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Nutrients
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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Vitamin D Deficiency
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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Vitamin D Deficiency

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Micronutrients and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 January 2026 | Viewed by 1393

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Konstantin Horas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Orthopaedic Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Wuerzburg, Koenig-Ludwig-Haus, Brettreichstr 11, 97074 Wuerzburg, Germany
2. Frankfurt Centre for Bone Health and Endocrinology, 60313 Frankfurt, Germany
3. ATOS Hospital, 65203 Wiesbaden, Germany
Interests: vitamin D; fracture; osteoporosis; osteoarthritis; bone oncology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Vitamin D deficiency is frequently seen in the general population of many countries around the world. Moreover, its prevalence increases with age; thus, countries with an ageing population are particularly affected by vitamin D deficiency. Today, numerous clinical studies have reported a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and vitamin D deficiency in patients with innumerable diseases. For example, several studies have linked low serum vitamin D levels to increased cancer incidence and mortality. Other studies describe the favourable effects of vitamin D on the progression and outcome of, e.g., musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, vitamin D is believed to play a role in decreasing the risk of many chronic illnesses, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Likewise, vitamin D supplementation is known to prevent nutritional disorders, such as rickets, and potentially lower the risk of many other diseases.

In this Special Issue on the prevalence and risk factors of vitamin D deficiency, we welcome submissions focusing on epidemiologic studies and clinical trials to examine vitamin D and its supplementation. 

Dr. Konstantin Horas
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • vitamin D
  • hypovitaminosis D
  • 25 (OH)D
  • prevalence
  • risk factors

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 2442 KB  
Article
Prevalence of Vitamin D Hypovitaminosis in Croatia: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Routine Clinical Examinations
by Jelena Kelemen, Luka Bulić, Petar Brlek, Renata Zadro, Jelena Pavlović, Marin Vučić, Eva Brenner and Dragan Primorac
Nutrients 2025, 17(24), 3863; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243863 - 11 Dec 2025
Viewed by 335
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is recognized as a global public health concern due to its implications for bone health, immune regulation, and chronic disease risk. Despite its significance, comprehensive data on the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in the Croatian population remain limited. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is recognized as a global public health concern due to its implications for bone health, immune regulation, and chronic disease risk. Despite its significance, comprehensive data on the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in the Croatian population remain limited. This study aimed to determine the distribution of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D) levels in a group of patients who underwent routine clinical examination, evaluate the prevalence of deficiency, and assess potential associations with demographic factors such as age and sex. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 829 individuals aged 19–85 years who underwent routine clinical testing at our institution. Serum 25-OH D concentrations were measured and classified as normal (≥75 nmol/L), deficient (<75 nmol/L, ≥50 nmol/L), or severely deficient (<50 nmol/L). Data on age and sex were extracted, and statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, tests for normality (Kolmogorov–Smirnov), comparisons (Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis), and correlation testing (Spearman’s rho). Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The cohort consisted of 525 females (63.3%) and 304 males (36.7%), with a mean age of 49.2 ± 15.8 years. The mean and median serum 25-OH D concentrations were 53.5 and 53.0 nmol/L, respectively (IQR: 40.0–65.0). Severe deficiency (<50 nmol/L) was present in 43.7% of participants, while an additional 49.2% exhibited moderate deficiency, leaving only 7.1% with sufficient levels. No statistically significant differences in vitamin D levels were observed between sexes, nor was there a significant correlation between age and vitamin D concentration (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in the Croatian population, with more than 90% of individuals showing suboptimal serum levels. The absence of significant associations with age or sex suggests a widespread deficiency pattern, underscoring the need for nationwide preventive strategies, including dietary supplementation and public health education initiatives to improve vitamin D status. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevalence and Risk Factors of Vitamin D Deficiency)
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11 pages, 439 KB  
Article
High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients Undergoing Total Shoulder or Elbow Arthroplasty
by Miledi Hoxha, Tizian Heinz, Maximilian Rudert, Kilian List, Leonard Achenbach, Gerrit Maier, Manuel Weißenberger and Konstantin Horas
Nutrients 2025, 17(16), 2635; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17162635 - 14 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 812
Abstract
Background: Vitamin D deficiency represents a global health problem of enormous extent. It is estimated that around one billion people worldwide have inadequate vitamin D levels. This phenomenon is directly associated with negative impact on a variety of orthopaedic conditions. Further, there is [...] Read more.
Background: Vitamin D deficiency represents a global health problem of enormous extent. It is estimated that around one billion people worldwide have inadequate vitamin D levels. This phenomenon is directly associated with negative impact on a variety of orthopaedic conditions. Further, there is now robust evidence that perioperative vitamin D levels in patients scheduled for total joint replacement (TJA) affect outcome and the healing process. To date, only few studies focus on vitamin D levels of patients scheduled for total arthroplasty of the upper extremity (shoulder and elbow). For this reason, the objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this patient collective. Methods: In a monocentric cohort study, serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) were measured preoperatively in all patients undergoing total shoulder or elbow arthroplasty. Demographic and perioperative data as well as comorbidities were recorded from medical records to assess for potential risk factors for hypovitaminosis D. Multivariate regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency. Results: Collectively, 108 patients with total joint replacement of the upper extremity were included over a period of twelve months. Notably, 28.7% (31/108) of patients reported a regular intake of vitamin D supplements. 62.3% (19/31) of those had sufficient vitamin D levels, while 38.7% (12/31) had insufficient and further 6% (2/31) deficient vitamin D levels (<20 ng/mL). Remarkably, 87% of patients that did not report a regular vitamin D intake (n = 77) showed low serum vitamin D levels. In particular, 63.6% (49/77) were vitamin D deficient, 23.4% (18/77) vitamin D insufficient and only 13% of patients had vitamin D serum levels above or equal to 30 ng/mL that are considered sufficient (mean serum 25(OH)D = 36.4 ng/mL for vitamin D substitution vs. 18.4 ng/mL for no substitution; p < 0.0001). Moreover, vitamin D levels varied between seasons, with the lowest levels recorded in spring (OR = 4.32, p = 0.044) and the highest levels in summer (p = 0.005 vs. spring). Conclusion: Patients undergoing total shoulder or elbow arthroplasty have an increased risk profile for hypovitaminosis D (vitamin D supplementation had 94% lower odds of being deficient; OR = 0.06, p = 0.001). Seasonal circumstances at the point of arthroplasty seem to be a key risk factor for low vitamin D levels. For this reason, it would be advisable to consider preoperative serum vitamin D level measurement as an integral part of the regularly performed preoperative care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevalence and Risk Factors of Vitamin D Deficiency)
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