Cited by 1,472Vitamin D Research StudiesBone health and osteoporosis researchVitamin K Research Studies

Global vitamin D status and determinants of hypovitaminosis D

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on behalf of the IOF Committee of Scientific Advisors (CSA) Nutrition Working Group, Mithal, A., Wahl, D. A., Bonjour, J.-P., Burckhardt, P., Dawson-Hughes, B., Eisman, J. A., El-Hajj Fuleihan, G. +3 more·2009·Osteoporosis International

Abstract

Unlabelled This review describes the vitamin D status in different regions of the world with the objective of understanding the scope of hypovitaminosis D and the factors related to its prevalence that may contribute to the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and fragility fractures.Introduction Vitamin D status has been linked to the pathogenesis of hip fractures as well as other skeletal and non-skeletal disorders. The purpose of this review is to provide a global perspective of vitamin D status across different regions of the world and to identify the common and significant determinants of hypovitaminosis D.Methods Six regions of the world were reviewed-Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Latin America, North America, and Oceania-through a survey of published literature.Results The definition of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency, as well as assay methodology for 25-hydroxyvitamin D or 25(OH)D, vary between studies. However, serum 25(OH)D levels below 75 nmol/L are prevalent in every region studied whilst levels below 25 nmol/L are most common in regions such as South Asia and the Middle East. Older age, female sex, higher latitude, winter season, darker skin pigmentation, less sunlight exposure, dietary habits, and absence of vitamin D fortification are the main factors that are significantly associated with lower 25(OH)D levels.Conclusion Reports from across the world indicate that hypovitaminosis D is widespread and is re-emerging as a major health problem globally.

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  1. Rodrigo MD (2007) Peak bone mass measured by phalangeal BMD and its association with nutritional status, socioeconomics status and physical activity: a community based cross sectional study in Galle district, Sri Lanka. In: Extract from PHD thesis (in press)

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Authors
on behalf of the IOF Committee of Scientific Advisors (CSA) Nutrition Working Group, Mithal, A., Wahl, D. A., Bonjour, J.-P., Burckhardt, P., Dawson-Hughes, B., Eisman, J. A., El-Hajj Fuleihan, G., Josse, R. G., Lips, P., & Morales-Torres, J.
Affiliations
  • Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals (IN)
  • International Osteoporosis Foundation (CH)
  • University of Geneva (CH)
  • Hirslanden Clinique Bois-Cerf (CH)
  • Garvan Institute of Medical Research (AU)
  • St. Michael's Hospital (CA)
  • Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (NL)
Corresponding author
Mithal, A.
Venue
Osteoporosis International
Published
2009-06-19
Volume
20
Issue
11
Pages
1807-1820
ISSN
  • 0937-941X (ISSN-L)
  • 1433-2965
OpenAlex
W2106647095
Cited by
1,472
References
156
Citations by year
2026: 31 · 2025: 49 · 2024: 63 · 2023: 67 · 2022: 87 · 2021: 97 · 2020: 103 · 2019: 93 · 2018: 99 · 2017: 103 · 2016: 100 · 2015: 116 · 2014: 121 · 2013: 123 · 2012: 94
FWCI
8.67
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Osteoporosis International (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Archive ouverte UNIGE (University of Geneva) (publishedVersion)
  • Amsterdam UMC (VU Amsterdam) - Institutional Repository (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Digital Academic REpository of VU University Amsterdam (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) (submittedVersion)
  • Pure Amsterdam UMC (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Archive ouverte UNIGE (University of Geneva) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Funders
International Osteoporosis Foundation
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pathology and Forensic Medicine › Vitamin D Research Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Bone health and osteoporosis research
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Vitamin K Research Studies
Keywords
vitamin D status, vitamin D deficiency, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, osteoporosis, fragility fractures, hip fracture, risk factors, sun exposure, skin pigmentation, latitude, seasonal variation, dietary habits, vitamin D fortification, global prevalence
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Adult, Age Factors, Aged, Child, Child, Preschool, Cross-Cultural Comparison, Female, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Male, Middle Aged, Risk Factors, Sex Factors, Vitamin D, Vitamin D Deficiency, Global Health, Prevalence, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Young Adult

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