general population. This study aims to assess the serum vitamin D level and its relationship with cluster for differentiation; CD4+T cells among HIV infected individuals on HAART.&#x0D; Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 150 subjects attending the infectious disease Clinic of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso and presently on antiretroviral treatment. Serum from blood samples collected was analyzed and diagnostic cut-off of (&lt;30ng/ml) and (&gt; 30ng/ml) were used as Deficient and Sufficient vitamin D respectively. Variables such as duration on ART, CD4 count and viral load were extracted from case notes of subjects.&#x0D; Results: There was disproportionately more female than malesubjects with a male to female ratio of 1:3. Subjects were aged between 16 and 73 years with a mean age of 41.57 ± 10.62. Few subjects (5.3%) were underweight, 23.3% were overweight, and 26% were obese. The median CD4 count was 241.5 cells/mm3 and 72% of subjects were immunosuppressed. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 45.3% (n=68). CD4 count was associated with the level of serum vitamin D, p-value &lt; 0.05.&#x0D; Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent among the studied HIV population. Our study found a significant correlation between serum vitamin D level and CD4 counts. It may be concluded that highly antiretroviral therapy HAART, improves CD4 level when there is sufficient vitamin D level, however, this merits further extensive exploration.&#x0D; Authors&#x0D; A A Salawu 1, T W Oloyede 2, E O Oke 3, O T Oladibu 4, S A Ojedokun 5, S O Oiwoh 6, K I Oreagba 7

Prevalence of vitamin B deficiency in patients with thyroid disorders: A study from Himalayan region

Endocrine disorders are on the rise world over. Diseases of thyroid gland are among the most prevalent endocrine disorders in the world, second only to diabetes mellitus. In India, autoimmune thyroid disorders have been estimated to be the most frequent endocrine disorders. Thyroid diseases are more prevalent in the sub Himalayan region even in post iodination phase.To assess the prevalence of auto immune thyroid disease and vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with thyroid disorders in Himalayan region.Study population comprised of patients above 18 years of age, who were advised thyroid function tests by the clinicians on an outpatient basis. Patients who were critically ill were excluded from the study. Thyroid function tests (T3, T4, TSH) along with anti thyroperoxidase antibody (ATA) was done by chemiluminescence and vitamin B12 levels were done by chemiluminiscent enzyme immunoassay after serum separation of 120 subjects. ATA level &amp;#62;50uIU/ml was taken as positive and Vitamin B12 deficiency was taken as a value less than 160 pg/ml. Mean age of study population was 42.48 (± 12.32) years. Forty hypothyroid and forty hyperthyroid and 40 controls were recruited. ATA positivity was reported in 52.5% (63/120) of the samples. In the present study more than 50% of cases with thyroid disorder and ATA positivity showed deficiency of vitamin B12 (hypothyroidism 63.3% hyperthyroidism, 51.8%).All patients with thyroid dysfunction should be screened for vitamin B12 status and treated accordingly.

Prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in women of childbearing age in Brazil: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient, especially during pregnancy. We aimed to assess the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in Brazilian women of childbearing age. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis of studies that assessed vitamin A deficiency in women of childbearing age following the registered protocol (CRD42020171856). Independent peer researchers selected the studies retrieved from MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and other sources. Data from the eligible studies were extracted in pairs and assessed for methodological quality. The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (< 0·70 µmol/l or <0·20 µg/dl) and 95 % CI was combined by meta-analysis, and heterogeneity was estimated by I2. Out of 3610 screened records, thirty-two studies were included, which assessed 12 577 women from 1965 to 2017, mostly in maternity hospitals. Main limitations of the studies were in sample frame (30/32) and sampling method (29/32). Deficiency occurred in 13 % (95 % CI 9·4, 17·2 %; I² = 97 %) of all women and was higher in pregnant women (16·1 %; 95 % CI 5·6, 30·6 %; I² = 98 %) than non-pregnant women (12·3 %; 95 % CI 8·4, 16·8 %; I² = 96 %). The prevalence increased according to the decade, from 9·5 % (95 % CI 1·9–21·6 %; I² = 98 %) up to 1990, 10·8 % (95 % CI 7·9, 14·2 %; I² = 86 %) in the 2000s and 17·8 % (95 % CI 8·7, 29·0 %; I² = 98 %) in the 2010s. Over 10 % of Brazilian women in childbearing age were deficient in vitamin A. Higher prevalence was observed in pregnant women, and deficiency seemed to be increasing over the decades. Low representativeness of the studies, mainly based on convenience sampling that included pregnant, postpartum, lactating and non-pregnant women, as well as high heterogeneity, limits the findings.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficency and Its Related Risk Factors Among Students in Fangshan District, Beijing, China

Abstract Objectives To study the prevalence of Vitamin D deficency among students and explore factors related to Vitamin D deficency. Methods This is a cross-sectional prevalence study in 529 students aged 6 to 13 years old. The study was conducted from October to November 2019 in Fangshan District, Beijing, China. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D was measured by a chemiluminescent assay.Vitamin D deficency cut off was set at serum 25(OH)D concentration of &amp;lt;12 ng/mL. Results The overall serum 25(OH)D concentration was 19.76 ± 6.06 ng/mL. The mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations in boys and girls were 20.91 ± 5.66 ng/mL and 18.52 ± 6.25 ng/mL, respectively. The overall prevalence of Vitamin D deficency was 20.79%. The rates of Vitamin D deficency in boys and girls were 12.00% and 30.31%, respectively. Logistic regression showed that Vitamin D deficency was worse in girls, students who were in higher grades and didn't have vitamin supplements. Conclusions The rate of Vitamin D deficency among students was high, interventions for high-risk students should be taken. Funding Sources Beijing Center for Diseases Control and Prevention.