From the Guidelines
Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia, affecting approximately 60-80% of the population despite the country's abundant sunlight. The recommended treatment for vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabia typically involves oral supplementation with vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 1. For adults with confirmed deficiency (serum 25(OH)D levels <20 ng/mL), the standard regimen includes a loading dose of 50,000 IU weekly for 8 weeks, followed by maintenance therapy of 1,000-2,000 IU daily. For severe deficiency (<10 ng/mL), higher loading doses may be required. Children typically receive lower doses based on weight, usually 1,000-5,000 IU daily for 8-12 weeks. After achieving normal levels, maintenance therapy should continue with 800-2,000 IU daily for adults and 400-1,000 IU daily for children. Dietary modifications to include vitamin D-rich foods (fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified dairy products) and modest sunlight exposure (15-30 minutes, 2-3 times weekly) are important adjunctive measures. Regular monitoring of serum 25(OH)D levels is recommended every 3-6 months during treatment and annually thereafter. The high prevalence of deficiency in Saudi Arabia is attributed to cultural practices including traditional clothing that limits sun exposure, indoor lifestyle, and dietary factors, making supplementation particularly important for this population. Some key points to consider in the treatment of vitamin D deficiency include:
- The use of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) as the preferred form of supplementation 1
- The importance of monitoring serum 25(OH)D levels to adjust treatment doses and prevent toxicity 1
- The need for individualized treatment plans based on the severity of deficiency and patient factors such as age, weight, and comorbidities 1
From the Research
Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Saudi Arabia
- The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabia is a significant public health concern, with studies indicating a high prevalence among the population 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- A retrospective study conducted from 2017 to 2021 found a period prevalence of 67.3% for vitamin D deficiency (<30 ng/mL) among 22,335 individuals in the Saudi population 2.
- Another study conducted from 2008 to 2017 found a 10-year prevalence of 73.2% for vitamin D deficiency in the central region of Saudi Arabia, with a decreasing trend over time 3.
- A cross-sectional study conducted in 2008 found that 29% of healthy Saudi adults had vitamin D deficiency, with female gender and anemia being independent predictors of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency 4.
- A retrospective study conducted from 2019 to 2021 in the Taif region of Saudi Arabia found a prevalence of 41.8% for vitamin D deficiency, with it being more common in males, younger age, and patients without comorbidities 5.
Distribution and Disease Associations
- Vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabia has been associated with bone and insulin-resistant diseases, but limited data are available to prove causality 6.
- A systematic review of prevalence studies conducted from 2011 to 2016 found that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L) in Saudi Arabia among different populations was 81.0% (Confidence Interval 95% 68.0-90.0) 6.
- The distribution of vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabia varies according to region, with some studies indicating a higher prevalence in certain regions such as the central region 3 and the Taif region 5.
Trends and Treatment
- Trend analysis has revealed a significant decrease in vitamin D deficiency prevalence over time, with a decrease from 87.1% to 64.7% between 2008 and 2017 in the central region of Saudi Arabia 3.
- The findings of these studies necessitate interventions based on age-specific patterns, providing crucial insights for targeted public health strategies aimed at enhancing vitamin D status in the Saudi population, particularly among the most affected groups such as females and younger individuals 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.