Intervalos de referencia para 25-hidroxivitamina D en población autóctona y aparentemente sana de Yucatán

Introduction

25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is considered a marker of general health and its deficiency is a problem worldwide. There is still no consensus to define their optimal levels, with it being necessary to establish them for each population according to their ethnic characteristics and environmental factors to which they are exposed.

Objective

To determine the reference intervals for 25(OH)D in the native and apparently healthy population of Yucatan.

Methods

The study included 71 apparently healthy volunteers, female and male, between one and 65 years old, and originally from Yucatan. Serum levels of 25(OH)D were measured along with the determination of calcium, phosphorus, and parathormone levels due to their relationship with vitamin D metabolism. Reference intervals were calculated using parametric and robust methods. The skin phototype was recorded and the Garabedian test was applied to determine the daily intake of calcium and vitamin D.

Results

The mean value of 25(OH)D was 23.49 ± 5.60 ng/mL. The reference limits for total and gender-related 25(OH)D, and by gender were narrower and significantly different from those proposed by the manufacturer. A direct correlation was found between 25(OH)D levels and serum calcium (r = 0.36; P = .003) and an inverse one with intact parathormone (r = −0.44; P < .001). A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is not sufficient to maintain the normal requirements of 25(OH)D in this population.

Conclusions

The proposed reference intervals are adequate to the peculiarities of the population of Yucatan and could improve the accuracy of health status measurement based on serum levels of vitamin D.