Vitamin D Status in Cold Trans-Himalayan Deserts at Altitude of 4000 meter and above in India

Abstract

Recent scientific evidence suggests there is high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in India.  There is paucity of scientific data on Vitamin D status in population residing at high altitude regions in India. Hence, the present study was undertaken to determine Vitamin D status of adult population residing at altitude of 4000 meter and above in Himachal Pradesh, India.

A total of 105 subjects aged 19-56 years were recruited (3 subjects per village) from 35 villages in Lahaul & Spiti district. The data on socio-demographic profile was collected by administering a questionnaire. Venous blood samples were withdrawn. Serum 25-OHD level was measured by using direct competitive chemiluminescence immunoassay. Vitamin D status was categorized as deficient (<20ng/ml), insufficient (21-29ng/ml) and sufficient (?30ng/ml).

The mean±SD level of 25-OHD was 14.76±7.03 ng/ml. The subjects with vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency and sufficiency were 83.8%, 11.4% and 4.8%, respectively suggestive of significant Vitamin D deficiency in high altitude Lahaul & Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh.