Vitamin D status in health care professionals in Qatar.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among health care professionals working at Hamad Medical Corporation in Doha, Qatar. METHODS Between 15th January 2007 and 15th January 2008, 340 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Each subject completed a diary to determine the duration of sunlight exposure, and vitamin D supplements. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, and albumin were obtained. Those with abnormal results were called for counselling. RESULTS The mean overall vitamin D level was 11.7 ng/ml. It was lower in females (10.3 ng/ml) than in males (13.7 ng/ml). Ninety-seven percent of all participants had a mean level <30 ng/ml. Eighty-seven percent had a mean level of <20 ng/ml. CONCLUSION We concluded that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among health care professionals in Qatar is very high.