Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in the population of the Russian Federation

A limited number of large-scale studies have been conducted on vitamin D deficiency and deficit in the Russian Federation. Objective. To study the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and deficit in the population of the Russian Federation. Materials and methods. In a cross-sectional study, the results of 2 208 922 studies, in which the concentration of 25(OH)D in the serum had been identified by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, were analyzed. Studies were performed in 2022—2023 in clinical diagnostic laboratories in all regions of the Russian Federation. Analyzed information included the sex and age of the subjects, the obtained result. Results. Vitamin D deficiency was identified in 29.61%, deficit — in 22.94%, pronounced deficit — in 3.92% of the subjects. Frequency of vitamin D deficiency and deficit was the same in men and women; reduced serum 25(OH)D concentration is more often identified during winter and spring. In children, the frequency of vitamin D deficiency and deficit increases with age, accounting for 20.83% in infancy, 35.15% in early childhood, 49.49% in preschool age, 63.21% in primary school age, 71.51% in high school age. Reduced serum 25(OH)D concentration is found in about one in two adults (young age — 54.01%, elderly age — 47.75%, middle age — 47.44%, senile age — 53.01%). Elevated serum 25(OH)D concentration is most commonly identified in infants (3.70%). Conclusion. Vitamin D deficiency and deficit are common among the population of the Russian Federation, especially in children of high school age and long-living persons. Reduced serum 25(OH)D concentration is more frequently identified in winter and spring. The presented data show the relevance of vitamin D prophylactic application.