Status of Serum Vitamin D and Calcium Levels among Women of Reproductive Age Group from Northern India-A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has been related to poor bone density and increased risk of osteoporosis among women of reproductive age. There is also increased risk for pre-eclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, obstructed labour, vaginosis and decreased infant birthweight. Objectives: To evaluate the serum calcium and vitamin D levels of reproductive age group women and assess their status of serum vitamin D on the basis of sociodemographic parameters. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among non-pregnant and non-lactating  women aged 15-49 years, attending the OPD for any bone related complaint. The study participants were subjected to a pretested questionnaire for capturing information regarding their sociodemographic parameters. Non fasting blood samples were obtained for biochemical analysis of serum vitamin D and calcium levels. Results: The mean serum vitamin D and calcium levels were 20.94±10.61 ng/ml and 4.82±0.87 mg/dl respectively. The median serum vitamin D levels were 18.1 ng/ml with IQR of 12.43-28.00 ng/ml. The median serum vitamin D levels were significantly less among women residing in rural area and those who were unmarried/separated. Women from the middle socioeconomic status had the highest vitamin D level while lowest values were seen for those of upper socioeconomic status(p=0.007). Conclusion: There is prevalence of vitamin D deficiency across all socioeconomic groups in women of reproductive age of Indian origin which is more pronounced among women from rural background and those who were unmarried/separated. These women are susceptible to development of osteoporosis and pregnancy related complications in later age.