Association Between Vitamin D Status and Body Composition: A Cross-Sectional Study among University Female Students

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Vitamin D deficiency is currently recognized as a global epidemic and has been linked to many diseases. According to recent studies in Saudi Arabia showed a high prevalence of Saudi population having vitamin D deficiency. Objectives: The objective of this project was to find out how common vitamin D grade is and to look at the relationship between body fat proportion and vitamin D status among female university students. Methods: University female students were the subject of a cross-sectional study. After obtaining their permission, sample of 300 students were selected to participate. Weight, height and waist circumference were taken. Body composition were analyzed by using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Bloodspot testing was used to determine 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) level. Results: this research found significant relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the body fat percentage. Overweight and obese people have lower vitamin D levels than slimmer people. The relationship between the two variables is medium strong and inverse meaning that students with high proportion of body fat have decreased levels of vitamin D and vice versa. This finding is supported by the linear regression model between the two variables that reveals that if all factors affecting vitamin D status are held constant, the percentage body fat explains 28.2% of the variability in the vitamin D status. Conclusion: In conclusion, there is a statistically significant connotation between body fat and vitamin D status amongst female students. Further investigation is in need to tackle this health issue.