Correlation of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Deficiency with Ferritin, Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, and Other Biochemical Parameters of Women in Baghdad Province

Abstract

Abstract Background: The importance of vitamin D in facilitating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestines and maintaining appropriate levels of these minerals in the blood for normal bone mineralization is well-established. Objectives: Beyond its role in bone health, vitamin D has been shown to exert a significant influence on various biochemical processes and may impact the development of certain diseases, including infections, obesity, heart disease, and certain cancers. This study aimed to investigate the differences in vitamin D levels among women from Baghdad province and its potential associations with ferritin and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 171 apparently healthy women, categorized into two age groups: the menstrual age group (group A, mean age 36.4 ± 9.2) and the menopausal age group (group B, mean age 57.7 ± 8.4). Vitamin D levels, serum ferritin levels, and hemoglobin levels were assessed to understand the interplay between these parameters. Results: The results revealed that both groups exhibited low levels of vitamin D (group A: 916.56 ± 8.33; group B: 16.86 ± 10.45), low serum ferritin (group A: 11.9 ± 10.66; group B: 28.2 ± 13.67), and low hemoglobin levels (group A: 10.97 ± 1.74; group B: 11.42 ± 1.68). Notably, the results observed no significant differences in all studied parameters between these groups, except for serum ferritin (P < 0.05). Additionally, the finding demonstrated a significant positive association between vitamin D and serum ferritin levels in both groups (group A, r = +0.569, P < 0.000; group B, r = +0.405, P < 0.01). Also, there was a significant moderate positive correlation between vitamin D and hemoglobin levels (group A, r = +0.43, P < 0.001; group B, r = +0.312, P < 0.04). However, no significant correlation was found between vitamin D and TSH, urea, and creatinine levels. Conclusion: The implications of this study suggest that vitamin D deficiency may serve as a useful predictor and have an adverse effect on anemia in women.