VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF RIYADH CITY.

Introduction and background: There are multiple studies in different countries regarding the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. These studies showed high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in middle eastern countries. This study tries to elucidate the prevalence of vitamin D in the northern region of Riyadh City. WE selected this topic as our research for it importance and its relevance to the Saudi community Method and material: A cross-sectional study was carried out in may on 65 subjects 9-61 years old whom the health clinic have n previously measured the 25 (OH) D serum levels in the past six months. the research team by random systemic sampling starting from the number (2,4,6,8….) selected 32 for the evaluation for vitamin D deficiency. Results: A high percentage of vitamin D deficiency was defined in the study population. Prevalence of severe, moderate and mild Vitamin D deficiency . The patients who have been found to have a vitamin D deficiency were 22 (out of 32) represented by the percentage 68.67%. The number of male patients with vitamin D deficiency was 7 (out of 32) Represented by the percentage 21.87%. The number of female patients with vitamin D deficiency was 15 (out of 32) represanted by the percentage 46.87%. the number of people in the normal range was 10( out of 32) Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency has a high prevalence in the northern region of Riyadh City. The observation concluded that females are more deficient than males. In order to avoid complications of vitamin D deficiency, public education and supplemental dietary intake seems essential.