Vitamin D deficiency was common in all patients at a Swedish primary care centre, but more so in patients born outside of Europe

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D is associated with extra-skeletal processes, and vitamin D deficiency might contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Aim: To investigate vitamin D levels in an unselected patient population at a Swedish suburban primary care centre. Methods: Vitamin D levels were assessed in 102 patients aged 20 to 65 years visiting the primary care centre, independent of cause of visit, during 2 weeks in January 2014. The difference in vitamin D levels between patients born in Europe and patients born outside Europe was calculated using linear regression, adjusting for gender and age. The difference in prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (< 25 nmol/l) was calculated using logistic regression adjusting for gender, age, vitamin D supplement, and sun exposure. Results: Patients born outside Europe (n = 66) had 15 nmol/l [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.17–20.84] lower levels of vitamin D than patients born in Europe. Vitamin D deficiency was more common in patients born outside Europe (50%) than in patients born in Europe (11%, odds ratio 8.20 95% CI 2.49–26.98, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Lower levels of vitamin D and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency were more common in patients born outside Europe compared to patients born in Europe.