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[Characteristics of calcium-phosphorus metabolism and vitamin D allowance in the Far North]
Insights
Northern populations in Russia exhibit lower blood calcium and vitamin D levels, alongside elevated phosphorus. Dietary factors and insufficient sunlight exposure are key contributors to these significant health disparities.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Populations in Naryan-Mar and the Nenets national district face unique environmental and dietary conditions.
- Previous research indicates potential regional variations in mineral and vitamin D levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate calcium, phosphorus, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in the blood serum of individuals residing in the Russian Extreme North.
- To compare these levels with those in analogous populations from the middle zone of Russia.
Main Methods:
- Blood serum analysis of calcium, phosphorus, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D.
- Comparative study between northern (Naryan-Mar) and middle zone (Moscow, Kazan) populations.
- Inclusion of diverse age groups, from children (3-17 years) to adults, including parturients.
Main Results:
- Reduced blood serum calcium and elevated phosphorus were observed in the northern population compared to the middle zone groups.
- 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were approximately two times lower in the Extreme North residents (15-20 ng/ml) versus the middle zone (30-40 ng/ml).
- Seasonal variations noted, with more pronounced changes in winter and spring.
Conclusions:
- Dietary patterns in the North, characterized by low calcium and high phosphorus intake, contribute to observed mineral imbalances.
- Insufficient sunlight exposure (insufficient insulation) is a primary reason for lower vitamin D levels in the Arctic population.
- These findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional and public health interventions in the Extreme North.
Abstract:
Examination of children aged 3 to 17 years and adult population including parturients living in Naryan-Mar and northern settlements of the Nenets national district revealed the reduced calcium and elevated phosphorus concentrations in the blood serum of the examinees as compared with respective parameters in analogous population groups living in the middle zone of Russia (Moscow and Kazan). These changes, particularly marked in winter and spring, are determined by national and local features of the diet poor in calcium and containing excess amount of phosphorus. The concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood serum of the population living in the Extreme North was 2 times lower than that in the population of the middle zone, constituting 15-20 and 30-40 ng/ml, respectively. The reason for a lower vitamin D supply in the North is insufficient insulation.