Background:

Daily dietary calcium intake below the requirements has been related to low levels of vitamin D (Vit-D) and osteoarticular diseases.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of Vit-D deficiency in the general population living in Bogotá, its relationship to dietary calcium intake, and the influence of socio-demographic factors and sunlight exposure.

Materials and methods:

In a prospective cohort of the general population (randomly selected), excluding individuals with conditions affecting calcium absorption or adequate Vit-D action, the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (95 % ci) and regular consumption of calcium (RCI, mg/day) is measured according to socio-demographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and sunlight exposure variables. A multiple regression model is implemented (no intercept) to predict Vit-D concentration based on the factors described.

Results:

Ninety-seven patients are included, 61 % of which are women, with a median age of 23 years, a weight of 65 kg (IQR: 55.2-70.5), a height of 165 cm ± 8.9, and BMI of 22.8 kg/m2 (IQR: 21.2-25.2). The RCI was 393.7 mg/day, less than the benchmark for Colombian adults (p < 0.001); serum calcium concentration was 9.7 mg/dL. The mean Vit-D concentration (95 % ci) was 23.7 ng/mL (22.6-24.7); hypovitaminosis D was identified in 87 % of the sample (80.6-94.7 %), 24.7 % were classified as poor (15.6-33.8 %) and 62.9% as insufficient (52.8-73%). Vit-D concentration was predicted in a quadratic function by the interaction between sex, sunlight exposure, and RCI (R2 > 90 %).

Conclusion:

The suspected high prevalence of Vit-D deficiency is confirmed in the general Colombian adult population as a result of low dietary calcium intake, demographic factors, and sunlight exposure.

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