Prevalence and Progression of Vitamin D Deficiency in Greater Beirut and Mount Lebanon From 2013 to 2022: An Analysis of 19,452 Adults.

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to describe the prevalence and progression of vitamin D (VitD) deficiency in a large sample of Lebanese adults.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 19,452 medical records of Lebanese adults primarily residing in Greater Beirut and Mount Lebanon was included. Serum VitD levels were measured using a chemiluminescent assay.

Results: Overall, 31% of our participants were deficient (< 20 ng/mL), 28% were insufficient (20-30 ng/mL), and 41% were sufficient (> 30 ng/mL) for VitD. The overall average VitD levels were 26 ± 12 ng/mL (min: 3 ng/mL, max: 220 ng/mL). While 40% of participants below 35 years old presented with VitD level deficiency, this level decreased significantly by 13% and 11% in age groups 55-65 and above 65 years old, respectively (p < 0.01). Females had a 35% lower risk of VitD deficiency than males (OR = 0.65, p < 0.01). Second, living in the greater Beirut region increased the risk of developing VitD deficiency by 41% (OR = 1.408, p < 0.01). Finally, living in a region with moderate (OR = 1.33, p < 0.11) to high pollution (OR = 1.45, p < 0.01) increased the risk by 33% and 45%, respectively. The number of individuals referred for testing VitD level in our tertiary healthcare center increased four times in the past 10 years, from 1120 in 2013 to 4633 in 2022. This observation is correlated with higher VitD levels and, thus, a significant decrease in the trend of VitD deficiency in 2022 compared to the previous years (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The prevalence of VitD deficiency has decreased over the past 10 years in Greater Beirut and Mount Lebanon.