Vitamin D Deficiency, Metabolism and Routine Measurement of its Metabolites [25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3]

Abstract

Studies around the world, irrespective of latitude, show that the majority of the world's population has insufficient vitamin D status. Vitamin D deficiency is common in the middle east where sun shines round the year. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to many serious diseases such as rickets, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, CVD, tuberculosis, diabetes, certain cancers, cognitive decline, depression, pregnancy complications, autoimmunity, allergy, and even frailty. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D is significantly high among population of UAE, Saudi Arabia and many middle eastern countries, especially among women, despite abundant sunshine. It is clear that sufficient levels of serum 25(OH)D are essential for optimizing human health. There is a growing consensus that the optimal range for 25(OH)D values lies above 30 to 32 ng/mL (75-80 nmol/L) for most populations, and it seems prudent that persons at high risk of vitamin D deficiency and/or insufficiency have their serum 25(OH)D assessed. An effective strategy to prevent vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is to obtain some sensible sun exposure, ingest foods that contain vitamin D, and take vitamin D supplement.