Vitamin D Has Many Functions in the Human Body

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Vitamin D is an important fat-soluble vitamin which has substantial roles in calcium and phosphorus metabolism and healthy skeleton [1]. It also plays variant non-muscular functions in different body systems as well [2,3]. The threshold level of serum 25-OHD of 30 ng/ mL (75 nmol/L) is suggested to avoid complications of hypovitaminosis D. However, the optimal level is still debatable. The Endocrine Society's Clinical Guidelines suggested that vitamin D deficiency is defined as a serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D of less than 20 ng/ml and insufficiency a serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D between 21-29 ng/ml [4] but we consider the threshold is 10 ng/ml according to lab range in our institute.

The best sources of Vitamin D are foods and sunlight. Foods containing vitamin D include some fatty fish, fish liver oils, milk, cereal, orange juice, mushrooms and eggs [5]. In elderly, dietary supplements might be required to meet the daily need for vitamin D.

Vitamin D is obtained by the skin and nutritional means. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol), after formation in the skin and vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) or vitamin D3 from dietary sources undergo hydroxylation in the liver resulting in formation of 25-hydroxivitamin D or (OH)D. This main circulating form undergo hydroxylation in the kidney influenced by 1 alpha hydroxylase enzyme to form the biologically active dehydroxylated form of vitamin D, calcitriol or 1,25(OH)D which regulate calcium metabolism, differentiation and division of various cell type [6]. Any interruption of this process can cause vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency has been recognized as a highly prevalent condition worldwide and presented in approximately 30% to 50% of the general population [7]. High r...

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... and these tests cost a lot of money. According to the guideline and protocol from the advisory committee in British Columbia, Canada, the medical service expenditure for vitamin D testing cost 3 million annually with a cost per test of $61.32. In this study, we are trying to define the characteristics of patients with low vit D and establish a pattern for early diagnosis of high risk group with hypovitaminosis D and at the same time may decrease the financial burden from requesting vitamin D test .

Rationale:
• After a comprehensive literature review, no studies about vitamin
D deficiency in Makkah were found
• Thus the present study aimed to focus on vitamin D deficiency in KAMC patients to give more understanding about this problem and to help in future improvement of health services in this regard
• Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem in our country.

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