Research Paper

Estimation Of Vitamin D Levels Among Manual Labourers

Abstract :

Aim: The present study was planned with an aim to evaluate serum vitamin D level in manual labourers, working under direct sunlight in order to understand and describe this issue in detail.Materials and method: The Observational cross sectional type study was conducted in Department of General Medicine, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Ram Nagar, Dehradun. Detailed history regarding type of work, duration of work, diet specially (vegetarian or mixed), type of vegetable oil they use and amount of calories intake was noted. Complete Hemogram and random blood sugar levels were assessed. Vitamin D levels were assessed using WIDAS Analyser and KIT.Results: Among those who had vitamin D insufficiency, 108 (89.3%) were non-vegetarian and 13 (10.7%) vegetarians with no significant difference. There was no significant association between medium of cooking, vitamin D status and activity level, body area exposed to direct sunlight and average daily time spent under sunlight and vitamin D status and lifestyle disorder. A significantly higher proportion of those with vitamin D insufficiency had pulse rate <60 bpm (14.9%) as compared to those having normal vitamin D levels (0%) (p=0.007). However, no significant association between blood pressure and vitamin D status could be seen (p=0.550).Conclusion: The study concludes the fact that it is not the availability of sunshine but it is the extent of exposure to sun that determines the vitamin D levels.

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