DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2017.v05i03.046

Pages: 949-954

Vitamin D was primarily acknowledged for its importance in bone formation, however increasing evidence point to its interference with the proper function of nearly every tissue in our bodies. Thereby its deficiency has been incriminated in a long panel of diseases including cancers, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular and neurological disorders. This cross-sectional study was carried out to assess vitamin D status and determinants of vitamin D deficiency in 150 apparently healthy MBBS first year students of MMMC&H, Solan. Vitamin D deficiency (52.6%) and insufficiency (42.6%) were highly prevalent in our students, and more common in females. Serum vitamin D was not significantly correlated with serum phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase. But a significant positive correlation was elucidated between serum calcium, sunlight exposure with vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency is an important public health problem and in addition to its effect on the growing skeleton, it may affect other organ systems adversely. Our findings support a recommendation for adequate sunlight exposure, fortification of food and vitamin D supplementation for healthy students. Vitamin D supplementation is an efficient and feasible way to maintain serum vitamin D levels.