Publication:

Dietary factors and associated health effects among patients with vitamin D deficiency

Background Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among men and women alike and is often left untreated in developing countries. Vitamin D deficiency and its associated health problems can be controlled if dietary intake is properly maintained. The study objective was to understand the dietary habits and the problems faced by patients of a hospital in Dhaka due to vitamin D deficiency.

Methods Total 133 patients were selected through convenience sampling, and their vitamin D levels were collected from the medical records. Other data were collected from a previously set questionnaire.

Results Total 56 (42.1%) were men, and 77 (57.9%) were women among the patients. 42 (31.6%) of the vitamin D-deficient people were obese in this study. 17 (12.8%) people still had severe (level <12 ng/ml) vitamin D deficiency even after receiving treatment and needed more. The egg and meat intake among the participants was satisfactory, but milk intake was low among them. 88 (66.1%) patients took vitamin D supplements at the time of study. However, there is no significant association between dietary intake and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D status is associated with chronic health problems, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus, as well as with the intake of vitamin D and calcium supplements (p<0.05). Bone pain, joint pain, hair fall, anxiety, depression, etc., were some of the problems that the patients faced before receiving treatment.

Conclusions Those who are suffering from vitamin D deficiency should get their bodies checked regularly to diagnose the associated diseases.