25-Hydoxyvitamin D levels among healthy Saudi Arabian women

To assess the serum level of 25 hydroxyvitamin D 25OHD among healthy Saudi Arabian women living in the eastern province. A cross-sectional randomized study was conducted between February 1st 2008 and May 31st 2008 at the King Fahd University Hospital, Al-Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 200 Saudi women between 25-35 years group 1 and women of > or =50 years group 2. Clinical examination, laboratory tests, a complete blood picture, serum calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, and the serum levels of 25OHD levels were carried out. Data on lifestyle, dietary, and demographic questionnaires were collected. Vitamin D was defined as deficient with serum level or =50 years. This study indicates that hypovitaminosis D is common in young and postmenopausal women. Efforts are require to augment and encouraged women for adequate exposure to sunlight and increased intake of fortified vitamin D products to maintain skeletal health.