VITAMIN D STATUS AND ITS PREDICTORS IN IMMIGRANTS IN NORWAY

Abstract

Abstract Objective: High prevalence of poor vitamin D status has been reported in immigrants in Norway, but there is a limited information on vitamin D status in Middle Eastern and Sub-Saharan African immigrants. The aim was to describe vitamin D status and potentially associated factors among adults with different regional background. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Different immigrant centers in Oslo and its adjacent municipalities. Participants: 251 healthy adult males and females (18-50 years) with Middle East, Sub-Sahara Africa and South Asia backgrounds were recruited January-March 2011. Venous blood samples were collected and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (s-25(OH)D) and parathyroid hormone (s-iPTH) were analyzed in one batch. Results: The overall mean serum s-25(OH)D was 28.9 nmol/l (range 5 to130 nmol/l), over 90 % had a serum concentration below 50 nmol/L while around 9 % had below 12.5 nmol/l (females 7 and males 2 %). Median s-iPTH level was within reference values, however, 31% were above the reference value. The mean s-25(OH)D was higher among Sub-Sahara Africa background compared to other two geographical groups. Sociodemographic factors such as gender and education did not influence on s-25(OH)D levels. There was no relationship between s-25(OH)D levels with diet, sun exposure and clothing habits in males and females. Conclusion This study revealed that immigrants with South Asia, Middle East and Sub-Sahara Africa background in Oslo have low s-25(OH)D levels. The prevalence is higher among those with Middle East and South Asia background. Measures should be taken to ensure adequate vitamin D intake throughout the year. Keywords: 25-Hydroxyvitamin D; S-25(OH)D levels; immigrants; Norway.