The correlation between vitamin D levels and demographics in patients with gastrointestinal disorders; a cross-sectional study

The aim of the present study was to evaluate vitamin D levels, in correlation with age, body mass index (BMI), gender and ethnicity, in patients with gastrointestinal disorders (GID).

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a global health issue, affecting over 1 billion people. A great body of evidence has shown that it can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, latitude, sedentary lifestyle, limited sunlight exposure, ageing and the presence of comorbidities and chronic illnesses, places patients at an increased risk of VDD.

305 consecutive patients, with GID, were assessed for vitamin D levels, using a two-step competitive binding immunoenzymatic assay. Patients were then classified as adequate (50-150nmol/l), insufficient (25-50nmol/l) and deficient (<25nmol/l).

62% of the investigated subjects had low vitamin D levels. From this group, 132 patients (43.3%) had insufficient vitamin D levels, 57 (18.7%) had deficient levels and 116 (38%) had adequate levels. Age was not significantly different in the 3 groups (p=0.29). Interestingly, vitamin D levels were significantly lower in men (39.23±23.62) compared to women (50.68±24.46) (p=0.0001). The BMI was significantly higher in patients with insufficient vitamin D levels. Being of Asian ethnicity had a positive influence on vitamin D levels (B=0.076) (p<0.0001). 71.4% of patients, with IBD, and 60% of patients, with abnormal liver function, had low vitamin D levels.

VDD has a high prevalence in patients with GID in particular IBD and liver disease in the United Kingdom. Routine vitamin D testing and supplementations in the case of deficiency and suboptimal level of vitamin D for patients with hepatobiliary, pancreatic, kidney, malabsorptive and restrictive diseases/surgeries is recommended.