Assessment of plasma level of 25(OH)D and its correlation with cardiorespiratory fitness in young females of Dammam City, KSA

Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is a growing health problem worldwide. This vitamin is considered a risk factor for metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and diabetes. The current study aimed to estimate vitamin D deficiency incidence in young Saudi females in Dammam City and to examine the possible correlation between vitamin D level and cardiorespiratory fitness. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 87 young Saudi females were recruited with mean age = 20.78 +/- 2.37 years. Each participant signed a written informed consent and performed a treadmill exercise stress test. Blood analysis for 25(OH)D was performed on all participants. None of the participants was taking a vitamin D supplement, and they were not suffering from endocrine diseases, diabetes or any contraindications for the exercise stress test. Results: As much as 92% of the recruited sample demonstrated vitamin D deficiency with mean value = 15.19 +/- 7.19 ng/ml. Cardiorespiratory fitness was represented by VO2 peak with a mean value of 30.67 +/- 8.72 ml/kg/min. A positive significant correlation was demonstrated between 25(OH)D/body weight and VO2 peak. Conclusions: The current study showed a magnificent and persistent health threat to the young Saudi female population of Dammam, as demonstrated by the high incidence of vitamin D deficiency. This study also demonstrated a positive correlation between vitamin D/body weight with cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 peak) in the studied group. This crucial finding could be used in designing an optimal national strategic plan focusing on the female population.