The Association Between Vitamin D Levels, Body Mass Index (BMI), and Dietary Patterns in Iraqi Women

Abdulhadi Mohamed Jumaa

doi:10.51699/cajmns.v7i2.3149

Authors

Abdulhadi Mohamed Jumaa Department of physiology, college of medicine, Tikrit university, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51699/cajmns.v7i2.3149

Keywords:

Vitamin D, Body Mass Index, Sun Exposure, Obesity

Abstract

Context The immune system, bone metabolism, and other metabolic processes are all significantly impacted by vitamin D. Numerous studies have found a negative correlation between body mass index (BMI) and blood vitamin D levels, indicating a connection between vitamin D deficiency and obesity. Even though Iraq receives a lot of sunlight, vitamin D insufficiency is nevertheless very common there, especially among women. The relationship between BMI and vitamin D levels in Iraqi women is not well understood, which calls for more investigation. The purpose of the study The study is to examine the relationship between BMI and the blood level of 25(OH)D in Iraqi women as well as the impact of sun exposure, physical activity, and vitamin D consumption on vitamin D status. Techniques In this study, 98 Iraqi women were divided into three BMI groups: normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m²), overweight (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m²), and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²). Chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) was used to measure serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Lifestyle variables were recorded, such as exposure to sunshine, physical activity (measured by daily steps taken), and vitamin D content of food. The relationship between BMI and vitamin D levels was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient, and the variation in vitamin D levels between groups of individuals with varying BMIs was evaluated using a one-way ANOVA. To find independent variables related to the vitamin D status, multiple linear regression analysis was used. Outcomes The serum 25(OH)D level and BMI had an inverse relationship (r = -0.41, p = 0.032). Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in women who did not receive enough sunshine each day (p = 0.014). Serum vitamin D levels were adversely correlated with increased physical activity (6,000 steps per day) (p = 0.027). • According to regression analysis, individuals' vitamin D status was significantly impacted negatively by their BMI (β = -0.34, p = 0.039). In conclusion Compared to people of normal weight, Iraqi women who were overweight or obese had decreased vitamin D levels. The findings show that consuming dairy products, getting more sunshine, and engaging in more physical activity all improve vitamin D levels.

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