ESTIMATION OF SERUM VITAMIN D LEVELS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS IN KUPWARA, JAMMU AND KASHMIR: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Vitamin D plays a fundamental role in bone mineralization, calcium-phosphate homeostasis, immune regulation, and various metabolic processes. Despite abundant sunlight in India, deficiency remains common because of lifestyle, dietary insufficiency, geographical constraints, and adiposity. Objective: This study aimed to estimate serum vitamin D levels among college students in Kupwara district, Jammu and Kashmir, and to evaluate gender-based and BMI-based differences and contributing lifestyle factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Government Degree College Handwara, involving 120 students (80 females and 40 males). Data were collected via structured questionnaires assessing sunlight exposure, diet, clothing, supplementation, and anthropometry (BMI). Serum 25(OH)D levels were determined using a Vitamin D FIA-200 (SD Biosensor) fluorescence immunoassay. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and correlation analyses were performed, with statistical significance assessed at p<0.05.