Vitamin D Levels in Asymptomatic Adults-A Population Survey in Karachi, Pakistan

It is well established that low levels of 25(OH) Vitamin D (<30 ng/dL) are a common finding world over, affecting over a billion of the global population. Our primary objective was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in the asymptomatic adult population of Karachi, Pakistan and the demographic, nutritional and co-morbidity characteristics associated with serum vitamin D levels.A cross-sectional population survey was conducted at two spaced out densely populated areas of the city. Serum levels of 25OHVitamin D were measured and GFR as renal function was assessed by using 4 variable MDRD formula.Our sample of 300 had a median age of 48(interquartile range 38–55) years. The median level of serum vitamin D was 18.8 (IQ range 12.65–24.62) ng/dL. A total of 253 (84.3%) respondents had low levels (