Age, Sex, and Seasonal Variations in the Serum Vitamin D3 Levels in a Local Turkish Population

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to assess the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH)D] levels in patients who were seen at a physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinic while also taking into account the seasonal serum vitamin D (vit D) variation. Patients and methods:We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of the patients who attended a physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinic, and the serum 25-(OH)D levels in 440 subjects of varying ages and sexes in both the summer (n=177) and winter (n=263). Serum 25-(OH)D, parathyroid hormone, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, and phosphorus levels were recorded.Results: A large percentage of the adult Turkish population has insufficient levels of vit D during the winter and summer. Serum 25-(OH)D levels were significantly lower in the winter compared with the summer season (mean vit D: 13.9 µ/l and 19.7 µ/l, respectively; p≤0.001). The prevalence of 25-(OH)D deficiency was 94% in the winter and 85% in the summer. With respect to age or sex, there were no differences in the 25-(OH)D levels. Conclusion:Our results indicate that although Turkey is a Mediterranean country, the Turkish people should check have their levels of 25-(OH)D periodically checked, and if necessary, appropriate supplements should be given to prevent a secondary chronic disease due to vit D deficiency.

Evaluation of Vitamin D Levels in Chronic Telogen Effluvium Patients

“…Studies from our country and from the world have shown that vitamin D deficiency is common in both children and adults, especially in the winter months. 8,9 In previous studies this vitamin deficiency is reported in the dermatologic group of patients. There are also studies evaluating the effect of vitamin D on hair diseases.…”

“…Any condition that prevents ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from reaching to the human skin results in vitamin D deficiency. Seasons, using sun protective agents, wearing glass, leather protectors, traditional clothing style, nutrition, smoking habits, alcohol usage, body mass index, genetic predisposition, physical activity, aging, diet, medications used, obesity, ethnicity and latent zone affect the levels of vitamins D. 8,9 The main role of vitamin D until recent years was considered to regulate calcium and bone metabolism. However, vitamin D exerts many other important physiological effects, including immunoregulation and protection against UV radiation, infectious agents, oxidative stress, and cancer.…”

“…Skin is the tissue in which vitamin D is synthesized and activated by the effect of sunlight. and it is also the organ targeted as autocrine and paracrine functions of vitamin D. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Regulation of hormone secretion, immunological functions, cell proliferation and differentiation are important autocrine / paracrine functions of vitamin D. [10][11][12][13][14] Due to these effects, vitamin D have the potential to be used in clinical treatment for a number of diseases, including immune system diseases, skin diseases and cancer. 15 Vitamin D deficiency is a major public health problem that affects all ages, races and genders.…”

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency-insufficiency in medical faculty students

“…Turkey has been accepted as endemic for vitamin D deficiency (12). In a multicenter study involving Erzurum and Van located on 41° East and 39° North, immunoassay was performed to detect 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels and the findings were relatively low on December and January (4.7±2.6 ng/ml) (13). When the levels were evaluated in different seasons and cut off value was accepted a 20 ng/ml, the ratio of deficiency was increased to 86% in winter, which was 24% in summer respectively (13).…”

The Relationship Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Ocular Surface Clinical Parameters in Patients with Non-Sjögren Dry Eye

“…24 They told about the prevalence of 25-(OH)D deficiency was 94% in the winter and 85% in the summer. …”