Age and sex-specific variations of vitamin D level in Bangladeshi population: a laboratory-based study

M. Maruf-Ur-Rahman; M. Rafiqul Islam; Wazeda Begum; M. Shafiqul Islam; Nazirum Mubin; A. H. M. Golam Kibria

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20250665

Authors

M. Maruf-Ur-Rahman Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka National Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
M. Rafiqul Islam Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Wazeda Begum Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Dhaka National Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
M. Shafiqul Islam Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ibn Sina Diagnostic Lab and Consultation Centre, Jatrabari, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Nazirum Mubin Department of Radiotherapy, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9948-8170
A. H. M. Golam Kibria Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Centre for Medical Research and Development, Dhaka, Bangladesh https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9678-5671

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20250665

Keywords:

Vitamin D deficiency, Insufficiency, Retrospective study, Prevalence, Female

Abstract

Background: In Bangladesh, vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a silent epidemic that is neither recognized nor managed properly. The purpose of this research was to compare vitamin D levels across age groups and sexes in the population of Bangladesh.

Methods: This was a laboratory-based retrospective study conducted in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data on the age, gender, and vitamin D status of all 1074 people of all ages and both sexes who had their vitamin D levels checked at Ibn Sina D. Lab and Consultation Centre, Doyagonj, Dhaka, on a doctor’s recommendation were collected. Vitamin D levels (ng/ml) were categorized as deficiency (0 to <20), insufficiency (20-<30), sufficiency (30-100), and potential toxicity (>100). Participants were then divided into 0-10, >10-25, >25-50, and >50 years age group.

Results: The participants’ average age was 29.15±20.32 years, with the majority (39.5%) being over 25-50 years old. Nearly two-thirds [702 (65.4%)] of the participants were female. Participants aged 0-10, >10-25, >25-50, and >50 years had mean vitamin D levels of 26.68±20.30, 16.47±7.18, 20.30±9.35, and 22.73±13.55 ng/ml, respectively. The participants' average vitamin D levels varied dramatically with age. Among the subjects, 605 (56.3%) were vitamin D deficient (95% confidence interval: 53.4-59.1). VDD was detected in 52.2% of males and 58.5% of females, indicating that females are significantly more affected.

Conclusions: VDD is extremely common among Bangladeshi people. It is more prevalent among young and females. Ensuring proper nutritional supplementation among at-risk groups can help to prevent the long-term negative health consequences of VDD.

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