A comprehensive analysis published in the Frontiers journal and utilizing National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) data from 2001 to 2008 revealed that vitamin D deficiency (VDD) remains prevalent in the United States. The study, encompassing 71,685 participants, found that severe and moderate VDD affects 2.6% and 22.0% of Americans, respectively, with vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) and sufficiency at 40.9% and 34.5%. Notably, VDD is more pronounced in women, non-Hispanic black Americans, individuals aged 20–29, and during winter.
While a slight linear decrease in moderate VDD and VDI was observed from 2001 to 2018, there was a corresponding increase in vitamin D sufficiency. However, severe VDD exhibited no significant trend change. Predictors of severe VDD include age, sex, ethnicity, season, sun-protective behaviors, lower BMI, lower socioeconomic status (SES), drinking habits, and reduced milk consumption.
These findings highlight the persistent prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the US, emphasizing the need for targeted public health measures. Non-Hispanic black Americans, women, young adults, and individuals in winter conditions should be particularly attentive to their vitamin D status. The study advocates for collaborative efforts among individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers to develop and implement effective prevention strategies addressing VDD.
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