Vitamin D deficiency in Ukraine: current evidence

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Public Health
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and insufficiency (VDI) are prevalent globally, varying by demographics and environmental factors.
• Previous Ukrainian studies highlighted significant VDD/VDI rates within the population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess vitamin D status in the Ukrainian population between 2016-2022.
• To analyze vitamin D levels based on age, sex, season, and year.
• To compare current findings with historical Ukrainian epidemiological data.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study involving 7,418 participants aged 20-99 years.
• Serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured using electrochemiluminescence.
• Data were analyzed considering age, sex, month, season, and year of observation.

Main Results:

• The mean serum 25(OH)D level was 31.0 ng/mL, with the lowest levels in the 90-99 age group.
• 41.6% had optimal vitamin D levels, while 27.3% had VDI and 19.5% had VDD.
• Serum 25(OH)D levels increased from 2016 to 2022, peaking in 2020-2022, with highest levels in autumn and lowest in spring.

Conclusions:

• VDD and VDI rates declined in Ukraine during 2020-2022 compared to earlier periods.
• This improvement may stem from increased public awareness and vitamin D supplementation, potentially accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Age and seasonal patterns in vitamin D levels persist, consistent with previous observations.