Vitamin D Deficiency

Previously, known actions of vitamin D were confined to skeletal health, but accumulating evidence has consistently suggested that vitamin D has pleomorphic roles in overall human physiology. Hence, no other micronutrient deficiency in the modern times has gained as much global attention as vitamin D deficiency. In this chapter, the author reinforces what is already known in vitamin D and highlights several important findings in vitamin D research, with a special focus on one of the most vitamin D-deficient regions in the world, the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia, in particular

Metabolic syndrome: Risk factors among adults in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of established cardiovascular risk factors that collectively increase predisposition to major chronic diseases, including heart diseases and diabetes mellitus. Citizens of developing countries such as Saudi Arabia are at risk for MetS as a result of industrialization and accessibility to fast foods. In this epidemiologic study, the kingdom-wide prevalence of MetS is determined. Materials and Methods: A total of 4578 Saudis aged 15-64 was randomly selected from 20 regions in Saudi Arabia. Anthropometrics were collected, and fasting blood samples collected to ascertain fasting blood glucose and lipid profile. Components of full MetS as defined by the International Diabetes Federation were used for screening. Results: The overall prevalence of MetS is 28.3%. Prevalence was significantly higher in males than in females (31.4 vs. 25.2%; P = 0.001). Prevalence of MetS was the highest in the northern and central region, and showed a parallel increase with age, and inversely with educational status. Region was also a significant contributor to MetS. Conclusion: Despite accumulating evidence of an epidemic, MetS remains largely unresolved in the kingdom. Aggressive public campaign should be launched, and policies implemented to control any future damage of MetS in the kingdom

Vitamin D: Deficiency, Sufficiency and Toxicity

The plethora of vitamin D studies over the recent years highlight the pleomorphic effects of vitamin D outside its conventional role in calcium and bone homeostasis. Vitamin D deficiency, though common and known, still faces several challenges among the medical community in terms of proper diagnosis and correction. In this review, the different levels of vitamin D and its clinical implications are highlighted. Recommendations and consensuses for the appropriate dose and duration for each vitamin D status are also emphasized

Vitamin D: Deficiency, Sufficiency and Toxicity

The plethora of vitamin D studies over the recent years highlight the pleomorphic effects of vitamin D outside its conventional role in calcium and bone homeostasis. Vitamin D deficiency, though common and known, still faces several challenges among the medical community in terms of proper diagnosis and correction. In this review, the different levels of vitamin D and its clinical implications are highlighted. Recommendations and consensuses for the appropriate dose and duration for each vitamin D status are also emphasized

Effect of Vitamin D3 on Untreated Graves' Disease with Vitamin D Deficiency

Objective Besides its classical role in calcium and bone homeostasis, vitamin D is considered a potent immunomodulator that can affect the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. Our aim is to evaluate the effect of vitamin D correction to a patient with new onset Graves' disease (GD) with an underlying vitamin D deficiency. Method We describe the effect of vitamin D3 on untreated Graves' disease with vitamin D deficiency. Results A healthy Saudi woman in her 40s sought consultation with a three-month history of palpitation. She denied any history of heat intolerance, weight loss, menstrual irregularity or sweating. She has a history of chronic muscle aches and pains. Physical examination revealed a mild diffusely enlarged and non-tender thyroid gland with no bruit. She had no signs of Graves' ophthalmopathy. In laboratory examinations, the initial thyroid function test, which was done in an outside hospital, revealed a TSH, 0.01 mIU/L; FT4, 22.5 pmol/L and FT3, 6.5 pmol/L. Vitamin D 25-OH level was done in our hospital and showed a result of 26.0 nmol/L with a TSH, 0.013 mIU/L; FT4, 16.7 pmol/L; and FT3, 3.8 pmol/L. TSH receptor antibody was positive. TC-99 m thyroid scintigraphy demonstrated an enlarged thyroid gland with increased radiotracer trapping and heterogeneous distribution. The patient was given only oral cholecalciferol 4000 IU per day since November 2012 (prescribed by an outside hospital) then from May 2013 onwards she was given 50,000 IU per month. Follow-up laboratory exams revealed improved vitamin D levels as well as TSH and FT4. She eventually improved both clinically and biochemically with a satisfactory outcome. Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate the onset and/or development of GD and correction of the deficiency may be able to reverse it. However, further prospective clinical studies will be needed to define the role of vitamin D treatment in GD