Vitamin D nutritional status in China: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health concern, yet data on its prevalence across China's diverse demographics remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate vitamin D status and deficiency prevalence across various demographic and geographic groups in China.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

This cross-sectional analysis included 19,845 participants from the China Osteoporosis Prevalence Study, conducted between December 2017 and August 2018. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was measured by electrochemiluminescence. Vitamin D levels and deficiency prevalence were assessed across demographic groups and provinces using weighted analysis. The mean 25OHD level in the general population was 26.00 ng/mL, with an average of 29.1 ng/mL in males and 22.84 ng/mL in females. Vitamin D deficiency (defined as 25OHD <20 ng/mL) was notably prevalent in China, affecting 29.89 % of the population. Deficiency rates were particularly high in northern China (44.02 %), females (39.95 %), individuals under 40 years old (33.46 %), individuals with obesity (32.54 %), and urban residents (39.44 %). Geographic disparities were also apparent at the provincial level, with southern provinces generally exhibiting lower prevalence and northwestern regions the highest.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides important evidence for public health policies to prevent and manage vitamin D deficiency, highlighting the need for targeted interventions among high-risk populations such as women, urban residents, individuals with high BMI, and those with conditions like diabetes.