Relationship of total 25-OH vitamin D concentrations to Indices of Multiple Deprivation: geoanalysis of laboratory results
From Annals of Clinical Biochemistry
This significant UK study examines vitamin D deficiency. It recognizes that such deficiency is widespread. The laboratory information system was searched to create a data-set of vitamin D concentrations which was then linked to economic and ethnicity data using postcodes. Geography is the key to virtually all national statistics. It provides a structure for collecting, processing, storing and aggregating data. The study reveals the variables determining vitamin D status. Findings outline that vitamin D deficiency is related to ethnicity; it does not appear to be related to economic status contrary to widespread belief, except in cases of severe vitamin D deficiency.
Abstract
Background Vitamin D deficiency appears to be widespread and associated with ethnicity and economic status. Geography is the key to virtually all national statistics. It provides a structure for collecting, processing, storing and aggregating data. Linking geographic data to laboratory data allows analysis of the association of laboratory data with economic indicators.
Methods The laboratory information system was searched to create a data-set of total 25-OH vitamin D concentrations, which was then linked to economic (Indices of Multiple Deprivation [IMD]) and ethnicity data using postcodes geocoded to Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs).
Results A total of 12422 25-OH vitamin D requests were received during the time period searched. A total of 12167 of these had associated postcodes that would allow georeferencing to LSOAs. The median total 25-OH vitamin D was 24.5 nmol/L (5.3–99.0; 2.5–97.5th percentile). Statistically significant (Spearman rank) correlations were found between median 25-OH vitamin D (nmol/L) and percentage of non-White population and percentage of non-White population and IMD. No statistically significant correlation between median 25-OH vitamin D concentration and IMD was found; however, a statistically significant correlation between percentage of population classified as severely deficient and IMD was found.
Conclusions In summary, vitamin D deficiency is widespread and is related to ethnicity; it does not appear to be related to economic status except in cases of severe vitamin D deficiency.
Article details
Webster, C. (2012). Relationship of total 25-OH vitamin D concentrations to Indices of Multiple Deprivation: geoanalysis of laboratory results Annals of Clinical Biochemistry DOI: 10.1258/acb.2012.011249
Tags: Vitamin D deficiency
