The impact of dietary intake and sun exposure on vitamin D deficiency among couples

Abstract EN

Background : The main sources of vitamin D are sun exposure and diet.

There is a gap in our knowledge about the contribution of these factors to vitamin D level among couples in Bahrain.

Objective : To determine vitamin D dietary intake and sun exposure and their impact on vitamin D level.

Design : Cross-sectional study.

Setting : Maternity hospitals.

Method : Data were collected using an adapted pre-validated food frequency questionnaire.

It was adjusted to reflect the local food items.

Vitamin D intake below 600 IU was considered low.

The level was assayed as 25 (OH) D using chemiluminescence method.

SPSS-20 was used for data analysis.

P value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Result : Three hundred and twenty five couples were included in the study.

The mean dietary intake of vitamin D was low, but not significantly different between men and women.

Vitamin D level was < 50 nmol / L in 209 (64.3 %) men and 292 (89.8 %) women.

The mean 25 (OH) D level in males (46.06 ± 12.97 nmol / L) was significantly higher than females (33.12 ± 13.48 nmol / L).

There was a significant association between dietary intake and 25 (OH) D levels in both men and women.

Sun exposure was also found to be significantly associated with 25 (OH) D level in males but not in females which is attributed to the use of veil.

Conclusion : Low vitamin D intake and inadequate sun exposure lead to hypovitaminosis D.

There is a need to increase awareness and mandate the fortification of milk, dairy products and to supplement veiled women and those at risk of deficiency with vitamin D.