Endocrine Abstracts

There have been few epidemiologic studies on vitamin D status in postmenopausal women of Middle East countries.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in postmenopausal women of Iran. By using the records of the local household registry, a sample of 300 subjects was drawn by simple random sampling. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were determined with full automated chemiluminescent immunoassay. In addition, the study included survey questions regarding age, body weight and height, occupation, use of skin protection, clinical and reproductive histories.

Means of age and duration of menopause were 63.4±4.64 and 16.7±6.15 years, respectively.

The mean concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were 23.75±24.06 ng/ml. Hypovitaminosis D (25(OH) D < 10 ng/ml) affected 38.3% of our population.

These findings indicate that 25(OH) D levels in postmenopausal women of Iran are low.

Studies to elucidate and assess the dietary intake of vitamin D in Iranian women can be of further benefit.