Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Libya and its relation to other health disorders

Abstract

Vitamin D (VD) has a potential role in calcium homeostasis in the human body. It is also considered a strong immunomodulator, affecting both arms of the immune system (Innate and adaptive immunity). VD can also lower the risk of diabetes, improve pregnancy outcomes, reduce the risk of acute respiratory infection (e.g., COVID-19), and decrease the risk of cancer. No doubt that VD deficiency (VDD) is a health condition that spreads out all over the globe. VDD is linked to many health problems ranging from fatigue and skeleton pain to serious conditions such as rickets, osteomalacia, diabetes, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This review aims to provide a whole picture of the status of 25- hydroxycholecalciferol [25-(OH)D] as well as the frequency of 25-(OH)D deficiency (VDD) among Libyans in various regions of the country and to discuss the correlation between VDD and other health problems. The prevalence of VDD reached up to 80% among healthy individuals in the Middle East region. Libya is a big Mediterranean country and is sunny most of the year. In the western part of Libya, particularly in Tripoli (the capital city), the prevalence of severe VDD [25-(OH)D < 10 ng/mL] was as high as 50.8%, whereas only 27.5% had moderate VDD [25-(OH)D; 10-20 ng/mL]. In Benghazi (second largest city), the VDD prevalence was also high (76%). The highest prevalence of VDD was reported at 79% in the biggest southern city of Sebha. In the whole country, the VDD prevalence was high (among males and females), ranging from 45.4% to 87%, with a mean of 55.58%. The mean prevalence of VDD among males was 54.3% and for females was 53.29%. As clear from these data, VDD prevalence was high in the entire country. However, the available data were obtained from small cross-sectional studies and it becomes a necessity to conduct nationally representative studies and establish national nutrition surveys to accurately assess the prevalence of VDD. Moreover, the data included in this review invites the health authorities in Libya to take preventive measures to reduce the high prevalence of VDD, which will decrease VDD-associated health problems in the future.