Serum 25(OH) Vitamin D Levels of Adolescent and Young Medical Students

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine vitamin D levels in adolescents and young medical students and to name factors that affect vitamin D levels. Materials and methods: This prospective clinical study was conducted with healthy medical students aged up to 24 years. Height, weight and waist circumference were measured; body mass index (BMI) was calculated and each participant was questioned on demographic characteristics. Blood samples for Ca, P, ALP, PTH and 25(OH)D vitamin levels were drawn after an 8-hour fast. For vitamin D levels, ≥ 30 ng/mL was considered sufficient, 21-29 mg/dL insufficient and ≤ 20 ng/mL as vitamin D deficiency. Results: Of patients in the study, 47.6% (n = 276) were female and 52.4% (n = 304) were male; the mean age was 19.2 ± 1.00 years. Only 8.8% of students (n = 51) had sufficient vitamin D levels. Some 91.2% of students had low vitamin D levels; 54.1% deficiency, 37.1% insufficiency and 14% severe vitamin D deficiency. Sex, BMI, traditional clothing, spending less time in sunny areas and physical activity status had a statistically significant relation with 25(OH)D levels. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is common in adolescents and young people. Female adolescents are especially at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Being female, traditional clothing style, being underweight, sun avoidance, lack of physical activity, smoking and alcohol use are risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D levels should be screened in high-risk groups and low vitamin D levels must be treated.