A systematic review of vitamin D status in populations worldwide

Hilger J, Friedel A, Herr RM, Rausch T, Roos F, Wahl DA, Pierroz DD, Weber P, Hoffmann K (2014)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2014

Journal

British Journal of Nutrition Cambridge University Press (CUP) / Nutrition Society

Book Volume: 111

Pages Range: 23-45

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1017/S0007114513001840

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with osteoporosis and is thought to increase the risk of cancer and CVD. Despite these numerous potential health effects, data on vitamin D status at the population level and within key subgroups are limited. The aims of the present study were to examine patterns of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels worldwide and to assess differences by age, sex and region. In a systematic literature review using the Medline and EMBASE databases, we identified 195 studies conducted in forty-four countries involving more than 168000 participants. Mean population-level 25(OH)D values varied considerably across the studies (range 4·9-136·2nmol/l), with 37·3% of the studies reporting mean values below 50nmol/l. The highest 25(OH)D values were observed in North America. Although age-related differences were observed in the Asia/Pacific and Middle East/Africa regions, they were not observed elsewhere and sex-related differences were not observed in any region. Substantial heterogeneity between the studies precluded drawing conclusions on overall vitamin D status at the population level. Exploratory analyses, however, suggested that newborns and institutionalised elderly from several regions worldwide appeared to be at a generally higher risk of exhibiting lower 25(OH)D values. Substantial details on worldwide patterns of vitamin D status at the population level and within key subgroups are needed to inform public health policy development to reduce risk for potential health consequences of an inadequate vitamin D status. © 2013 The Authors.

Authors with CRIS profile

Raphael Herr

Involved external institutions

Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg DE Germany (DE) DSM Nutritional Products Ltd. CH Switzerland (CH) International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) CH Switzerland (CH)

How to cite

APA:

Hilger, J., Friedel, A., Herr, R.M., Rausch, T., Roos, F., Wahl, D.A.,... Hoffmann, K. (2014). A systematic review of vitamin D status in populations worldwide. British Journal of Nutrition, 111(1), 23-45. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114513001840

MLA:

Hilger, Jennifer, et al. "A systematic review of vitamin D status in populations worldwide." British Journal of Nutrition 111.1 (2014): 23-45.

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