Author

Wedad Azhar

Date Approved

2009

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Health Sciences

Committee Member

George Liepa, PhD, Chair

Committee Member

Yousif Khodari, PhD

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to determine serum 25(OH)D and PTH concentrations as well as vitamin D and Ca dietary intake in healthy pregnant (P) (n=48) and non-pregnant (NP) (n=70) Saudi Arabian women who reside in Mecca- Saudi Arabia. Age, occupation, skin color, smoking status, use of sunscreen, use of supplements, and sun exposure were correlated to vitamin D status. Dietary and supplement intake was assessed. Among the participants, 50.8% (35% P, 65% NP) women had 25(OH)D concentration that were ≤ 11 ng/mL. PTH concentrations were normal in 60.2% and high in 37% of the participants. Dietary vitamin D intake was normal, whereas dietary Ca intake was extremely low. Positive correlations were shown to exist between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and the use of supplements, avoidance of smoking, and the length of exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency appears to be prevalent among P and NP Saudi women.

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Nutrition Commons

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