In:
Postgraduate Medical Journal, Oxford University Press (OUP), Vol. 83, No. 985 ( 2007-11-01), p. 713-716
Abstract:
The worldwide prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is reported to be high. Objectives To assess the vitamin D status in apparently healthy adults in Kashmir valley by measuring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D). Methods 92 healthy natives (64 men and 28 non-pregnant/non-lactating women, aged 18–40 years), residing in Kashmir for at least last 5 years and not having any suggestion of systemic disease, were selected for this study. The samples were collected throughout the year in both summer and winter months. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum 25 (OH) D concentration of & lt;50 nmol/l and graded as mild (25–50 nmol/l), moderate (12.5–25 nmol/l) and severe ( & lt;12.5 nmol/l). Results Body mass index, total energy intake, and other nutritional parameters were comparable among subjects in different groups. Overall 76 (83%) of the subjects studied had vitamin D deficiency—25%, 33%, and 25% had mild, moderate, and severe deficiency, respectively. 49 of the 64 males and all but 1 of the 28 females were vitamin D deficient. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency ranged from 69.6% in the employed group to 100% in the household group. Vitamin D deficiency was equally prevalent in subjects from rural and urban areas. Serum calcium and phosphorus values were comparable in subjects with and without vitamin D deficiency, while daily intake and urinary excretion of calcium were significantly lower in the former. Vitamin D deficient subjects had a significantly lower mean weekly exposure to sunlight. Conclusions In spite of abundant sunlight, healthy individuals in Kashmir valley are vitamin D deficient, particularly women. Serum 25 (OH) D concentrations are significantly related to sun exposure.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0032-5473
,
1469-0756
DOI:
10.1136/pgmj.2007.059113
Language:
English
Publisher:
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Publication Date:
2007
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2009568-5
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