Endocrine Abstracts

Background: There are evidences that young adults are at risk for poor vitamin D nutritional status. The objective of this study was to investigate the level of vitamin D in school graduates females and the factors associated with vitamin D status.

Material and methods: School graduates females from three Lithuanian cities were enrolled into the project from March to June of 2012. General health, nutrition, physical activity status was assessed by questionnaires. Height, body mass were measured. Blood samples were taken for complete blood count and 25(OH)D. Information on average number of sunshine hours every month in particular city was obtained from the meteorological service.

Results: The study included 287 young adult females. Mean age was 18.33±0.62 years, mean BMI 21.09±2.91 kg/m². 85 females used solarium. Their 25(OH)D level was 22.29±7.42 ng/ml, significantly higher than those who has not used solarium. Data of females using solarium have been excluded from further analysis.

Mean 25(OH)D concentration in 202 subjects was 15.72±7.17 ng/ml. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D <20 ng/ml) was 73.8%. 22.8% of females were found to be vitamin D insufficient (25(OH)D level 20–30 ng/ml) and only 3.4% young adults females were vitamin D sufficient. There were no differences in time spent outdoors, sleep, rest and physical activity hours, meat, fish and milk consumption between groups according to vitamin D status. Regression analysis showed significant 25(OH)D level and sunshine hours relationship (B=2.64, P<0.0001). Mean 25(OH)D level in April was 13.71±6.10 ng/ml, in May 18.74±6.72 ng/ml and in June 22.27±8.67 ng/ml (P<0.0001). Regression analysis revealed relationship between 25(OH)D level and white blood cells count (B=0.921, P=0.003) and platelets count (B=−0.020, P=0.028).

Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are highly prevalent in school graduates females. Sunshine exposure is the main source of vitamin D. WBC count increase, if vitamin D level increases.