Nutritional and Vitamin D Status of University Students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Data on Vitamin D level and nutritional status of Pakistani university students are limited. Objective: To find dietary habits of the university students with special focus on vitamin D levels. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included a total of 400 students (272/128 male/female) 18-26 years old students from Bacha Khan University Charsadda were included in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic, selected anthropometrics, dietary food intake, blood chemistry (lipid profile and CRP), and vitamin D status were measured. Results: Moderate energy deficiencies, particularly males (73% of RDA), and protein was meeting requirements in females but marginally short in males. Calcium (65% RDA), vitamin A (41% female, 30% male), and vitamin D (20% RDA) intake were significantly low. Iron intake was marginal in females (60%) but over met in males (135%). Low milk/dairy, egg, fish, and fruit/vegetable consumption reflected low micronutrient variety. Regular consumption of fast foods (3.4 times/week) and limited consumption of fish (0.5 servings/week) also indicated a shift toward nutrient-scarce dietary habits. Mean serum 25(OH) D level of 26.1± 12.6 ng/mL with A high number (32% ;95% CI: 13.5–27.3) of respondents were vitamin D deficient; 42% (95% CI: 35.3–52.8) were vitamin D insufficient; and only 26% (95% CI: 20.1 – 32.2) of the participants had normal vitamin D. In addition, high levels of inflammatory and lipid markers were observed. Conclusion: In summary, university students exhibited poor vitamin D status with high levels of CRP and blood lipid profile such that interventions are warranted.