Dataset Information

Vitamin D Status and Its Consequences for Health in South Africa.

ABSTRACT: In this review, reports were retrieved in which vitamin D status, as assessed by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, was measured in South African population groups with varied skin colours and ethnicities. Healthy children and adults were generally vitamin D-sufficient [25(OH)D level >50 nmol/L] but the majority of those aged above 65 years were deficient. A major role for exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in determining 25(OH)D levels was apparent, with the dietary contribution being minor. Limited data exist regarding the impact of recent changes in lifestyles on vitamin D status, such as urbanisation. With regard to disease susceptibility, 11 of 22 relevant publications indicated association between low 25(OH)D levels and disease, with deficiency most notably found in individuals with tuberculosis and HIV-1. Information on the relationship between vitamin D receptor variants and ethnicity, disease or treatment response in the South African population groups demonstrated complex interactions between genetics, epigenetics and the environment. Whether vitamin D plays an important role in protection against the range of diseases that currently constitute a large burden on the health services in South Africa requires further investigation. Only then can accurate advice be given about personal sun exposure or dietary vitamin D supplementation.

SUBMITTER: Norval M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5086758 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Vitamin D Status and Its Consequences for Health in South Africa.

Norval Mary M Coussens Anna K AK Wilkinson Robert J RJ Bornman Liza L Lucas Robyn M RM Wright Caradee Y CY

International journal of environmental research and public health 20161018 10

In this review, reports were retrieved in which vitamin D status, as assessed by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, was measured in South African population groups with varied skin colours and ethnicities. Healthy children and adults were generally vitamin D-sufficient [25(OH)D level >50 nmol/L] but the majority of those aged above 65 years were deficient. A major role for exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in determining 25(OH)D levels was apparent, with the dietary contribu ...[more]

PMID: 27763570

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Dataset Information

Vitamin D Status and Its Consequences for Health in South Africa.

Publications

Vitamin D Status and Its Consequences for Health in South Africa.

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