Author/Authors :
Elsammak, M.Y. King Fahd Hospital - Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Al-Wossaibi, A.A. King Fahd Hospital - Department of Endocrinology, Saudi Arabia , Al-Howeish, A. King Fahd University Hospital - Department of Internal Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Alsaeed, J. King Fahd Hospital - Department of Endocrinology, Saudi Arabia
Abstract :
This study evaluated the vitamin D status of a cohort of healthy young Saudi Arabians in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. A sample of 139 blood donors (87 males and 52 females) answered a questionnaire about their clinical history, including intake of vitamin D supplements and calcium-rich foods and exposure to sunshine. Blood samples were taken for routine biochemistry, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)3] and plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Serum 25(OH)D levels did not differ significantly between males and females, although the levels were low [10.1 (SD 4.6) ng/mL and 9.9 (SD 4.5) ng/mL respectively]. When subjects with elevated PTH levels were excluded, serum 25(OH)3 levels were still in the deficiency range. There was a high prevalence of a vitamin D deficiency in this sample of Saudi Arabians despite 65% of participants having adequate exposure to sunlight and 90% reporting adequate intake of dairy products.
