Vitamin d deficiency in healthy female medical students of a public sector hospital. | [Pakistan Journal of Medical Research • 2013]

Author(s):

1. Fatima Husain Kanani: Department of Pathology, Dow International Medical College, Dow Diagnostic Reference and Research Lab, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

2. Nazli Hossein: Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Dow University of Health Sciences & Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

3. Fatima Noor: Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Dow University of Health Sciences & Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

4. Faiza Jamil: Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Dow University of Health Sciences & Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

5. Rafiq Khanani: Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Dow University of Health Sciences & Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract:

Objectives: To determine Vitamin D levels in healthy female medical students. Setting and duration of study: Public sector university in Karachi during the month of November 2010. Subjects and Methods: A total of 84 healthy, female medical students were included in the study. 25 (OH) Vitamin D, serum calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase levels were determined in their blood samples. Vitamin D was analyzed by chemiluminesence technique, while serum calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase were determined photometrically. A comprehensive questionnaire was also filled out by 57 students which included biometrics, dietary habits, sun exposure and physical activity details. Results Almost all (98.8%) subjects had low levels of vitamin D, with 96.4% having values less than 10 ng/ml. There was no correlation of low Vitamin D levels with calcium, phosphorous or alkaline phosphatase levels or with biometric measurements.Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency was very common even in apparently healthy young females with no correlation to calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase levels. Nationwide studies are needed to see the cases for low levels of vitamins D.

Page(s): 12-15

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: Pakistan Journal of Medical Research, Volume: 52, Issue: 1, Year: 2013

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