Vitamin D status among population of Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

The objectives of this study were to assess serum 25OHD level among healthy Saudi population of Qassim region, besides socio-demographic characters, dietary habits, sun exposure and common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency were also evaluated.

One hundred and eighty healthy males and females subjects above the age of 18 years were randomly selected from five primary health care centers of Qassim region. A predesigned structured questionnaire was administered by the doctor working in Primary Health Care Center and blood sample was obtained for measuring vitamin D (serum 25 OHD) level. Vitamin D sufficiency was defined as serum level of 25 OHD 30ng/ml or above. A level ranging 20 to 29 ng/ml was considered as vitamin D insufficiency, whereas below 20ng/ml as vitamin D deficiency.

Out of 180 study participants, 51(28.3%) subjects were vitamin D deficient, 71 (39.4%) were vitamin insufficient and 58 (32.2%) had normal vitamin D level. Commonest symptom of vitamin D deficiency was bone pain (20%) and fatigue (11.1%).

Vitamin D inadequacy is a major public health problem in Saudi population. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency among healthy Saudi population residing in Qassim region is 67.8%. If the issue is not urgently addressed it could lead to serious health consequences.