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

Retrospective Analysis of Vitamin D Deficiency in an Adult Population of Arad County, Western Romania (2019-2022)

Vitamin D, a steroid hormone synthesized primarily in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet light, is widely deficient across global populations. This study aimed to fill the data gap in Western Romania by measuring 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels in a cohort of 7141 from Arad County. It was observed that women, younger adults (18-29 years), and older adults (70-79 years) had notably lower vitamin D levels compared to the average population. Additionally, there was a rise in vitamin D levels over the four-year span of 2018-2022, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our research provides fresh data on those most susceptible to vitamin D deficiency and lays the groundwork for educational campaigns on vitamin D supplementation benefits.

Geographic location and ethnicity comprehensively influenced vitamin D status in college students: a cross-section study from China

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D plays an important role in the health of adolescents, whereas vitamin D status of Chinese college students was seldom studied in China. To explore the vitamin D status and its relationship with ethnicity and geographic location in Chinese college students.

METHODS

The freshmen were taken a physical examination by trained medical personnel after they reported to university. Demographic information including age, gender, ethnicity, region of original residence was collected using a questionnaire survey. Serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations were measured using a liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer. Multiple regression analyses were used to explore the factors that influence serum 25(OH)D3 levels.

RESULTS

Totally 3220 freshmen who came from 26 provinces, autonomous districts or municipalities were recruited, with a mean age of 18.75 ± 1.18 years and 70.2% of them were female. The mean serum 25(OH)D3 levels were 18.51 ± 6.54 ng/mL, and the proportion of vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) and insufficiency (20 ~  < 30 ng/mL) was 64.4% and 30.2%, respectively. The combined proportion of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was increased with the latitude increased. Miao had the highest serum 25(OH)D3 levels, whereas Kazak ethnic had the lowest (22.51 ng/mL vs. 13.94 ng/mL) among different ethnic groups. Female students, students from city, Uighur and Kazak ethnic, residing in high latitude was significantly associated with lower serum 25(OH)D3 levels (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D deficiency is an important health problem in Chinese college students. Sunlight activities, dietary and life-style intervention for college students according to geographic location and ethnicities should be considered.

The development of non-scarring alopecia in women who wear the hijab

Little is known about hair loss associated with wearing the hijab, a religious head covering worn by Muslim women. We performed a single-center analysis to investigate the association between various forms of non-scarring alopecia and wearing the hijab. This study included 125 patients who wore the hijab and 40 race/ethnicity-matched women who did not wear the hijab. Among the 165 total patients diagnosed between January 2015 and March 2022, 71 had telogen effluvium, 78 had female pattern hair loss, and 16 had traction alopecia. We found patients who wore the hijab had a younger mean age of alopecia onset than patients who did not wear the hijab (31.5 vs. 37.3 years; P = 0.02). Our study suggests that vitamin D deficiency (OR 4.1; 95% CI 1.2-14.1; P = 0.02) and seborrheic dermatitis (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.1-8.1; P = 0.03) may significantly impact the development of telogen effluvium in patients who wear the hijab. Targeting these risk factors among patients who wear the hijab may be considered to prevent hair loss.

Association between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations and Academic Performance among Adolescent Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study

The level of association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels and students' academic performance has not yet been established. The current study aimed to investigate the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and academic performance among schoolchildren in Sudan. A cross-sectional study was conducted among schoolchildren during the 2021/2022 academic year from four randomly selected schools in Almatamah, River Nile State, northern Sudan. Sociodemographic data were collected using a questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were performed in accordance with standard procedures. Academic performance was obtained from school records. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured, and regression (multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic) analyses were performed. A total of 241 participants were enrolled in this study, of whom 129 (53.5%) were female. The mean standard deviation (SD) of the participants' ages was 15 ± 1.6 years. In multiple linear regression tests, being female, age, employment, and serum 25(OH)D level were positively associated with academic performance. The average overall academic score was 33.74%. Of the 241 participants, 95 (39.4%) and 149 (61.6%) had good and poor academic performances, respectively. In multivariable logistic regressions, age and 25(OH)D level were inversely associated with poor academic performance and vitamin D deficiency was associated with poor performance. The current study revealed a positive association between 25(OH)D levels and adolescents' academic performance. Effective interventional programs are needed to maintain sufficient vitamin D levels during childhood and adolescence and, as a consequence, to improve academic performance.

Diet, physical activity, and UV protection comprehensively influenced vitamin D status in college students: a cross-section study from China

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most prevalent health problems worldwide in all age groups, whereas vitamin D status of Chinese college students was seldom studied in China. The purpose of this study was to explore the vitamin D status in Chinese college freshmen and its influencing factors, providing evidence for nutrition strategy application.

METHODS

Information including demographic status, diet habit, physical activity, and ultraviolet ray (UV) protection was collected by online questionnaire. Serum 25(OH)D₃ concentrations were measured using a liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to explore the comprehensive influence of diet, physical activity and UV protection on serum 25(OH)D₃ levels.

RESULTS

Totally 1667 freshmen from 26 provinces, autonomous districts or municipalities, were recruited, with a mean age of 18.6 ± 0.9 years. The mean serum 25(OH)D₃ levels were 18.1 ± 6.3 ng/mL and the proportion of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was 67.5% and 27.8%, respectively. Multivariate linear regression indicated that higher intake of milk and yogurt, calcium or vitamin D supplementation, and longer time of outdoor activity were positively linked to higher serum 25(OH)D₃, while higher intake of candy and higher UV protection index were negatively associated with serum 25(OH)D₃, after adjusted for age, gender, region of original residence, latitudes, longitude and BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D deficiency is very common in Chinese college students. Milk and yogurt intake and outdoor activity should be encouraged while candy intake should be limited for preventing vitamin D deficiency. Public health policies should focus on these changeable lifestyles and consider well-balanced guidelines on UV protection and vitamin D supplementation.

Knowledge about Vitamin D among Women in the United Arab Emirates

Vitamin D deficiency is a significant public health issue as it affects almost 90% of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) population. A bigger portion of this percentage is women due to the physiological changes throughout their life cycle. This study aims to assess the knowledge about vitamin D among women in the UAE. This is a quantitative cross-sectional study. Using snowball sampling, an electronic questionnaire was sent to women aged 18 years and above. Overall, 1537 women completed the questionnaire. The participants had mean scores of 49.4 ± 10.7 and 59.6 ± 14.6 for general and nutritional knowledge, respectively. Factors associated with higher scores included older age, marriage, higher educational level, and having tested their vitamin D levels. Factors associated with lower scores included the history of a chronic illness and being employed. Findings indicate that women in this study showed a low level of vitamin D knowledge specifically regarding the non-skeletal benefits of vitamin D and factors that affect vitamin D synthesis. Therefore, health education and promotion programs must be implemented across the UAE to improve overall awareness about vitamin D.

Associations between Dietary Intake of Vitamin D, Sun Exposure, and Generalized Anxiety among College Women

Vitamin D insufficiency impacts about half of the population worldwide. Almost one billion individuals across all ages and ethnicities suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Hypovitaminosis D is mainly related to lifestyle choices and habits, such as outdoor activities and food intake. Several studies have demonstrated a correlation between vitamin D status and anxiety symptoms. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between anxiety and factors including age, vitamin D deficiency, citizens, dietary and supplementary vitamin D intake, along with sun exposure, among a sample of female college students in the United Arab Emirates. A descriptive questionnaire, including a short version of the generalized anxiety disorder scale, food frequency questionnaire, and sun avoidance inventory, was used to assess the relationship between the dietary intake of vitamin D-rich foods and supplements, along with sun avoidance/exposure and generalized anxiety, among a total of 386 female participants aged 18 and above. The findings showed clear evidence that sun avoidance behaviors are strongly associated with an elevated risk of generalized anxiety disorder among adult females in the United Arab Emirates.

Factors influencing the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in the United Arab Emirates

Statistics indicate that at least 20-25% of women suffer from PCOS in the Gulf region. Despite its prevalence and negative implications on reproductive, metabolic, and physiological heath the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, in part due to the diversity of symptoms manifested by this disorder. In this review, we investigate causes of PCOS globally and draw on these studies, to determine the potential contributing factors for PCOS pathogenesis in the UAE population. The most frequently identified factors promoting PCOS pathogenesis that may be pertinent to this population include physiological factors such as insulin resistance, vitamin D deficiency, genetic factors, obesity, and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in the body as well as environmental factors such as air pollution, endocrine disrupting chemicals, and pesticide use. This evidence will help inform healthcare workers and government agencies to set up optimal guidelines for control and awareness of PCOS in the UAE.

Associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, body mass index and body fat composition among Emirati population: Results from the UAE healthy future study

INTRODUCTION

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are highly prevalent among several populations across the globe. Numerous studies have shown a significant correlation between body-mass-index (BMI) and Vitamin D status, however, some results differed according to ethnicity. Despite the abundance of sunshine throughout the year, vitamin D deficiency is prominent in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this study, we analyzed the UAE Healthy Future Study (UAEHFS) pilot data to investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and % body fat (BF) composition as well as BMI.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data from a total of 399 Emirati men and women aged ≥ 18 years were analyzed. Serum 25(OH)D and standard measures of weight and height were included in the analyses. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25(OH)D concentration<20 ng/ml. Multivariate quantile regression models were performed to explore the relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and % BF composition and BMI correspondingly.

RESULTS

There were 281 (70.4%) males and 118 (29.6%) females included in this study. More than half of the study participants had vitamin D insufficiency (52.4%), and nearly a third had vitamin D deficiency (30.3%); while only 17.3% had optimal levels. A statistically significant negative association between serum 25(OH) D levels and % BF composition was observed at intermediate percentiles while a statistically significant negative association between serum 25(OH)D and BMI was only observed at the median (50th percentile).

CONCLUSION

The study findings support the association between low serum 25(OH) D levels (low vitamin D status) and high % BF composition and high BMI among adult Emiratis. Further longitudinal data from the prospective UAEHFS could better elucidate the relationship between serum 25(OH) D levels, % BF composition, and BMI in the context of various health outcomes among this population.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Insufficiency Among University Students: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and the Association Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Episodes of Respiratory Tract Infections

Background

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and insufficiency (VDI) is a public health problem worldwide. Low blood levels of vitamin D have been associated with many illnesses, including respiratory tract infections (RTIs). This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of VDD and VDI among university students, assess the correlation with demographic and anthropometric factors, and determine the effect of VDD on the respiratory tract infection (RTI) incidence.

Methods

A cross-sectional and prospective design was used. Our sample consisted of 287 students aged 18–24 years from the University of Sharjah-UAE. Participants were tested for serum 25(hydroxyvitamin)D levels, Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and the survey was completed. The association between VDD, VDI with the participant’s characteristics, and the incidents of RTIs were examined.

Results

VDD and VDI were highly prevalent among 85% of the students. The median serum 25(OH) D level was 15.8 ng/dl (19.5±11.6). The mean BMI was (24.32±6.3) kg/m. The results showed a significant positive correlation between VDI and VDD with gender and students who were previously diagnosed with VDD (P < 0.05); however, they were not statistically significant (P < 0.05) with other factors. The tonsillitis incidents were significantly associated with VDD (P = 0.027), while no significant correlation with other incidences of RTIs was found.

Conclusion

VDD and VDI represent a significant problem across the university students specifically with the female gender. VDD is associated with tonsillitis infection incidence. Both the health and higher education authorities’ attention is needed, exploring the causes of VDD and VDI, regular 25(OH)D serum level examination, and educational programs on VDD risks are required.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation in a Deficient Population

In addition to its canonical functions, vitamin D has been proposed to be an important mediator of the immune system. Despite ample sunshine, vitamin D deficiency is prevalent (>80%) in the Middle East, resulting in a high rate of supplementation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the specific regimen prescribed and the potential factors affecting an individual's response to vitamin D supplementation are not well characterized. Our objective is to describe the changes in the blood transcriptome and explore the potential mechanisms associated with vitamin D3 supplementation in one hundred vitamin D-deficient women who were given a weekly oral dose (50,000 IU) of vitamin D3 for three months. A high-throughput targeted PCR, composed of 264 genes representing the important blood transcriptomic fingerprints of health and disease states, was performed on pre and post-supplementation blood samples to profile the molecular response to vitamin D3. We identified 54 differentially expressed genes that were strongly modulated by vitamin D3 supplementation. Network analyses showed significant changes in the immune-related pathways such as TLR4/CD14 and IFN receptors, and catabolic processes related to NF-kB, which were subsequently confirmed by gene ontology enrichment analyses. We proposed a model for vitamin D3 response based on the expression changes of molecules involved in the receptor-mediated intra-cellular signaling pathways and the ensuing predicted effects on cytokine production. Overall, vitamin D3 has a strong effect on the immune system, G-coupled protein receptor signaling, and the ubiquitin system. We highlighted the major molecular changes and biological processes induced by vitamin D3, which will help to further investigate the effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplementation among individuals in the Middle East as well as other regions.

Vitamin D Metabolic Profiles in Premenopausal Women Wearing Niqab and Hijab in Sunny Basrah

Background Conservative clothing like niqab and hijab may affect the wearer's vitamin D metabolic parameters even in predominantly sunny areas of the world (i.e., areas with adequate sunlight exposure throughout the year). Our objective was to evaluate the effect of wearing the niqab or hijab on different vitamin D3 metabolic parameters in a sample of premenopausal women from Basrah. Methodology This was a cross-sectional observational study on premenopausal women who wore a niqab (n = 64), with a comparable age-matched group of women who wore the hijab (n = 60). Biochemical evaluation of the vitamin D3 metabolic profile involved 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH)-vitamin D, corrected serum calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase estimation. Statistical comparison of these parameters was made using the independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney-U test. Results The two groups of women were age- and weight-matched, with a median age of 39 and median body mass index (BMI) of 31.8 kg/m2. Overall, age, marital status, and BMI of women in both groups had no significant relationship with the vitamin D3 metabolic parameters (low 25-OH-vitamin D, low corrected calcium, and high PTH). The subgroup analysis for women wearing the niqab showed the same results. Conclusions Wearing niqab or hijab in premenopausal women was not associated with any significant statistical relationship or difference in vitamin D3 metabolic parameters. Conservative dress styles like niqab and hijab are practical barriers to sun exposure and contribute to suboptimal vitamin D levels, affecting subsequent metabolic pathways. Healthcare professionals should advise women who wear niqab or hijab to increase their vitamin D3 levels through culturally appropriate alternative mechanisms.

Hidden Hunger of Vitamin E among Healthy College Students: A Cross- Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

College students may have a risk of fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies due to unhealthy dietary habits, especially for vitamin A and E. They are important members of the human antioxidant network; deficiencies of these vitamins may increase the risk of many critical diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The current study was undertaken to determine the status of vitamin A and E in college students.

METHODS

Healthy college students were recruited, and fasting blood samples of them were collected and used for determining serum levels of retinol and α-tocopherol by the HPLC method.

RESULTS

We found that there was no vitamin A deficiency in college students. However, vitamin E deficiency existed in 34.5% of college students, especially in males. All the students had no vitamin E adequacy. In addition, our findings showed that BMI was inversely associated with serum α-- tocopherol, but not serum retinol.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that vitamin E deficiency in college students should be given more attention, and it is necessary to consider using vitamin E supplements.

Evaluation of Self-Assessed State of Health and Vitamin D Knowledge in Emirati and International Female Students in United Arab Emirates (UAE)

INTRODUCTION

Globally, vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies, affecting nearly half the world's population. The objective of this survey was to assess and compare the knowledge about vitamin D and the perceived state of health in Emirati and international tourist female students in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study that took place in universities in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This survey consisted of 17 multiple choice questions and was adapted from a study recently conducted in Poland. The first part of the survey assessed levels of supplementation, diet and UV exposure. Another section evaluated the participants' self-assessed state of health in terms of vitamin D testing, symptoms related to vitamin D deficiency and general welbeing. The collected data were statistically analyzed using SPSS statistics for windows version 26.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, United States). Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

105 respondents were Emiratis and 65 were international students. The average age was 21, with an average BMI 23.3 kg/m2. Almost one-third of each group reported using Vitamin D supplements once weekly. The vast majority of both groups reported rarely getting tanned. Almost all participants in both groups reported regular consumption of Vitamin D rich foods. In both groups, more than half reported consuming milk and cheese regularly and up to one-third reported consuming fish in a regular manner. Although more than half of the students rated their health as good; more than two-thirds reported experiencing muscle pain; only half reported having their blood Vitamin D levels measured once; half reported experiencing problems with concentration and more than three-quarters reported experiencing bad mood in the past month. The prevalence of these symptoms was almost similar across different categories of vitamin D supplementation, tanning habits, dietary intake, or nationality. No statistically significant differences were noted between the Emirati and International tourist students regarding any of the studied variables.

CONCLUSION

Notably, more Emirati students were aware of the association between vitamin D and osteoporosis than International tourist students (40% vs. 21.9%, respectively; p < 0.05). On the other hand, both groups had lower knowledge about the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and depression, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Hypertension, and the optimal vitamin D level; however, no statistically significant differences were noted regarding this knowledge of Emiratis and international students.

Optimizing ultraviolet B radiation exposure to prevent vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women in the tropical zone: report from cohort study on vitamin D status and its impact during pregnancy in Indonesia

Background

Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy carries potential threat to fetal well being. Natural conversion of vitamin D in the skin can be facilitated by direct ultra violet B (UVB) radiation, but the effect is reduced by wearing umbrellas, clothes, or sunblock cream. Muslim women wear hijab that allows only face and hands to be seen. With increasing proportion of muslim women wearing hijab and the lack of vitamin D fortification and fish consumption in Indonesia, it poses a problem for vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women. This study aimed at finding the best timing of UVB exposure and the duration of exposure which can be suggested to prevent vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women, for those wearing hijab or not.

Methods

This study recruited 304 pregnant women in the first trimester, 75–76 women from 4 cities of the most populated province, West Java, Indonesia which represented 70–80% percent of pregnancy per year. A 3-day notes on duration, time and type of outdoor activity and the clothing wore by the women were collected. UVB intensity radiation were obtained. Calculation on body surface area exposed to direct UVB radiation and UVB radiation intensity were done. Measurement of vitamin D level in sera were done on the same week.

Results

The median of maternal sera vitamin D level was 13.6 ng/mL and the mean exposed area was around 0.48 m2 or 18.59% of total body surface area. Radiation intensity reached its peak around 10.00 and 13.00, but the mean duration of exposure to UVB during this window was lower than expected. Significant correlation was found between maternal sera vitamin D level and exposed body surface area (r = 0.36, p < 0.002) or percentage of exposed body surface (r = 0.39, p < 0.001) and radiation intensity (r = 0.15, p = 0.029). Further analysis showed that duration of exposure to UVB should be longer for pregnant women wearing hijab as compared to women without hijab.

Conclusion

This study suggested that the best timing to get UVB exposure was between 10.00–13.00, with longer duration for women wearing hijab (64.5 vs 37.5 min) of continuous exposure per day.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12884-019-2306-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Role of Vitamin D in Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Assessing Therapeutic and Preventive Potential of Supplementation and Food Fortification

Inflammatory bowel diseases are a group of chronic inflammatory conditions that affect gastrointestinal tract due to inapt and continuous immune activation in response to a myriad of predisposing factors (most notably genetics, environmental impact and gut microbiota composition). It has been shown that vitamin D status can also play a role in the disease pathogenesis, as its deficiency is commonly observed in two major forms of inflammatory bowel diseases - Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Mounting evidence supports the concept of intricate relationship between gut dysbiosis and vitamin D metabolism, while suboptimal levels of this vitamin have been linked to increased clinical disease relapse rates, inadequate response to drugs, as well as decreased quality of life in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Consequently, the pertinent question is whether increased vitamin D supplementation and (on a population level) food fortification may bring significant benefit to the affected individuals. In this short review we discuss the synthesis, functions, status and food sources of vitamin D, appraise biotechnological facets of vitamin D status analysis and food fortification, and concentrate on novel developments in the field that describe its influence on intestinal microbiota and inflammatory bowel disease.