Vitamin D status of female UAE college students and associated risk factors

Abstract

Objective Vitamin D deficiency is now recognized as a pandemic with implications for bone health and chronic diseases. The study investigated the vitamin D status and risk factors of subnormal serum vitamin D levels in female college students. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirate. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured for the participating female undergraduate college students using a radioimmunoassay kit. All participants answered a questionnaire that included 30 questions, which covered among others the demographic information, dietary intake, sun exposure and autoimmune diseases. Subjects Undergraduate college female students (n, 480), aged 18–26 years. Results Overall, 47.92% had suboptimal serum vitamin D levels. Results indicated that vitamin D deficiency and other health problems are prevalent among female university students. Risk factors included: wearing hijab by 37.5% of the students that might have interfered with the penetration of UVB radiation into the skin, short time sun exposure, use of sunscreens and limited intake of foods rich in vitamin D. Conclusions Vitamin D deficiency is a problem in female college students due to lifestyle, and avoidance of sun exposure. Poor vitamin D status has been associated with increased risk for development of several autoimmune diseases, and other health conditions. This problem needs to be addressed, where prevention of future health consequences in this young group is still possible.