scholarly journals Sun Exposure Behavior, Seasonal Vitamin D Deficiency, and Relationship to Bone Health in Adolescents

2016 ◽  
Vol 101 (8) ◽  
pp. 3105-3113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark D. Farrar ◽  
M. Zulf Mughal ◽  
Judith E. Adams ◽  
Jack Wilkinson ◽  
Jacqueline L. Berry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Bone Health ◽  
Sun Exposure

scholarly journals Awareness regarding the importance of vitamin D and prevention of its deficiency among female undergraduate medical students

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 865
Author(s):  
Nida Nowreen ◽  
Reqaya Hameed
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Bone Health ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Nutritional Disorder ◽  
Time Duration ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a common nutritional disorder that has assumed epidemic proportion. One of the major reasons for the worldwide spread of this disorder has been deficient awareness about the importance of vitamin D, its benefits on health, and prevention of deficiency state across different populations. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is widely prevalent in this part of the country (Kashmir valley, India), the prevalence being higher in females. This study was conducted to assess the awareness of female medical students regarding the importance of vitamin D and the prevention of its deficiency among them.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 113 female medical students. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of two parts was used to collect data. The first part was for identifying socio-demographic characters and the second half was a 12-question, multiple-choice survey focussing on vitamin D. Data was entered and analysed using computer software MS Excel.Results: The results of the study showed that the participants had good knowledge regarding some aspects while knowledge for other aspects was poor. The majority of participants had adequate knowledge about main source/dietary source of vitamin D, the site of synthesis, effect of vitamin D on bone health, main effects of deficiency on bone health, identification of high-risk groups and importance of supplements in management of deficiency. However, majority had inadequate knowledge about the epidemic state of VDD, RDA, time/duration of sun exposure and other effects of deficiency.Conclusions: The present study showed that there are some gaps in awareness about vitamin D, its benefits, and management of deficiency among female medical students.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: An Italian Single-Center Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 85 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 23-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aneta Aleksova ◽  
Rita Belfiore ◽  
Cosimo Carriere ◽  
Salam Kassem ◽  
Salvatore La Carrubba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Acute Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
High Exposure

Abstract. Background: Hypovitaminosis D is a vitamin deficiency that has been increasing in developed countries; it was also suggested as an emerging risk factor for developing of atherosclerosis and acute myocardial infarction. The primary source of vitamin D is its cutaneous synthesis under exposure to sunlight. It has been suggested that 30 min of sun exposure twice weekly leads to sufficient vitamin D synthesis. The residents of Trieste (Italy) are well-known for their high exposure to sunlight in all seasons. We aimed to investigate the vitamin D status in subjects with acute myocardial infarction living in this area. Methods: Vitamin D status was identified in 478 subjects diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction. Results: The median serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was 14.5 [7.8 - 22.7] ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were present in 324 (68 %) and 107 (22 %) subjects, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency was less frequent among subjects enrolled in the period from July to the end of September (p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis vitamin D deficiency was predicted by older age (p = 0.02), female gender (p = 0.002), higher body mass index (p = 0.05), autumn/winter sampling (p < 0.001), increased parathyroid hormone (p = 0.03) and alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.003). Conclusions: We observed very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among subjects with myocardial infarction in all seasons of enrollment. However, it was lower in the summer when sun exposure is higher. The exposure to sunlight may be a cost-saving therapeutic strategy for the management of vitamin D deficiency.

scholarly journals Knowledge and attitudes towards vitamin D food fortification

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 346-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth Clark ◽  
Julie Doyle ◽  
Owen Bull ◽  
Sophie McClean ◽  
Tom Hill
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
South Asians ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Food Fortification ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Far Eastern

Purpose Vitamin D deficiency is a well-recognised public health problem within the UK, with specific population groups more vulnerable to deficiency. Two pilot studies were used to explore awareness of vitamin D deficiency and attitudes towards food fortification. Design/methodology/approach A survey of 120 participants from five at-risk groups (South Asians, Blacks, Middle Eastern, Far Eastern and Caucasian older adults over 65 years) plus a group of British Caucasians who do not avoid sun exposure explored awareness of vitamin D, sun exposure knowledge and behaviour and attitudes towards food fortification. The latter group was included to provide a comparison group who were at a reduced risk of deficiency. χ2 was used to test associations between categorical variables and the study groups. The second study used three focus groups and two interviews, conducted on young South Asian females and examined knowledge and awareness of vitamin D and vitamin D-fortified foods. Findings A lack of knowledge and misconceptions were highlighted by both studies in relation to at-risk factors, including sunlight exposure (p = 0.037), dietary intakes (p = 0.0174) and darker skin pigmentation (p = 0.023), sources of vitamin D and the health benefits associated with optimal consumption. Attitudes to mandatory fortification of some foods varied significantly (p = 0.004) between the groups with acceptance rates for Blacks (68 per cent), those over 65 years (50 per cent), Middle Eastern (67 per cent) and Far Eastern (73 per cent), whereas the control (71 per cent) showed no acceptance, and South Asians gave a mixed response (48 per cent No). Focus group findings highlighted positive views towards fortification, although this was less for mandatory as opposed to voluntary fortification. Both pilot studies highlight the need for more research into this area, to create more effective public health policies. Originality/value The research presents novel insights into a topical area where there is limited research.

scholarly journals Seasonal Variation in Vitamin D in Association with Age, Inflammatory Cytokines, Anthropometric Parameters, and Lifestyle Factors in Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leticia Elizondo-Montemayor ◽  
Elena C. Castillo ◽  
Carlos Rodríguez-López ◽  
José R. Villarreal-Calderón ◽  
Merit Gómez-Carmona ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
High Probability ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Anthropometric Parameters ◽  
Healthy Older Adults

Vitamin D deficiency is present even in sunny regions. Ageing decreases pre-vitamin D production in the skin and is associated with altered cytokine profile. We performed a multivariate analysis considering lifestyle factors, anthropometric, and inflammatory markers according to seasonal variation in Mexican healthy older adults. The same cohort was followed during 12 months. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was found in 91.3% of the subjects despite living in appropriate latitude (25°40′0″N). 25(OH)D levels remained below <30 ng/mL through all seasons. Vitamin D deficiency did not correlate to sun exposure or dietary intake. Gender was the strongest associated factor, explaining a variance of 20%. Waist circumference (WC) greater than 88 cm was a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency. Age (>74 years) combined with WC (>88 cm) and BMI (>32.7) showed a high probability (90%) of vitamin D deficiency. Remarkably, an increase in one centimeter in WC decreased 25(OH)D by 0.176 ng/mL, while an increase in one point BMI decreased 25(OH)D by 0.534 ng/mL. A cutoff point of 74 years of age determined probability of vitamin D hipovitaminosis. Vitamin D deficiency was correlated with TNF-αserum levels, possibly increasing the susceptibility of older adults to a proinflammatory state and its related diseases.

scholarly journals KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES REGARDING VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING IMAM HUSSEIN MEDICAL CITY IN KARBALA 2018

2019 ◽  
pp. 39-43
Author(s):  
SARAH JAFAR AL-GHRAIBAWI ◽  
SAAD IBRAHIM AL-GHABBAN ◽  
RIYADH DHEYHOOD AL-ZUBAIDY
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Medical City ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors

Objective: Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem. It is significantly associated with skeletal and non-skeletal problems. Prevention can be maintained mainly by effective sun exposure or supplementation and to lesser extent by dietary intake. To determine the magnitude of knowledge and practice of women towards vitamin D deficiency. Methods: A cross-sectional study, purposive sample of 442 women were approached who attended consultants’ clinics of Imam Hussein Medical City in Karbala. Data collection done between March 2 and June 30, 2018 through direct interviews using a special questionnaire prepared for the purpose of the study. Results: Less than half (45.2%) of the women had heard about vitamin D; their source of information was from relatives and friends then from health care provider. The mean score for the participants’ knowledge about VDD was 4.25 out of 9.0 (47%). It has a significant association with higher educational levels and urban residence. There is no significant difference regarding age, marital status or occupation. The mean score for the participants’ practice about vitamin D deficiency was 2.53 out of 5 (50.71%). There is no influence of practice score by socio-demographic factors. Conclusion: Overall knowledge towards vitamin D deficiency was suboptimal. Improving practices towards VD is directly related to increase knowledge about it that indicates the need to increase public awareness about the problem, encourage appropriate way of sun exposure, consumption of vitamin D rich food and taking supplementation when sun exposure is difficult.

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among schoolchildren: a cohort study from Xinxiang, China

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (5-6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei-ling Li ◽  
Yun-jiao Tian ◽  
Yan-hua Wang ◽  
Cui-zhen Zhang ◽  
Jun Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
High Body Mass Index ◽  
Inverse Correlation ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Henan Province ◽  
Professional Status ◽  
School Students

AbstractVitamin D deficiency (VDD) in children is widespread. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of VDD in schoolchildren from Henan Province, China.The study was conducted on school students from areas of Xinxiang, one of the largest cities of Henan Province in China, in the winter of 2013. A questionnaire on demographic data, socioeconomic status, sun exposure, and times of acute respiratory infections (RTI) in the past 12 months were completed for each student. Blood samples were taken to assess serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D].In our study, 606 schoolchildren completed the questionnaire. The median serum level of 25(OH)D was 20.5 ng/mL (interquartile range: 15.9–25.1). The prevalence of VDD and insufficiency was 46.9% (284/606) and 85.8% (520/606), respectively. VDD was more associated with female gender, high body mass index, lower socio-professional status, residence in urban areas, and less time spent outdoors. There was an inverse correlation between levels of 25(OH) and times of RTI (p<0.001).VDD and insufficiency are common among schoolchildren in Xinxiang. Supplementation with food fortification or vitamin D for Chinese children is warranted.

scholarly journals Vitamin D deficiency, poor bone health and the risk of CVD in Caucasian and South Asian women: analysis from the D-FINES study

2011 ◽  
Vol 70 (OCE3) ◽  
Author(s):  
O. A. Hakim ◽  
F. Shojaee-Moradie ◽  
K. Hart ◽  
J. L. Berry ◽  
R. Eastell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Bone Health ◽  
Asian Women ◽  
South Asian Women

scholarly journals Serum Vitamin D Level in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Association with Sun Exposure: Experience from a Tertiary Care, Teaching Hospital in India

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tauseef Akhtar ◽  
Ramesh Aggarwal ◽  
Sachin Kumar Jain
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Serum Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Artery Disease

Background. Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, has various extraskeletal effects, and several human and animal studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency may be a contributory factor in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, such studies in the Indian subcontinent are either lacking or have shown conflicting results. Methods. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 121 patients with CAD from a tertiary care center and their 80 age-matched healthy controls. Serum vitamin D levels along with serum and urine chemistries were measured in both the groups. The average duration of sun exposure/day and use of sunscreen were also considered in the study cohort using a questionnaire. Serum vitamin D levels were categorized into deficient (<30 nmol/lit), insufficient (30–75 nmol/lit), and sufficient (>75 nmol/lit) groups. Results. Among the cases, 51.2% of the patients were vitamin D deficient and 44.6% patients had insufficient vitamin D levels, whereas among controls, 40% and 31% of the population had deficient and insufficient levels of vitamin D, respectively. However, the mean value of the serum vitamin D level was not statistically different in the cases as compared to that of the controls (34.06 vs 40.19 nmol/lit) (P=0.08). Corrected serum calcium (9.26 vs 9.59 mg%) (P≤0.0001) and serum albumin levels (4.21 vs 4.75 gm%) (P≤0.0001) were lower in the cases than those of the controls. The average sun exposure/day was higher among the cases than that among the controls (2.93 vs 1.85 hours) (P=0.001). Conclusion. Vitamin D deficiency is widely prevalent in Indian population despite abundant sunshine, and the duration of sun exposure is not correlated with serum vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency is not associated with CAD. However, serum calcium is deficient in CAD patients as compared to the controls. Large-scale studies are required to explore the association further to evaluate the benefits of screening and correction of vitamin D deficiency in patients with CAD.

Vitamin D status of children in Kerala, southern India

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 1179-1183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhava Vijayakumar ◽  
Vijayalakshmi Bhatia ◽  
Biju George
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Southern India ◽  
Fish Diet ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Recall ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D

AbstractObjectiveTo study plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status of children in Kerala, southern India, and its relationship with sociodemographic variables.DesignCross-sectional observational study.SettingTertiary government hospital.ParticipantsChildren (n 296) with trivial acute illness were enrolled. Sun exposure and Ca and vitamin D intakes (7 d dietary recall) were documented. Serum Ca, P, alkaline phosphatase, plasma 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured.ResultsPrevalence of vitamin D deficiency (plasma 25(OH)D <30 nmol/l) was 11·1% (median, interquartile range (IQR): 52·6, 38·4–65·6 nmol/l). Children who ate fish daily had significantly higher plasma 25(OH)D than those who did not (median, IQR: 52·5, 40·8–68·9 v. 49·1, 36·2–60·7 nmol/l; P = 0·02). Those investigated in the months of March–May showed highest 25(OH)D v. those enrolled during other times (median, IQR: 58·7, 45·6–81·4 v. 45·5, 35·6–57·4 nmol/l; P <0·001). Plasma 25(OH)D correlated positively with serum P (r = 0·24, P <0·001) and Ca intake (r = 0·16, P 0·03), negatively with age (r = −0·13, P 0·03) and PTH (r = −0·22, P <0·001.). On linear regression, summer season (March–May), lower age, daily fish intake and higher Ca intake were independently associated with plasma 25(OH)D.ConclusionsPrevalence of vitamin D deficiency is low in Kerala. The natural fish diet of coastal Kerala and the latitude may be protective. Public health policy in India should take account of this geographical diversity.

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