scholarly journals Sun exposure, dressing habits, and vitamin D status in Morocco

2021 ◽  
Vol 319 ◽  
pp. 01097
Author(s):  
Sakhr Dadda ◽  
Karima Azekour ◽  
Fouzia Sebbari ◽  
Brahim El Houate ◽  
Bachir El Bouhali
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Daily Sunshine ◽  
Local Healthcare

Sunlight is the main source of vitamin D. Almost 80% of vitamin D3 is produced in the skin. The region of Draa Tafilalet benefits from long daily sunshine time. As such, vitamin D deficiency should be low in this region. However, dressing habits can highly influence vitamin D status. This study aimed to evaluate sun exposure and its relation to vitamin D status among the general population in the region of Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco. Clinical, biological, and sociodemographic data were obtained from 331 adults visiting local healthcare units during the summers of 2019 and 2020. Plasma 25(OH)D2/D3 was measured by immunofluorescence. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 37.5%, while Vitamin D insufficiency represented 56.5%. Most of the studied population (76.4%) had restricting dressing habits and exposed only their faces. statistic tests showed a correlation of vitamin D levels with daily sun exposure (r= 0.308, p<0.001), dressing habits (p<0.001), age (r= -0.141, p=0.01), sex (p<0.001), physical activity level (p=0.003), and BMI (r= -0.298, p<0.001). The study showed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this region. Similarly, it exposed the effects of restricting clothes and low daily sun exposure on vitamin D status.

scholarly journals Nutrihealth Study: Seasonal Variation in Vitamin D Status Among the Slovenian Adult and Elderly Population

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maša Hribar ◽  
Hristo Hristov ◽  
Matej Gregorič ◽  
Urška Blaznik ◽  
Katja Zaletel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Ultraviolet B ◽  
Vitamin D Status

Several studies conducted around the world showed substantial vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency among different population groups. Sources of vitamin D in the human body include ultraviolet B (UVB)-light-induced biosynthesis and dietary intake, but people’s diets are often poor in vitamin D. Furthermore, in many regions, sun exposure and the intensity of UVB irradiation during wintertime are not sufficient for vitamin D biosynthesis. In Slovenia, epidemiological data about vitamin D status in the population were investigated through a national Nutrihealth study—an extension to the national dietary survey SI.Menu (2017/18). The study was conducted on a representative sample of 125 adult (18–64 years) and 155 elderly (65–74 years old) subjects, enrolled in the study in different seasons. Their vitamin D status was determined by measuring the serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration. Thresholds for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were 25(OH)D levels below 30 and 50 nmol/L, respectively. Altogether, 24.9% of the adults and 23.5% of the elderly were found to be vitamin D deficient, while an insufficient status was found in 58.2% and 62.9%, respectively. A particularly concerning situation was observed during extended wintertime (November–April); vitamin D deficiency was found in 40.8% and 34.6%, and insufficient serum 25(OH)D levels were observed in 81.6% and 78.8%, respectively. The results of the study showed high seasonal variation in serum 25(OH)D levels in both the adult and elderly population, with deficiency being especially pronounced during wintertime. The prevalence of this deficiency in Slovenia is among the highest in Europe and poses a possible public health risk that needs to be addressed with appropriate recommendations and/or policy interventions.

Should We Be Concerned about the Vitamin D Status of Athletes?

2008 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kentz S. Willis ◽  
Nikki J. Peterson ◽  
D. Enette Larson-Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Bone Health ◽  
Skin Pigmentation ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
The Hours ◽  
Human Immunity

A surprisingly high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency has recently been reported worldwide. Although very little is known about vitamin D status among athletes, a few studies suggest that poor vitamin D status is also a problem in athletic populations. It is well recognized that vitamin D is necessary for optimal bone health, but emerging evidence is finding that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of autoimmune diseases and nonskeletal chronic diseases and can also have a profound effect on human immunity, inflammation, and muscle function (in the elderly). Thus, it is likely that compromised vitamin D status can affect an athlete’s overall health and ability to train (i.e., by affecting bone health, innate immunity, and exercise-related immunity and inflammation). Although further research in this area is needed, it is important that sports nutritionists assess vitamin D (as well as calcium) intake and make appropriate recommendations that will help athletes achieve adequate vitamin D status: serum 25(OH)D of at least 75 or 80 nmol/L. These recommendations can include regular safe sun exposure (twice a week between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the arms and legs for 5–30 min, depending on season, latitude, and skin pigmentation) or dietary supplementation with 1,000–2,000 IU vitamin D3 per day. Although this is significantly higher than what is currently considered the adequate intake, recent research demonstrates these levels to be safe and possibly necessary to maintain adequate 25(OH)D concentrations.

scholarly journals High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in school children in Jammu: a whistle blower

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 1524
Author(s):  
Harleen Kaur ◽  
Amarjeet Singh Bhatia
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
School Children ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Jammu And Kashmir ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Good Nutrition

Background: Vitamin D deficiency prevails in epidemic proportions among school going children in India, but there is scarcity of searchable data on vitamin D status in school children in Jammu and Kashmir; hence we have assessed the vitamin D status in school going children attending outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital Jammu.Methods: The study was conducted in the department of Biochemistry Government Medical College Jammu during June to December, 2018 and after obtaining informed consent, a total of 104 school going children between the age group of 6 years to 12 years, attending SMGS Hospital Jammu were screened for their vitamin D (25 OH-D) status by using Abbott architect chemiluminescent micro particle immunoassay.Results: Out of a total of 104 school going children screened in the study, 91 (87.5%) were found to be having insufficient vitamin D levels in their blood (<30ngm/dl) whereas 63 (60.5%) children showed severe deficiency with vitamin D levels below 20ngm/dl.Conclusions: Despite of abundant sunshine throughout the year and also with the consideration that people of this region are well off economically and can afford good nutrition, the results of our study revealing  high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in school going children can be taken as a whistle blower for the health policy makers of the region. 

scholarly journals A study on vitamin D status among orthopaedic patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 286
Author(s):  
Srinivasalu Santhanagopal ◽  
Matthew Sebastian ◽  
Madan Mohan Muniswamy ◽  
Anoop Pilar
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Indian Population ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Hypovitaminosis D ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Orthopaedic Patients ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Calcium Phosphorus

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> There is an alarmingly high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in orthopaedic patients, regardless of whether or not, they require surgical intervention. Vitamin D plays an essential role in bone formation, maintenance, and remodelling, as well as muscle function and deficiency could affect adversely in multiple ways. Many reports recently demonstrated high rates of vitamin D deficiency, in numerous segments of Indian population, but there is no study reported so far from India, which focuses specifically on vitamin D status in orthopaedic patients.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> It is a descriptive study to<strong> </strong>estimate vitamin D levels in patients scheduled to undergo orthopaedic surgery. Vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in 310 patients, who were admitted at our institution, from December 2015 to August 2017 were measured.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of 310 patients included in our study, 189 (61%) were males and 121 (39%) females. Vitamin D deficiency (&lt;20 ng/ml) was present in 232 patients, insufficiency (&lt;30 ng/ml) was present in 63 patients and only 15 patients had desirable levels (&gt;30 ng/ml). Patients younger than 60 years and males had more prevalence of Vitamin D abnormality. 168 (72.4%) of the patients, with deficiency presented in winter, compared to 64 (27.6%) in summer.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Statistically significant vitamin D deficiency was seen during winter months, in patients undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty, and in patients admitted for degenerative disease of the spine, hip and knee. Screening and treating hypovitaminosis D appears to be important in orthopaedic patients as vitamin D deficiency is prevalent across all age groups in the population studied.</p>

Seasonal variation of vitamin D levels in Swiss athletes

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Vitamin Supplementation ◽  
World Population ◽  
Outdoor Sports ◽  
Sunscreen Use ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is very prevalent in world population and growing evidence shows that also athletes are affected. Vitamin D deficiency causes beside bone disorders, musculoskeletal pain, muscle weakness and is associated with many other health disorders. For athletes in particular it may impair training and performance, prolong recovery and increase risk of injury. We therefore analyzed vitamin D levels in Swiss athletes focusing on prevalence according to age, gender, seasonal variations, indoor or outdoor sports, sunscreen use and vitamin D supplementation. Methods: This study was performed in a convenient sample of 655 Swiss Olympic athletes over one year. Blood samples were obtained and a questionnaire was filled in at Swiss Olympic Medical Centers or Bases during an annual routine exam. Data were then sent to the central laboratory of the Aarau hospital where they were processed and sent to us in an anonymized version. Vitamin D levels were categorized into deficiency (≤ 50 nmol/l), insufficiency (between 50 and 75 nmol/l) and adequate levels (> 75 nmol/l) of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. By means of the questionnaire, we assessed age, gender, type of sport, symptoms possibly related to vitamin D deficiency during the last year, frequency of sunscreen use and vitamin D-containing medications of the athletes. Results: 13.5% of the participants (total number = 651) presented a vitamin D deficiency, 37.8% a vitamin D insufficiency so that more than half of the athletes (51.2%) had inadequate vitamin D levels. Inadequate vitamin D levels were more prevalent in younger athletes, during seasons with lower sun exposure, in indoor sports during the sun deprived seasons, in athletes without vitamines supplementation and in athletes of lower Swiss Olympic classes compared to their counterparts. Conclusions: The results of the study show that the prevalence of inadequate vitamin D levels in Swiss athletes is substantial for younger athletes (< 18 years of age) and for indoor athletes during sun deprived periods of the year. However, a general vitamin supplementation containing vitamin D reduced the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy which is especially relevant during sun deprived seasons.

scholarly journals Vitamin D deficiency among patients with COVID-19: case series and recent literature review

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rizaldy Taslim Pinzon ◽  
Angela ◽  
Andryawan Wahyu Pradana
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Hypovitaminosis D ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Laboratory Examinations ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background The world is now challenging the pandemic of COVID-19 infection. This is the third and most extensive pandemic. Previous studies showed the plausibility of vitamin D prophylaxis and therapy for COVID-19, particularly in settings where hypovitaminosis D is frequent. Recent study from Indonesian showed that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 23.0%. The examination of vitamin D status is not a routine in the Indonesian clinical setting. Methods This study is a case series from confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bethesda Hospital Yogyakarta Indonesia. The data of clinical symptoms, signs and laboratory examinations were obtained from the electronic medical records. The vitamin D status was measured by Enzyme-Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) method. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for studies that included terms for Vitamin D and COVID-19. Results The data were obtained from 10 participants consisting of 50% male and 50% female. The mean age was 49.6 years. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this study was 90% (vitamin D levels < 20 ng/mL) and 10% of insufficiency (vitamin D levels < 30 ng/mL). Patients in this study had various symptoms such as fatigue (60%), fever (50%), dry cough (40%), non-specific headache (10%), and diarrhea (10%); have no symptoms (20%); and also had the various chronic diseases as comorbidity such as hypertension (40%), diabetes (10%), COPD (10%), and post stroke (10%). Conclusions All of the COVID-19 patients in this study had hypovitaminosis D. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this case series is 90% and only 1 patient (10%) had vitamin D insufficiency. There are many health benefits of vitamin D and very few adverse effects. Randomized controlled trials need to determine and evaluate this recommendation in preventing or treating COVID-19. Clinicians should continue to treat people with vitamin D deficiency especially in managing COVID-19 patients.

scholarly journals Low sun exposure increases multiple sclerosis risk both directly and indirectly

2019 ◽  
Vol 267 (4) ◽  
pp. 1045-1052 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Karin Hedström ◽  
Tomas Olsson ◽  
Ingrid Kockum ◽  
Jan Hillert ◽  
Lars Alfredsson
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Total Effect ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Abstract Objective We aimed to study (1) to what extent the influence of low sun exposure on multiple sclerosis (MS) risk is mediated by low vitamin D levels; (2) whether low sun exposure or vitamin D deficiency act synergistically with HLA-DRB1*15:01 and absence of HLA-A*02:01. Methods We used two population-based case–control studies (7069 cases, 6632 matched controls). Subjects with different HLA alleles, sun exposure habits and vitamin D status were compared regarding MS risk, by calculating odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) employing logistic regression. Mediation analysis was used to identify the potential mediation effect of vitamin D on the relationship between low sun exposure and MS risk. Results Low sun exposure increased MS risk directly as well as indirectly, by affecting vitamin D status. The direct effect, expressed as OR, was 1.26 (95% CI 1.04–1.45) and the indirect effect, mediated by vitamin D deficiency, was 1.10 (95% CI 1.02–1.23). Of the total effect, nearly 30% was mediated by vitamin D deficiency. There was a significant interaction between low sun exposure and vitamin D deficiency (attributable proportion due to interaction 0.3, 95% CI 0.04–0.5) accounting for about 12% of the total effect. Further, both factors interacted with HLA-DRB1*15:01 to increase MS risk. Interpretation Our findings indicate that low sun exposure acts both directly on MS risk as well as indirectly, by leading to low vitamin D levels. The protective effect of sun exposure thus seems to involve both vitamin D and non-vitamin D pathways, which is of relevance for prevention, in particular for those with a genetic susceptibility to MS.

scholarly journals Vitamin D and bone health in early life

2003 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 823-828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Mølgaard ◽  
Kim Fleischer Michaelsen
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
High Capacity ◽  
Growth Failure ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Increased Risk

Prolonged vitamin D deficiency resulting in rickets is seen mainly during rapid growth. A distinct age distribution has been observed in the Copenhagen area where all registered hospital cases of rickets were either infants and toddlers or adolescents from immigrant families. Growth retardation was only present in the infant and toddler group. A state of deficiency occurs months before rickets is obvious on physical examination. Growth failure, lethargy and irritability may be early signs of vitamin D deficiency. Mothers with low vitamin D status give birth to children with low vitamin D status and increased risk of rickets. Reports showing increasing rates of rickets due to insufficient sunlight exposure and inadequate vitamin D intake are cause for serious concern. Many countries (including the USA from 2003) recommend vitamin D supplementation during infancy to avoid rickets resulting from the low vitamin D content of human milk. Without fortification only certain foods such as fatty fish contain more than low amounts of vitamin D, and many children will depend entirely on sun exposure to obtain sufficient vitamin D. The skin has a high capacity to synthesize vitamin D, but if sun exposure is low vitamin D production is insufficient, especially in dark-skinned infants. The use of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D to evaluate vitamin D status before development of rickets would be helpful; however, there is no agreement on cut-off levels for deficiency and insufficiency. Furthermore, it is not known how marginal vitamin D insufficiency affects children's bones in the long term.

scholarly journals Poor Vitamin D Status in Healthy Populations in India: A Review of Current Evidence

2015 ◽  
Vol 85 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 185-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geeta Trilok Kumar ◽  
Reema Chugh ◽  
Manfred Eggersdorfer
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Large Country ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Abstract. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with rickets in children, with osteoporosis in the elderly, is thought to increase the risk of certain cancers and of cardiovascular diseases, and may have an impact on many other health conditions. Asians are reported to have a poor vitamin D status despite adequate sunshine in their regions. Data on the extent of vitamin D deficiency at the population level from most Asian countries, including India, are limited. Part of the reason for paucity regarding vitamin D status is the absence of clear recommendations on optimal vitamin D intakes and status, as well as clear consensus on the cut-offs for deficiency. With a large country covering several latitudes, ethnicities, cultures, traditions, and attitudes, the current data on vitamin D status in India is inadequate and classified in different ways, making interpretation difficult, and is unrepresentative as it comes only from four states, with about half the data from Delhi. Poor vitamin D status is almost universally reported across all age groups with as many as 95.7 % neonates, 75 % adults and 67 % pregnant women having serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels < 50 nmol/L (deficient). Children and adults exposed to sunlight, living in rural or less polluted areas have been reported to have a better vitamin D status, especially in summer months. Lack of conclusive information emphasizes the need for state-specific data on the vitamin D status and the extent of sun exposure to issue recommendations for vitamin D intake in the country.

Vitamin D deficiency in minority populations

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glen B Taksler ◽  
David M Cutler ◽  
Edward Giovannucci ◽  
Nancy L Keating
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Minority Populations ◽  
Uv Index ◽  
Serum Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

AbstractObjectiveBlack and Hispanic individuals synthesize less vitamin D per unit of sun exposure than white individuals. The relationship between UV radiation and vitamin D insufficiency in minorities has not been well explored.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingUsing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we obtained serum vitamin D levels for non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks aged ≥18 years from 2000–2006. We linked these data with the average monthly solar UV index by census tract and data on sun exposure, vitamin D supplementation, health and demographics. We used multivariable regression analyses to assess vitamin D deficiency (<15 ng/ml) and insufficiency (<20 ng/ml) in January (when the UV index was lowest) by race/ethnicity and geography.SubjectsAdults (n 14 319) aged ≥18 years.ResultsA 1-point increase in the UV index was associated with a 0·51 ng/ml increase in vitamin D (95 % CI 0·35, 0·67 ng/ml; P<0·001). Non-Hispanic Black race and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with a 7·47 and 3·41 ng/ml decrease in vitamin D, respectively (both P<0·001). In January, an estimated 65·4 % of non-Hispanic Blacks were deficient in vitamin D, compared with 28·9 % of Hispanics and 14·0 % of non-Hispanic Whites. An estimated 84·2 % of non-Hispanic Blacks were insufficient in vitamin D v. 56·3 % of Hispanics and 34·8 % of non-Hispanic Whites. More non-Hispanic Blacks were estimated to be deficient in vitamin D in January in the highest UV index quartile than were non-Hispanic Whites in the lowest UV index quartile (60·2 % v. 25·7 %).ConclusionsWintertime vitamin D insufficiency is pervasive among minority populations, and not uncommon among non-Hispanic Whites.

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