Vitamin D deficiency is a growing concern in Japan, particularly among young women. This deficiency is linked to various health issues such as pregnancy-induced hypertension and low birth weight in children. As a result, it is crucial to identify those at high risk of deficiency and provide proper health guidance. However, the current method for measuring serum vitamin D levels is costly and invasive, leading to the need for simpler risk assessment tools.
To address this issue, a research group led by Professor Akiko Kuwabara at Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology conducted a study involving 583 Japanese women aged 18 to 40. The survey included factors such as age, residential area, medical history, medication use, lifestyle habits, sun exposure, diet, and supplement intake. By analyzing these factors, the team developed a non-invasive and cost-effective tool called ViDDPreS (Vitamin D Deficiency Predicting Scoring) to assess the risk of vitamin D deficiency in young women.
The ViDDPreS tool aims to identify populations in need of intervention and estimate factors contributing to vitamin D deficiency. By using this tool, healthcare professionals can better understand who may be at risk and provide targeted guidance on diet, sun exposure, and supplement use. It is hoped that the use of ViDDPreS will lead to more appropriate supplementation and improved overall health outcomes for those deficient in this essential nutrient.
The study also included a dietary survey using the self-administered dietary history questionnaire (DHQ) to assess vitamin D intake through food sources. Additionally, the research team calculated the average and cumulative ultraviolet irradiation dose for each region in the 30 days prior to blood collection. These factors were taken into consideration when developing the ViDDPreS tool to provide a comprehensive assessment of vitamin D deficiency risk in young women.
The results of the study were published in Public Health Nutrition, highlighting the importance of addressing vitamin D deficiency in young women through targeted interventions and education. By using non-invasive and cost-effective tools like ViDDPreS, healthcare professionals can better assist those at risk of deficiency and promote better health outcomes. It is crucial to raise awareness about the importance of vitamin D and provide resources for individuals to maintain adequate levels of this essential nutrient for overall health and well-being.