scholarly journals Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in Qatar: a systematic review

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alaa Badawi ◽  
Paul Arora ◽  
Eman Sadoun ◽  
Al-Anoud Al-Thani ◽  
Mohamed H. Al Thani

Qatar has a high burden of chronic diseases including obesity, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Low serum vitamin D levels have been implicated in the development and progression of a range of these chronic conditions. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency in the general population of Qatar has still not been investigated. The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review of published studies documenting the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency in the Qatari population. A search strategy was developed for online databases (PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and Embase Classic) between 1980 to the last week of August 2012, and bibliographies of the included studies were further searched for additional reports. Search terms used were QATAR and VITAMIN D. Studies reporting the serum levels of vitamin D in several Qatari sub-populations were identified. Weighted-average vitamin D serum levels and prevalence of low vitamin D status (<75 nmol/L) were calculated. Subgroup analysis was carried out by age. The quality of each study was evaluated according to four criteria: national representativeness, representation of males and females, the sample size, and the sampling protocol. A total of 16 relevant publications were identified, and 8 of these (reporting from 7 unique studies) met our inclusion and exclusion criteria with a total number of 1,699 Qatari subjects. The pooled sample size weighted-average vitamin D concentration (±SD) was 45.3±14.3 nmol/L (95% CI: 44.6-46.0; range 29.2-66.9 nmol/L). The weighted-average prevalence of low vitamin D status was 90.4% (95% CI: 90.1-91.0; range 83%-91%). Age was inversely correlated with vitamin D levels and directly with its insufficiency/deficiency prevalence. There have only been a few studies on the prevalence of low vitamin D in Qatar a very high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency in Qatar that increases with age has been suggested. The present report underlines the need to develop a nationally representative study to further evaluate vitamin D status in Qatar. Given the growing evidence of the role of vitamin D in chronic disease, this study could help develop public health strategies for disease prevention in Qatar.

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 20-25
Author(s):  
Sewoon Yoon ◽  
Ohkyu Kwon ◽  
Jooyoung Kim

[Purpose] The aim of this review was to discuss the effects of vitamin D on physical performance and musculoskeletal injuries in athletes and provide information on the field applications of vitamin D. [Methods] A systematic review was conducted to identify studies on vitamin D in athletes that assessed serum vitamin D levels, vitamin D and physical performance, vitamin D and musculoskeletal injuries, and practical guidelines for supplementation of vitamin D. [Results] Several studies reported that a high proportion of athletes had vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. Low serum levels of vitamin D in athletes were more pronounced in winter than in other seasons, and indoor athletes had lower serum vitamin D levels than outdoor athletes. Low vitamin D levels have been demonstrated to have negative effects on muscle strength, power, and endurance; increase stress fractures and other musculoskeletal injuries; and affect acute muscle injuries and inflammation following high-intensity exercises. Therefore, periodic assessment and monitoring of vitamin D levels are necessary in athletes; the recommended serum level of 25(OH)D is > 32 ng/mL and the preferred level is > 40 ng/mL (-1). In those with low levels of vitamin D, exposure to sunlight and an improved diet or supplements may be helpful. Particularly, 2000–6000 IU of supplemental vitamin D3 can be consumed daily. [Conclusion] Vitamin D is a potential nutritional factor that can significantly affect physical performance and musculoskeletal injuries in athletes. The importance and role of vitamin D in athletes should be emphasized, and the current levels of vitamin D should be assessed. Therefore, it is essential to periodically evaluate and monitor serum vitamin D levels in athletes.


Breathe ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 206-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kostas Archontogeorgis ◽  
Evangelia Nena ◽  
Nikolaos Papanas ◽  
Paschalis Steiropoulos

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disorder of multifactorial pathogenesis and is associated with obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin with an important function in calcium absorption and homeostasis, which is also implicated in several nonskeletal conditions. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is increasing worldwide and is associated with similar metabolic disturbances to OSAS. Moreover, recent data suggest that in OSAS patients serum levels of vitamin D are lower compared with non-apnoeic subjects. However, the mechanisms linking vitamin D deficiency and OSAS are not completely understood and several hypotheses have been advanced. To date, a limited number of studies have assessed the association between lower serum concentrations of vitamin D and OSAS, and have reported inconsistent results. Similarly, contradictory results have been produced by studies which evaluated the effect of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on serum vitamin D levels. The aim of this review is to summarise current knowledge on the association between OSAS and vitamin D levels.Key pointsVitamin D insufficiency prevalence is increasing worldwide and presents with similar comorbidities and risk factors to OSAS.The nonskeletal actions of vitamin D may contribute to the development of OSAS through immune system modulation, myopathy and inflammation.Studies evaluating serum vitamin D concentrations in OSAS patients and the effect of CPAP treatment report contradictory results, often influenced by confounding factors, such as obesity.There appears to be potential for use of vitamin D supplementation in OSAS patients as a means of reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease, a comorbidity common in both conditions.Educational aimsTo assess the potential association between OSAS and serum levels of vitamin D.To discuss the pathogenetic mechanisms linking OSAS and vitamin D insufficiency.To illustrate the effect of CPAP treatment on vitamin D concentration in OSAS patients.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 520
Author(s):  
Sandeep Karanam ◽  
Soumya Reddy ◽  
Ramesh H.

Background: Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, affecting around 330 million individuals worldwide. Factors like genetic predisposition, early allergen exposure, diet and vitamin D status are all proposed to influence the development and severity of asthma. Epidemiologic data suggests that low serum vitamin D (<30 ng/mL) in children with asthma is associated with more symptoms and exacerbations. The objectives of this study were to determine serum levels of vitamin D in asthmatic children (6-15 years) and to establish a relation between serum vitamin D levels and asthma control.Methods: We conducted a cross sectional observational study. A total of 60 children with asthma were studied to know the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and asthma control, assessed according to Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines (GINA).Results: Only 33.33% of children had sufficient vitamin D levels. Mean±SD vitamin D level of study population was 23.38±8.75. 45% children had well controlled asthma, 28.3% were partly controlled and 26.7% were uncontrolled. Significant (p <0.001) inverse association was found between level of asthma control and vitamin D status. Significant positive correlation was found between percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity (P <0.01). Subjects with well controlled asthma had higher serum levels of 25 (OH) D than children with partially controlled or uncontrolled asthma.Conclusions: Hypovitaminosis D is frequent in children with asthma and is associated with exacerbations, decreased lung functions and severe disease.


2017 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yara Dadalti Fragoso ◽  
Tarso Adoni ◽  
Soniza Vieira Alves-Leon ◽  
Samira L. Apostolos-Pereira ◽  
Walter Oleschko Arruda ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: Vitamin D has taken center stage in research and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of the present study was to assess the serum vitamin D levels of a large population of patients with MS and controls living in a restricted tropical area. Methods: Data from 535 patients with MS and 350 control subjects were obtained from 14 cities around the Tropic of Capricorn. Results: The mean serum 25-OH vitamin D level was 26.07 ± 10.27 ng/mL for the control subjects, and 28.03 ± 12.19 ng/mL for patients with MS. No correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and the disability of patients over the disease duration. Conclusion: At least for the region around the Tropic of Capricorn, serum levels of vitamin D typically are within the range of 20 to 30 ng/mL for controls and patients with MS.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroto Minamino ◽  
Masao Katsushima ◽  
Mie Torii ◽  
Wataru Yamamoto ◽  
Yoshihito Fujita ◽  
...  

Abstract Sarcopenia is an age-related disease with an increased risk of mortality. It is emerging that low serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) affects the sarcopenic state in general, but in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), these associations are not understood although the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency is high in RA. We conducted a cross-sectional study of older female outpatients from our cohort (KURAMA) database. We measured skeletal muscle mass, handgrip strength, and gait-speed to diagnose severe sarcopenia. The serum 25(OH)D concentration was measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. A total of 156 Patients (sarcopenia:44.9%, severe sarcopenia: 29.5%, and without sarcopenia: 25.6%) were enrolled. Classification of vitamin D status at a cutoff point of median 25(OH)D concentration revealed that low 25(OH)D status was associated with a high prevalence of severe sarcopenia and with low measured values of muscle mass, handgrip, and gait-speed. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis identified that low 25(OH)D status was associated with a high prevalence of severe sarcopenia (OR 6.00; 95% CI 1.99–18.08). In components of sarcopenia, both low physical performance and muscle mass were associated with low 25(OH) status. In conclusion, vitamin D levels are associated with severe sarcopenia and its components, and modification of vitamin D status including vitamin D supplementation may play a role in improving sarcopenia in RA.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 3176
Author(s):  
Sharon M. Anderson ◽  
Andrea R. Thurman ◽  
Neelima Chandra ◽  
Suzanne S. Jackson ◽  
Susana Asin ◽  
...  

While vitamin D insufficiency is known to impact a multitude of health outcomes, including HIV-1, little is known about the role of vitamin D-mediated immune regulation in the female reproductive tract (FRT). We performed a pilot clinical study of 20 women with circulating 25(OH)D levels <62.5 nmol/L. Participants were randomized into either weekly or daily high-dose oral vitamin D supplementation groups. In addition to serum vitamin D levels, genital mucosal endpoints, including soluble mediators, immune cell populations, gene expression, and ex vivo HIV-1 infection, were assessed. While systemic vitamin D levels showed a significant increase following supplementation, these changes translated into modest effects on the cervicovaginal factors studied. Paradoxically, post-supplementation vitamin D levels were decreased in cervicovaginal fluids. Given the strong correlation between vitamin D status and HIV-1 infection and the widespread nature of vitamin D deficiency, further understanding of the role of vitamin D immunoregulation in the female reproductive tract is important.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-37
Author(s):  
Md Mahabubul Islam Majumder ◽  
Md Nazmul Hasan Chowdhury ◽  
Ashiqur Rahman Khan ◽  
Tarek Ahmed ◽  
Saleh Ahmed

Low serum vitamin D levels have been associated with various vascular diseases. Very little is known its association with acute stroke in Bangladeshi population. We therefore sought to assess whether low serum 25- hydroxyvitamin D, a marker of vitamin D status is associated with acute stroke. We performed a prospective study in Comilla Medical Collage, Comilla, from November 2016 to November 2017. All the patients diagnosed as acute ischemic stroke on the basis of CT scan or MRI of brain. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they were admitted with onset of symptoms within 24 hours. Estimation of 25(OH)D level was done at presentation. The patients were stratified by vitamin D status, >30 as vitamin D sufficient, vitamin D 20-20.9 as insufficient and finally vitamin D<20 as deficient. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that out of the desired 7 variables, smoking, hypertension and low serum vitamin D were found independent predictors for acute stroke with ORs being 1.44, 4.23 and 2.39 respectively. Vitamin D deficiency represents an important risk factor for acute stroke and it might play a causal role in the development adverse events associated with stroke.Medicine Today 2018 Vol.30(1): 34-37


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 755-766
Author(s):  
Ana Paula Pillatt ◽  
Rutiana Silva Patias ◽  
Evelise Moraes Berlezi ◽  
Rodolfo Herberto Schneider

Abstract Objective: to broaden knowledge about the factors associated with sarcopenia and frailty in elderly persons residing in the community. Method: an integrative systematic review based on the PRISMA recommendations was carried out, using articles published from 2012 to March 2017 in the PubMED, SciELO, Virtual Health Library, CINAHL and Springer electronic databases with the following descriptors: frail elderly, sarcopenia and etiology and their synonyms. The articles identified by the initial search strategy were independently assessed by two researchers, according to the eligibility criteria, and the articles selected were evaluated for methodological quality. Results: the results of this survey show that frailty may be associated with sarcopenia, low serum vitamin D levels, anemia, subclinical hyperthyroidism in men, while the greatest evolution in women was for osteoporosis. An association between sarcopenia and advanced age was also observed, with worsening quality of life, physical-functional capacity, nutritional status and comorbidities, as well as an increased risk of death in sarcopenic elderly persons. Conclusion: this systematic review showed that low serum levels of vitamin D are associated with frailty and factors that predispose this condition. It is therefore important to monitor the serum levels of this vitamin in the elderly population, and it is suggested that new studies are carried out related to supplements of this vitamin in frail elderly persons.


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