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Global vitamin D levels in relation to age, gender, skin pigmentation and latitude: an ecologic meta-regression analysis

Osteoporosis International volume 20, Article number: 133 (2009) Cite this article

Abstract

Summary

We performed a meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies on serum 25(OH)D status globally. Serum 25(OH)D levels on average were 54 nmol/l, were higher in women than men, and higher in Caucasians than in non-Caucasians. There was no trend in serum 25(OH)D level with latitude. Vitamin D deficiency was widespread.

Introduction

We studied vitamin D status (expressed as serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D]) in native subjects worldwide.

Methods

Meta-analysis and meta-regression of studies reporting on 25(OH)D in healthy subjects retrieved from Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science using the terms “serum”, “25-hydroxy-vitamin D”, “cholecalciferol”, and “human”. A total of 394 studies were included.

Results

The mean 25(OH)D level was 54 nmol/l (95% CI: 52–57 nmol/l). Women had borderline significantly higher 25(OH)D levels than men, and Caucasians had higher levels than non-Caucasians. 25(OH)D levels were higher in subjects aged >15 years than in younger subjects. Unadjusted there was no significant decrease in 25(OH)D with latitude (slope of curve −0.03 ± 0.12 nmol/l per degree latitude north or south of equator, p = 0.8). There was a significant decline with latitude for Caucasians (−0.69 ± 0.30 nmol/l per degree, p = 0.02), but not for non-Caucasians (0.03 ± 0.39 nmol/l per degree, p = 0.14). After adjustment for age, gender, and ethnicity, no overall correlation was present between 25(OH)D and latitude (−0.29 ± 0.24 nmol/l per degree, p = 0.23).

Conclusion

There was no overall influence of latitude on 25(OH)D. However, in separate analyses 25(OH)D decreased with latitude in Caucasians but not in non-Caucasians. A widespread global vitamin D insufficiency was present compared with proposed threshold levels.

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Acknowledgements

Research librarian Ms. Edith Clausen is acknowledged for skilful technical assistance with the references.

Conflicts of interest

None.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism C, Aarhus Amtssygehus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

    T. Hagenau, R. Vest, T. N. Gissel, C. S. Poulsen, L. Mosekilde & P. Vestergaard

  2. Department of Biostatistics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

    M. Erlandsen

  3. The Osteoporosis Clinic, Aarhus Amtssygehus, Tage Hansens Gade 2, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark

    P. Vestergaard

Authors
  1. T. Hagenau
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  2. R. Vest
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  3. T. N. Gissel
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  4. C. S. Poulsen
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  5. M. Erlandsen
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  6. L. Mosekilde
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  7. P. Vestergaard
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Correspondence to P. Vestergaard.

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Hagenau, T., Vest, R., Gissel, T.N. et al. Global vitamin D levels in relation to age, gender, skin pigmentation and latitude: an ecologic meta-regression analysis. Osteoporos Int 20, 133 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-008-0626-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-008-0626-y

Keywords

  • Cholecalciferol
  • Latitude
  • Meta-analysis
  • Serum vitamin D