A STUDY OF SERUM VITAMIN D LEVEL IN THE ADULT POPULATION OF DISTRICT SHOPIAN

Background: Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that can be synthesized in epithelial cells of the skin but its deficiency can have deleterious effects on health. Vitamin D deficiency prevails in epidemic proportions all over the Indian subcontinent, with a prevalence of 70%–100% in the general population. Objective: To assess the serum Vitamin D level in the adult population of district Shopian. Method: We sampled 126 consenting participants aged 18 years and above who attended the hospital for common reasons randomly and their serum vitamin D levels determined after proper and detailed history. Results: Of the 126 consenting participants 27 were male which corresponded 21.43% and 99 were female which corresponded to (78.57%) of the sample size. We had 44 participants in the age group of 20-29 years, 33 in the age group of 30-39 years, 17 in the age group of 40-49 years and finally 32 participants 50 and above years. 43.65% were found to be deficient, 24.60% were found to be insufficient and only 31.75% were found to be sufficient. The lowest level was 5.0 ng/ml. Conclusion: This study finds that the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency is very high in the natives of district Shopian & a survey with a very large sample size be conducted with emphasis on the supplementation of vitamin D on the recommended guidelines.