Vitamin D status of healthy childbearing age women in South Asia: A pooled analysis of community-based studies

Hypovitaminosis D (Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency) is a major public health problem globally. A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) has been noted in South Asian (SA) women of childbearing age despite the abundant sunshine. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review the existing data from population-based studies in this region to summate the magnitude of the problem. Articles published and reported prevalence of VDD/VDI in eight South Asian countries during period of 2010-2020 were searched and screened from PUBMED and Google Scholar using PRISMA guidelines. The study population was healthy women of childbearing age (18-45 years) and included pregnant and non-pregnant women. Fourteen population-based studies were found from SA countries India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. No studies were available from Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Maldives pertaining to the searched period. Participant groups were from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. The prevalence ranged from 61.5% from Pakistan to 100% from Bangladesh. This systematic review reported a significantly higher prevalence of hypo-vitaminosis D among SA women of childbearing age. Inadequate sun exposure, lack of consumption of good vitamin D food sources due to either illiteracy or economic constrains has been regarded as potential determinants of hypovitaminosis D among participants. The findings of this study would help pertinent stake holders to prepare suitable national level programs to enhance the Vitamin D status of women of childbearing age.