Vitamin D Deficiency Picture: An Indian laboratory Retrospective Study of Over 10,000 Subjects

Abstract

Aim: Vitamin D deficiency is a clinical condition prevalent world over and frequency studies estimate the same to be around 40% to 90%. Though diet and lifestyle have a major contribution towards blood levels of vitamin D, studying the deficiency prevalence demography-wise is important to chart specific remedial recommendations. Materials and Methods: Our study is aimed at presenting vitamin D status in a large cohort of over 10,000 Asian Indians. The study cohort consisted of a total of 10,379 Indians, inclusive of 4470 males and 5909 females. Serum vitamin D estimation was done using the analytical platform of Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Levels of < 20 ng/mL was considered deficient while levels between 21 -30 ng/mL was reported to be insufficient. Result: The frequency of vitamin D deficiency was detected to be 54.5%. The prevalence was detected to be higher in males at 56.7% as compared to females at 52.8% and the difference was found to be statistically significant. Agewise analysis detected maximum frequency of deficiency in the 10 -25 years group at 69.7%. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is a public health concern in India and routine screening of this micronutrient is crucial among Indians wherein the prevalence has been detected to be high.

Hypovitaminosis D and COVID-19: Matter of Concern in India?

“…High prevalence of hypovitaminosis D is noted in 70-100% of the Indians despite staying in tropical countries like India, which get plenty of sunshine [1]. Several studies, including the recently published article in your journal, suggest universal hypovitaminosis D among the Indian population [2,3]. Length and timing of exposure to the sun, skin pigmentation, dietary factors, food habits, and genetic factors are a few of the most critical factors leading to vitamin D deficiency in Indians [4].…”