Vitamin D Status in Jirof City Population, South of Iran, 2015-2019

Background and Aims: Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health, cardiovascular health, brain development, immune system regulation, mood regulation, and cancer prevention. This study aimed to evaluate the vitamin D status and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Jirof city, Kerman Province, south of Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 5243 people were selected by random sampling during 2015-2019.  Serum 25 (OH) D level was measured by VIDAS 25-OH vitamin D total testing kits. Levels used for definitions were deficient, D3 < 20 ng/ml; insufficient, D3 20-30 ng/ml; adequate, D3 30-100 ng/ml, and potential toxicity, >100 ng/ml.   Results: The mean of vitamin D was 26.03 ng/ml and 24.19 ng/ml in men and women, respectively (p=0.003). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 41.55% and 51.7% in men and women, respectively. A significant relationship was seen between age and level of vitamin D (p=0.001). Conclusions: The results of our study showed that vitamin D deficiency is common among the general population, especially in women in Jirof city, Kerman Province, south of Iran. Serious plans are needed to improve the status of vitamin D in the people living in this region.