Vitamin D levels in seven non-identical occupational groups entail redefining of existing vitamin D deficiency diagnostic cut off level for native Bangladeshi population

Background and objectives: Recent publications have reported alarming prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in South Asian countries including Bangladesh. But, data on vitamin levels different occupational groups are lacking. This study addressed the Additionally, estimated parathyroid hormone, phosphate, calcium metabolic syndrome these to see effect parameters. Materials method: Seven diverse (agrarian workers, rickshaw-pullers, young cricketers footballers, fishermen, dry fish industry garment-workers medical students) Bangladesh were selected based grade physical activity level sun exposure. Blood was collected for estimation 25(OH) D, fasting glucose,lipid profiles, calcium, magnesium intact (iPTH) hormone. Multiple comparisons variables among 7 by ANOVA. Results: A total 785 (m / f = 359 426) participants volunteered. Of them, 54.2% had deficiency. Metabolic 5% showed no significant association with (x2 0.9, p=0.43). For biophysical characteristics, mean (±SD) values age, body mass index, waist hip ratio height – 33.8±16.3y, 22.3±4.1 kg/m2, 0.87±0.06 0.39±0.16, respectively. The (ng/ml), (mg/dl), iPTH (pgm/ml) phosphate (mg/dl) 20.25±13.1, 9.57±1.85, 38.22±24.54 4.18±0.81, other related (ANOVA) garments worker significantly (p<0.01) higher from 6 groups. Likewise, compared six, rickshaw-pullers level. Calcium, hormone did not show any change decreasing (high low quartile: Q4→Q1), though increased at lowest (Q1:<11.8ng/ml: p=0.002). Conclusion: high irrespective occupations, site (rural/urban), social class sun-exposure. Overall, varied Despite minimum maximum sun-exposure, workers highest fishermen levels, Calcium normal all changes when decreased quartile. findings indicate that specific cut off value deficiency needs be determined population a given geographic area. IMC J Med Sci. 2023; 17(2):001. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.17.011 *Correspondence: M Abu Sayeed, Department Community Medicine, Ibrahim Medical College, 1/A, Sarani, Segunbagicha, Dhaka 1000, Email: [email protected]