Abstract
Introduction: Many studies show a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency across various populations the world over. But in rural areas the statistical analysis for vitamin D deficiency is not same. The level of vitamin D depends on the diet and exposure to sunlight.
Aim: This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency and other related parameters in North- West Punjab population.
Materials and methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry at Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital, Banur. The study included 200 samples randomly selected from the population from age group 35-65 years. The samples were analyzed for the levels of vitamin D on Chemiluminesence and calcium, phosphorus, albumin, cholesterol levels on semi auto analyzer. The patients were divided into three groups depending on the levels of vitamin D. Group A individuals had sufficient levels of vitamin D (30-100 ng/dl), Group B included individuals having insufficient vitamin D levels (10-30 ng/ml ) and Group C included individuals having vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/dl), and results were compared.
Results and conclusion: Out of 200 patients selected randomly, only 17.5% had sufficient levels of vitamin D whereas 45% had insufficient levels of vitamin D and 37.5% were found to be vitamin D deficient. The results of vitamin D were found to be statistically significant with p value < 0.0001. Furthermore, cholesterol, phosphorus and calcium levels were also statistically significant (p <0.0001) in group C, whereas albumin levels were comparable in all the three groups. Thus, present study showed there is not much wide difference in vitamin D insufficient and deficient individuals. But difference can be seen between group A and B, C. The common reasons include their life style, taking vitamin D rich foods, and required skin exposure to sunshine.