Relationship Between Vitamin D and Nutritional Status in Healthy Reproductive Age Women

Recently a variety of studies reported high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in adult individuals in different countries and several previously published studies have linked obesity to a poorer vitamin D status, in which serum 25-OHD levels are inversely correlated with body fat. The aim of the present study was to evaluate prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its relationship with nutritional status among women of reproductive age in the city of Tabriz. Material and Methods: This was a cross-section study conducted on 252 reproductive, 15-49 yearold women of the city of Tabriz, randomly selected from among the general population. From each subject 5 mL vein blood was obtained and serum levels of calcium, phosphor, alkaline phosphatase, and vitamin D were measured Levels of <5 ng/mL were considered as severe deficiency, 5-9.90 ng/mL as moderate, and 10-20 ng/mL as mild. A demographic questionnaire was completed; weight and height was measured using seca scale and cotton ruler. Body mass index was calculated based on weight and height. Vitamin D was measured by radioimmunoassay. Results: The results indicated that vitamin D deficiency in women was as follows: severe vitamin D deficiency 15.1%, moderate deficiency 15.5%, and mild deficiency 33.7%. Of these women 3.7% were underweight and 59.8% had different stage of obesity. Only 37.5% had BMI within normal range. There was a significant correlation between serum levels of vitamin D and weight and age (r = 0.16, p=0.01 and r =0.19, p=0.003). There was no significant association between BMI and serum vitamin D level. Conclusion: Based on this study, it is speculated that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in the women of Tabriz. No relationship was found between vitamin D and nutritional status. Therefore, interventions such as education and sun exposure are recommended for the health promotion of these women.