Africa is heterogeneous in latitude, geography, climate, food availability, religious and cultural practices, and skin pigmentation. It is expected, therefore, that prevalence of vitamin D deficiency varies widely, in line with influences on skin exposure to UVB sunshine. Furthermore, low calcium intakes and heavy burden of infectious disease common in many countries may increase vitamin D utilization and turnover. Studies of plasma 25OHD concentration indicate a spectrum from clinical deficiency to values at the high end of the physiological range; however, data are limited. Representative studies of status in different countries, using comparable analytical techniques, and of relationships between vitamin D status and risk of infectious and chronic diseases relevant to the African context are needed. Public health measures to secure vitamin D adequacy cannot encompass the whole continent and need to be developed locally. © Humana Press Inc. 2009.
CITATION STYLE
Prentice, A., Schoenmakers, I., Jones, K. S., Jarjou, L. M. A., & Goldberg, G. R. (2009). Vitamin D deficiency and its health consequences in Africa. Clinical Reviews in Bone and Mineral Metabolism, 7(1), 94–106. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12018-009-9038-6
Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.