Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Despite Egypt being a sunny country (latitude 22–32°N) and enjoying a high year-round UV exposure (highest UV index in Cairo 12 in July and lowest 3 in December), it harbors a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency especially in females (Botros et al, Endocrinol Nutr, 2015;62(7):314–321).

Aim of work: We aimed to study a larger representative sample of Egyptian males and females, to identify the extent of the phenomenon and characterize the population affected.

Methods: 25-(OH) vitamin D was measured in samples from 5046 patients, of whom 3954 were females. The samples were collected throughout 2017 from 55 sampling locations across Egypt. All the samples were centrally analyzed in Royal Lab, a nation-wide Reference Laboratory in Cairo (ISO 15189 accredited since 2013), using Chemiluminescence immunoassay.

Results: 1357 of the females (34.3%) and 164 of the males (10.9%) had severe vitamin D deficiency (< 10 ng/ml) [Table 1]. Only 869 (17.2%) of all the subjects studied had Vitamin D>30 ng/ml. Females had significantly lower Vitamin D then Males (17.7±15.9 vs 24.5±23.2 ng/ml, P< 0.001). Age of the subjects was inversely proportionate to vitamin D level (P< 0.05).

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency in Egypt has reached epidemic proportions. Females are the most affected members of Society. Urbanization and Social factors are thought to cause that phenomenon. Growing awareness is reflected by more subjects asking to be tested for Vitamin D sufficiency.