Status of Serum Vitamin D and Calcium Levels in Women of Reproductive Age in National Capital Territory of India

CONTEXT In India, Vitamin D deficiency is a major public health problem, associated with lack of sunlight exposure in spite of abundant sunshine usually accompanied by reduced dietary intake. In women of reproductive age, Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. AIMS The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to evaluate the levels of serum Vitamin D 25(OH) D and calcium in women of reproductive age from India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN A cross-sectional study was carried on a total of 224 healthy nonpregnant and nonlactating women in the reproductive age group of 20-49 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS Demographic, socioeconomic class, and biochemical parameters for the estimation of serum 25(OH)D and calcium levels in women of reproductive age were studied. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 was utilized for conducting the statistical analysis of the data. RESULTS Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml) was present in 88% of women. Women from middle socioeconomic class had the lowest mean serum 25(OH) D levels (9.6 ± 6 ng/ml) as compared to women from upper middle (11.4 ± 8 ng/ml), lower (11.2 ± 8 ng/ml), and upper (10 ± 8.6 ng/ml) socioeconomic class. Serum calcium levels were found in the normal range of 8.5-10.5 mg/dl for all the study subjects. CONCLUSIONS There is a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among women of reproductive age. These women may possibly have a higher risk of development of osteoporosis and pregnancy-related complications in future life.