Vitamin D deficiency, the urban epidemic: a cross-sectional study from Bhopal, India

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin involved in the regulation of calcium homeostasis and bone health. Vitamin D deficiency results in abnormalities in calcium, phosphorous, and bone metabolism. We undertook a study in our part of the country to register the incidence of the deficiency in our community, and compared Urban and Rural communities to understand the cause of the deficiency.Methods: This retrospective non-randomised cross-sectional study was carried out on asymptomatic patients undergoing blood tests due to various causes. 257 individuals consented to be part of the study and were divided into Urban (n=143) and Rural (n=114) groups. Incidence of Vitamin D deficiency, and various socio-behavioural parameters were compared.Results: The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency was 91.6% in the Urban population and 66.5% in the rural population, which is statistically significant (p<0.00001). This was observed despite the urban group having statistically better nutritional status and lower tobacco consumption.Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread condition in community. Clinically diagnosed cases represent only the tip of the iceberg. This silent epidemic needs to be addressed with due attention and strong action.