Vitamin D Deficiency and Insufficiency in Northeast Tennessee

Background: The role of vitamin D in population subgroups throughout the world continues to be a topic of interest among researchers. Current evidence demonstrates that treating vitamin D deficiency plays a significant role in improving mortality in hospitalized patients, reducing hospital length of stay, and boosting innate immune system. Vitamin D levels vary with age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and geographical area. The purpose of this study is to evaluate vitamin D levels in a cohort of patients in Northeast Tennessee. Study: This institutional review board-approved, retrospective study evaluated vitamin D levels of patients obtained from Mcleod Cancer and Blood Center. Vitamin D levels were collected over a 2-year period and classified as deficient (30 ng/mL). Data were then stratified based on patient characteristics (age, gender, body mass index (BMI), race, seasons, and place of residence) and compounds of vitamin D (D2 and D3). Results: There were 2011 individuals included, with only 44.3% having replete levels and 21.4% with levels less than 20 ng/mL. Females with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to have levels below 20 ng/ml compared to males (18.6% vs. 23%, respectively, p = 0.003). Regarding BMI, the highest levels were reported in normal weight and overweight. With regards to age, advanced age (≥70) was associated with the highest levels and most replete patients. Winter months were associated with the lowest levels of vitamin D. Higher vitamin D levels were found in individuals over 70 years, normal weight and overweight category. Conclusion: Testing vitamin D levels in high-risk groups becomes of utmost importance in areas with longer winter months, obese and underweight patients. Vitamin D levels should be routinely tested and treated in vulnerable populations.