Vitamin D levels and relative insufficiency in Saskatchewan

Abstract Objective To determine the extent of vitamin D3 deficiency and levels in pregnant First Nations and non-First Nations women in SK. Also, to determine the distribution of vitamin D3 values in the general population in SK. Methods Vitamin D3 levels were measured by LC–MS/MS from 19,181 consecutive patient blood/serum samples received at the Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory, and from 743 First Nations, and 301 non-First Nations pregnant women in SK. Results The ages of the 19,181 patient samples ranged from day1 (0 years) to 102 years. Of the total, 14,658 were female, and 4523 were males. 30.8% had relative vitamin D3 insufficiency (50–75 nmol/L), and 22.5% were in the deficient range ( Conclusions First Nations pregnant women have lower vitamin D3 levels than non-First Nations pregnant women. This puts them and their unborn babies at high risk of a diverse range of disorders associated with vitamin D3 deficiency or insufficiency.