A systematic review of vitamin D status in populations worldwide. Issue 1 (9th August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hilger, Jennifer; Friedel, Angelika; Herr, Raphael; Rausch, Tamara; Roos, Franz; Wahl, Denys A.; Pierroz, Dominique D.; Weber, Peter; Hoffmann, Kristina
• Is Part Of: British journal of nutrition. Volume 111:Issue 1(2014)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2013-08-09
• Subjects: Vitamin D, -- Populations, -- Public health; Nutrition -- Periodicals; 572.4
• DOI: 10.1017/S0007114513001840
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1145

Abstract

Abstract : Vitamin D deficiency is associated with osteoporosis and is thought to increase the risk of cancer and CVD. Despite these numerous potential health effects, data on vitamin D status at the population level and within key subgroups are limited. The aims of the present study were to examine patterns of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels worldwide and to assess differences by age, sex and region. In a systematic literature review using the Medline and EMBASE databases, we identified 195 studies conducted in forty-four countries involving more than 168 000 participants. Mean population-level 25(OH)D values varied considerably across the studies (range 4·9–136·2 nmol/l), with 37·3 % of the studies reporting mean values below 50 nmol/l. The highest 25(OH)D values were observed in North America. Although age-related differences were observed in the Asia/Pacific and Middle East/Africa regions, they were not observed elsewhere and sex-related differences were not observed in any region. Substantial heterogeneity between the studies precluded drawing conclusions on overall vitamin D status at the population level. Exploratory analyses, however, suggested that newborns and institutionalised elderly from several regions worldwide appeared to be at a generally higher risk of exhibiting lower 25(OH)D values. Substantial details on worldwide patterns of vitamin D status at the population level and within key subgroups are needed to inform public health policy development to reduce risk for potential health consequences of an inadequate vitamin D status.