The Prevalence and risk factors of vitamin D inadequacy among male athletes in Kuwait: A cross-sectional study

Publication date: Available online 6 November 2018Source: The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyAuthor(s): Meshari J. Alkoot, Fiona Boland, Ruairi Brugha, Regien BiesmaAbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in male athletes living in Kuwait, and to assess its relationship with possible risk factors including body composition, lifestyle and fasting Ramadan. A Cross- sectional study was conducted on a total of 250 male athletes registered in official sports clubs in Kuwait were included. Blood tests, anthropometric measurements and a lifestyle questionnaire were performed. Serum 25(OH)D level was used as a measure of vitamin D status. Vitamin D inadequacy was defined as serum 25(OH)D < 75 nmol/L, inadequate levels were further classified as vitamin D insufficiency (50 -75 nmol/L), vitamin D deficiency (< 50 nmol/L) and severe deficiency (< 25 nmol/L). Thirty-six percent of the sample were football players, 13% were futsal players and the rest were players of 15 different outdoor and indoor sports. A prevalence of 83% of vitamin D inadequacy (< 75 nmol/L) was observed in male athletes in Kuwait, of which 23% had severe deficiency (< 25 nmol/L). The prevalence increased from 80% (n = 130) before Ramadan to 90% (n = 79) after Ramadan. There was a significant positive association between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and vitamin D intake (p < 0.001). Serum 25(OH)D concen...
Source: The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research