Hypovitaminosis D and Its Associated Factors in North Algerian Postmenopausal Women: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract EN

Purpose.

As the vitamin D status of Algerian postmenopausal women was poorly described, this cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of low vitamin D status in a sample population.

Secondarily, predictive factors of this hypovitaminosis D were explored.

Methods.

All the 336 selected women ≥ 45 years from Douera were interviewed to get anthropometric and lifestyle data, reproductive and medical history, medications, and calcium/vitamin D intakes.

A blood sample was collected to measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations.

Results.

Approximately 86% of subjects had low vitamin D status (<20 ng/mL).

Mean 25(OH)D level was 14.4 ± 5.3 ng/mL with a clear seasonal dynamic and a significant negative correlation with PTH levels (r = −0.15, p=0.006).

A multiple regression analysis using the 25(OH)D cutoff value of 17 ng/mL instead of the generally admitted level of 20 ng/mL was performed to increase statistical power.

Other seasons than summer (OR 4.159 and 95% CI 2.456–7.043), obesity (≥30 kg/m2, OR 1.826, 95% CI 1.081–3.083), and veiling (OR 3.526, 95% CI 1.090–11.400) were significantly associated with 25(OH)D concentrations <17 ng/mL.

Conclusions.

In North Algeria, the abundant sunlight appears insufficient to fully offset hypovitaminosis D risk factors in postmenopausal women, especially obesity and veiling.

It suggests the major need to increase vitamin D supplementation in this subpopulation.