| Title: | Distribution of vitamin D status in the UK: a cross-sectional analysis of UK Biobank |
| Journal: | BMJ Open |
| Published: | 6 Jan 2021 |
| Pubmed: | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33408196/ |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038503 |
| URL: | https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/bmjopen/11/1/e038503.full.pdf |
Publication 4713
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: No recent large studies have described the distribution of vitamin D status in the UK. Understanding the epidemiology of vitamin D deficiency is important to inform targeted public health recommendations. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of factors associated with serum vitamin D status in a large national cohort.DESIGN: A cross-sectional study.
SETTING: The UK Biobank, a prospective cohort study following the health and well-being of middle-aged and older adults recruited between 2006 and 2010.
PARTICIPANTS: A total of 449 943 participants aged 40-69 years with measured serum vitamin D status were eligible for the analysis. Participants completed a questionnaire about sex, age, ethnic background, vitamin D supplementation, smoking, drinking and socioeconomic status.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: We investigated the distribution of serum vitamin D status and the association between demographic factors and vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level <25 nmol/L. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between demographic factors and vitamin D status.
RESULTS: Asian (n=4297/8000, 53.7%) and black (n=2459/7046, 34.9%) participants had a higher proportion of vitamin D deficiency than white participants (n=50 920/422 907, 12%). During spring and winter, the proportion of vitamin D deficiency was higher across the UK and higher in the north than in the south. Male sex, abnormal body mass index, non-white ethnic backgrounds, smoking and being more socioeconomically deprived were associated with higher odds of vitamin D deficiency. Increasing age, taking vitamin D supplements and drinking alcohol were associated with lower odds of deficiency.
CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D status varied among different ethnic groups and by season and geographical area within the UK. Taking supplements was associated with a lower risk of vitamin D deficiency. These findings support the vitamin D supplementation recommendations of Public Health England.
4 Authors
- Liang-Yu Lin
- Liam Smeeth
- Sinead Langan
- Charlotte Warren-Gash
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