Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and its metabolic associations in an urban setting in Sri Lanka: Data from Colombo Urban study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency is a commonly prevalent, but less attended problem in Asia. Vit D status has many metabolic associations. We designed this community-based study to describe the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and its metabolic associations in Sri Lankan population. METHODS: A representative sample aged 18 years and above was included. Demographic, anthropometric, and social details were recorded using a standard proforma. Blood analysis was done for vitamin D status, and other metabolic parameters. Prevalence was estimated using weighted age standardized calculations. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to study associations to vitamin D status. RESULTS: Cumulative community prevalence of Vit D deficiency and insufficiency was 90.2%. Prevalence was highest among young and females. Obese had significantly lower vitamin D levels. According to the linear regression, Moors showed a significantly lower Vit D levels compared to Sinhalese while Triglyceride levels showed an inverse association with Vit D levels. Dysglycaemia was not associated with Vit D deficiency. DISCUSSION: Very high prevalence of Vit D problem was anticipated on clinical grounds and this is comparable with regional data. High prevalence among young needs early attention to avoid future poor bone health outcomes. Moor ethnicity shows high rates due to many known factors. Obesity is an emerging health problem in the country and co existent Vit D deficiency would increase its burden. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency and other metabolic problems are highly prevalent in this population. Causative factors and consequences of this problem should be further researched to plan strategies to replete the Vit D and prevent this problem.