Factores relacionados con insuficiencia de vitamina D en estudiantes de Medicina de Gran Canaria

Abstract

Introduction: The bone-related and non bone-related functions of vitamin D are becoming better known by the day. As a result, levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25-HCC) above 30 ng/mL are considered optimum. Objectives: To study in a population of medical students in Gran Canaria what nutritional and lifestyle factors are associated with high levels of 25-HCC.Material and method: A transverse study carried out in 98 Medical students of both sexes at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. All completed a questionnaire about their lifestyles and nutritional habits. A general physical examination was carried out and blood in fasting was taken to determine various biochemical parameters, including markers for remodelled bone, PTH and 25-HCC. In addition, bone mineral density was determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry and using ultrasound parameters in the calcaneum. Results: We did not find statistically significant differences between thestudents who had levels of 25-HCC higher than 30 ng/mL and those with levels below this figure, in any of the variables studied, with the exception of male sex and the consumption of vitamin supplements.Conclusions: Male gender in students of medicine in Gran Canaria, and the consumption of vitamin supplements, are associated with levels of vitamin D lower than 30 ng/mL.