Publication: Vitamin D status and sun exposure in Southeast Asia
Issued Date
2013-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
19381980
19381972
19381972
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-84881183096
Rights
Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Dermato-Endocrinology. Vol.5, No.1 (2013), 34-37
Suggested Citation
Hataikarn Nimitphong, Michael F. Holick Vitamin D status and sun exposure in Southeast Asia. Dermato-Endocrinology. Vol.5, No.1 (2013), 34-37. doi:10.4161/derm.24054 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/32640
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Authors
Journal Issue
Thesis
Title
Vitamin D status and sun exposure in Southeast Asia
Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is more common in South Asia and Southeast Asia than in appreciated. Most studies defined 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels [25(OH)D] levels of less than 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL) as vitamin D deficiency. With this cut-off level, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was about 70% or higher in South Asia and varied from 6-70% in Southeast Asia. The determinants for the variation of vitamin D status are skin pigmentation, aging, the sun protection behaviors such as application of a sunscreen, religious, lifestyle and nutritional differences. Advanced age is a known risk factor for vitamin D deficiency. Interestingly, elderly in countries such as Korea and Thailand, had higher 25(OH)D levels when compared with young people. This widespread vitamin D deficiency problem especially in the young generation is an urgent health issue that needs to be remedied. © 2013 Landes Bioscience.