Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among community dwelling elderly in Dakahlia as a representative of rural areas in Egypt

Background Vitamin D has a basic role in bone growth and metabolism and has been noticed for its important role in many diseases. Objectives To detect the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among the elderly in Dakahlia. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted on 176 elderly patients (60 years and older) recruited from Meet Abbad-Nabaroh-Dakahlia, Egypt. The level of 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) was measured. A normal level of vitamin D is defined as a 25OHD concentration ≥30 ng/mL. Vitamin D insufficiency is defined as a 25OHD concentration of 20–29 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency is defined as a 25OHD level