Vitamin D status among population of Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess serum 25OHD level among healthy Saudi population of Qassim region, besides socio- demographic characters, dietary habits, sun exposure and common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency were also evaluated.

Subjects and Methods: One hundred and eighty healthy males and females subjects above the age of 18 years were randomly selected from five primary health care centers of Qassim region.  A predesigned structured questionnaire was administered by the doctor working in Primary Health Care Center and blood sample was obtained for measuring vitamin D (serum 25 OHD) level. Vitamin D sufficiency was defined as serum level of 25 OHD 30ng/ ml or above. A level ranging 20 to 29 ng/ml was considered as vitamin D insufficiency, whereas below 20ng/ml as vitamin D deficiency.

Results: Out of 180 study participants, 51(28.3%) subjects were vitamin D deficient, 71 (39.4%) were vitamin insufficient and 58 (32.2%) had normal vitamin D level. Commonest symptom of vitamin D deficiency was bone pain (20%) and fatigue (11.1%).

Conclusion: Vitamin D inadequacy is a major public health problem in Saudi population. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/ insufficiency among healthy Saudi population residing in Qassim region is 67.8%. If the issue is not urgently addressed it could lead to serious health consequences.

Key Words: Vitamin D, Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia
Naeem, Z., AlMohaimeed, A., Sharaf, F. K., Ismail, H., Shaukat, F., & Inam, S. B. (2011). Vitamin D status among population of Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Health Sciences, 5(2). Retrieved from https://pub.qu.edu.sa/index.php/journal/article/view/402
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