Factors Contributing to Vitamin D Deficiency among Women of Reproductive Age in Pakistan; A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Maintenance of vitamin D levels among females of reproductive is of great importance; insufficient biochemical profile of this vitamin results in abnormal pregnancy out comes. Neonates born to vitamin D deficit mothers are prone to neonatal hypocalcemia, impaired ossification of skull bones, altered tooth enamel larger fontanelle and infantile rickets. Females suffering with hypovitaminosis D during third trimester; usually faces backache and leg’s cramping due to its deficiency. Vitamin D status in body can easily be determined by 25-hydroxyvitamin D; a consistent marker to determine vitamin D deficiency with a shelf life of two to three weeks.

Objective: Current study was aimed to determine the factors responsible for the development of deficiency of vitamin D among Pakistani women of reproductive stage.

Methodology: Articles from google scholar and PubMed were used only; papers that reported vitamin D deficiency among women of reproductive age were added.

Results: Inadequate intake of vitamin D as compared to recommended dietary allowances (RDA), decreased consumption of vitamin D enriched foods, inadequate/decreased exposure to sunlight, seasonal/ climatic factors, physiological status of body, kidney disorders and educational status were the contributing factors.

Conclusion: Results of the study concluded the role of former stated factors in the expansion of vitamin D deficiency among females of reproductive age residing in Pakistan along with this National Nutrition Survey 2018 concluded that 79.7% females of reproductive age in Pakistan were suffering from vitamin D deficiency.

Keywords: 25-hydroxyvitamin D, hypocalcemia, hypovitaminosis D, National Nutrition Survey, Vitamin D, Women of reproductive age.