Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among immigrants to South Dakota

Vitamin D deficiency is gaining increased attention nationally. Recent clinical cases suggest that this condition is a significant problem in local refugee populations. The Sioux Falls Health Department recently implemented a policy of screening and treating all new refugees as part of the new refugee examinations at Falls Community Health Center.

Data from this screening during the first nine months of 2009 were reviewed and analyzed for prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in this population. Results from a total of 157 individuals were included in this study.

Two percent of this population had initial calcidiol levels below the detection threshold. Six percent were severely deficient, defined as <15 ng/mL, and 58 percent were mildly deficient (15-32 ng/mL). Only 36 percent had levels above 32 ng/mL, considered adequate for bone health, with a mere 1 percent showing optimal levels of > 50 ng/mL.

Hypovitaminosis D represents a significant public health issue among recent immigrants in Minnehaha County, S.D., and warrants aggressive attention by both primary care and public health professionals.