Study of Vitamin D Levels in Women of Different Socioeconomic Groups

Abstract

Aim Vitamin D deficiency is a major health problem in both the developed and developing countries across the globe. The factors responsible for vitamin D deficiency (VDD) can be skin complexion, poor sunlight exposure, vegetarian food habits and lower intake of vitamin D fortified foods. Adequate sunlight exposure and intake of foods rich in vitamin D and proper screening of women can prove helpful to prevent vitamin D deficiency.

Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, on 200 women, falling in the reproductive age group of 20–49 years, attending the OPD of GMC Jammu.

Inclusion criteria adopted was non-pregnant, non-lactating women of reproductive age groups without any history of chronic disease, vitamin D intake or any other dietary supplementation and consent to participate the study.Results Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25(OH) D levels ?20 ng/ml. The study found that 32.5% patients had severe vitamin D deficiency followed by 31.5% with moderate deficiency and 25.5% with mild deficiency, which varied in different socioeconomic
classes with the middle socioeconomic class having the lowest 25(OH) D levels.

Conclusion In lack of naturally occurring vitamin D rich foods, food fortification or supplementation with vitamin D and adequate sunshine exposure should be given a higher priority among women. More studies on a larger sample are needed to further substantiate the findings of the present study.