Levels of 25-OH Vitamin D in Healthy Asymptomatic Adults: Pilot Study

Background: The deficiency of Vitamin-D has been reported in all age groups in developing countries; in spite of adequate sun light required for the production of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Objectives: To determine the levels of vitamin D among healthy asymptomatic adults. Study type & settings: Hospital based analytical study, conducted at Sheikh Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore. Subjects and Methods: Healthy subjects between 40–60 years, who were either the staff of the hospital or attendants of the patients were included. Those who were taking vitamin supplement, using sun screen and lactating mothers were excluded. A proforma including the demographic information, exposure to sun, diet intake and BMI was recorded for all subjects. 5cc of blood was taken from all, serum separated, stored at -20oC. 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were done within 48 hours using ELISA method. A value between 75-250 nmol/L was taken as normal using international sta ndards. Results: Eighty healthy adults were enrolled whose mean age was 47.2±6.3 years. The levels of vitamin D ranged between 13.177.5 nmol/L. Levels were deficient in 25% subjects and insufficient in 73.7% giving an overall low level in 98.7% of the respondents. Only 1.3% had sufficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. The levels did not show any significant difference between genders, skin pigment or dietary intake. The levels for the 56-60 yrs age group were significantly higher when compared with those in the age groups of 40-45 yrs and 46-50 yrs (p 30 had significantly lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels than those who had BMI between 18-25 (p<0.036). Conclusions: Low levels of vitamin D were found in 98% of the apparently healthy population.