Vitamin D Status among Women in Middle East

Of the vitamins that help maintain health, vitamin D holds a very important place. Its deficiency is a major global health problem and affects both genders at all stages of life. Lack of exposure to the sunlight is among the foremost of the causes of vitamin D deficiency. However, contemporary literature reveals an interesting paradox in the Middle East where abundant sunshine and vitamin D deficiency coexist. The conundrum acquires further complexity when we consider the so far unresolved debate on the right reference range, dietary recommendations, the difference of assessment methods and ranges in the various different laboratories worldwide, continuously emerging new and more accurate methods of serum vitamin D assessment though with limited availability and the debate regarding the most accurate method currently available for measuring its serum levels. Furthermore, the literature on the Middle East reveals that women are affected more than men. Generally, vitamin D level estimations have been found to be quite low across all age groups in this region. Old age, female gender, multi-parity, winter season, clothing style, low socioeconomic status and urban living have consistently been associated with low levels of vitamin D in the literature. Almost similar deficiency levels are found in regions with different socio-cultural norms but comparable weather. Further studies are needed to establish the correct reference range, dietary recommendations, the risk-benefit ratio of exposure to the sunshine and the most accurate laboratory method of its serum level assessment for the population in this region.