Vitamin D Status in a Rural Italian Population

Abstract

Vitamin D is known as an antirachitic factor, although it also plays a critical role in several nonskeletal diseases. In our study, we evaluated vitamin D status and sex, age and seasonal association in a general population cohort living in central Italy. Data from 1174 men and 2274 women aged 20–81 were analyzed, and stored serum samples were assayed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). Vitamin D was low in both sexes with values significantly lower in women than in men; furthermore, its deficiency was highly correlated with age. The younger men had just sufficient 25(OH)D levels (32.3 ng/mL ± 13.2), which decreased with increasing age. The younger women showed insufficient 25(OH)D levels (24.8 ng/mL ± 11.9) that, as with men, further decreased with increasing age. This study demonstrated that hypovitaminosis D may be a very frequent condition also in a rural central Italian area with remarkable solar irradiation throughout the year. Our data clearly indicated an evident seasonal trend: at the end of the winter, serum 25(OH)D levels of the examined cohort were below the official sufficient value for both adult sexes. Sufficient levels were just reached in summer for men and only at the end of summer for young women.

Vitamin D—The Iceberg in Endometriosis—Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Our third and fourth investigations were conducted in Italy, another country with a warm, Mediterranean environment that experiences an abundance of sunlight. According to a 2021 study by Morsilli et al, young women only acquire adequate vitamin D levels near the end of the summer, and hypovitaminosis D is a common problem in women, even in rural locations with more solar exposure [53]. In their research, 22% of women had insufficient serum levels, and 68.6% were vitamin D deficient.…”

“…In their research, 22% of women had insufficient serum levels, and 68.6% were vitamin D deficient. The examination was carried out using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, and the mean blood concentrations of 25(OH) vitamin D in women were 17.2 ± 10.0 ng/mL [53]. To eliminate seasonal fluctuation, the women who had been recruited in the Anastasi et al study were invited back in July to collect serum for 25(OH) vitamin D measurements [24].…”

Vitamin D Supply of Multivitamins Commercialized Online by Amazon in Western and Southern Europe: A Labeling Analysis

“…Studies recently conducted in Southern and Western Europe suggest that the prevalence of vitamin D < 50 nmol/L largely varies among countries [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ]. A study conducted in rural areas of Italy found that approximately half of the 3448 included subjects showed vitamin D levels < 50 nmol/L [ 30 ]. A study including ~7000 German adults found that 60% of participants had vitamin D levels < 50 nmol/L [ 31 ].…”