The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency
Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency
The first nationally representative study of prevalence of vitamin D deficiency based on serum 25(OH)D data for Irish adults (n=1500) showed that 40.1% of Irish adults had year-round serum concentrations <50nmol/L. The prevalence rose to 55.0% in the winter months1*†‡
* There was a significant difference between winter and summer for all age and sex categories (P<0·01). † There were no significant differences between males and females (P>0·1 in all cases; unpaired t test).
- The study showed that 17.5% of Irish adults are using vitamin D supplements1
- Vitamin D supplement use was associated with a higher mean serum 25(OH)D level in winter (15.7nmol/L) and to a lesser degree in summer (6.8nmol/L)1
* Mean values were significantly different from no supplement use within same season (P<0·05; unpaired t test). † Mean values were significantly different from no supplement use in winter (P<0·001; unpaired t test). ‡ Mean values were significantly different from supplement use in winter (P<0·05; unpaired t test); there was no significant difference between summer and winter for supplement users (P>0·1 in all cases).
References
- Cashman K et al. Vitamin D status of Irish adults: findings from the National Adult Nutrition Survey. British Journal of Nutrition (2013), 109, 1248-1256.
Adult groups at risk of Vitamin D deficiency
The following adult groups are at risk of vitamin D deficiency: 5
- older people, aged 65 years and over 5
- people who have low or no exposure to the sun, for example those who cover their skin for cultural reasons, who are housebound or who are confined indoors for long periods 5
- Institutionalized or hospitalized individuals 1-4
- people who have darker skin, for example people of African, African-Caribbean or South Asian
origin, because their bodies are not able to make as much vitamin D. 5 - Obese individuals 1-4
- Patients being evaluated for osteoporosis
- Those recently treated for vitamin D deficiency and requiring maintenance therapy.
- Use of certain concomitant medications (e.g., anticonvulsant medications, glucocorticoids)
- Patients with malabsorption, including inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, crohn’s disease and cystic fibrosis 1-5
- Chronic disease that may increase risk of vitamin D deficiency: • chronic renal disease, chronic liver disease 5
References
- Consilient Health Ltd, Altavita® D3 1,000 IU soft capsules, SPC – available on medicines.ie
- Consilient Health Ltd, Altavita® D3 7,000 IU soft capsules, SPC – available on medicines.ie
- Consilient Health Ltd, Altavita® D3 25,000 IU soft capsules, SPC – available on medicines.ie
- Consilient Health Ltd, Altavita® D3 25,000 IU oral solution, SPC – available on medicines.ie
- The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS). Vitamin D and Bone Health: A Practical Clinical Guideline for Patient Management. December 2018. V2.
The information on this website is intended for Republic of Ireland residents only
IE-CH-1353 Date of Preparation August 2023
