Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Health Consequences in Africa

Prentice, Ann, Schoenmakers, Inez, Jones, Kerry S., Jarjou, Landing M. A. and Goldberg, Gail R. (2009) Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Health Consequences in Africa. Clinical Reviews in Bone and Mineral Metabolism, 7 (1). pp. 94-106. ISSN 1534-8644

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Abstract

Africa is heterogeneous in latitude, geography, climate, food availability, religious and cultural practices, and skin pigmentation. It is expected, therefore, that prevalence of vitamin D deficiency varies widely, in line with influences on skin exposure to UVB sunshine. Furthermore, low calcium intakes and heavy burden of infectious disease common in many countries may increase vitamin D utilization and turnover. Studies of plasma 25OHD concentration indicate a spectrum from clinical deficiency to values at the high end of the physiological range; however, data are limited. Representative studies of status in different countries, using comparable analytical techniques, and of relationships between vitamin D status and risk of infectious and chronic diseases relevant to the African context are needed. Public health measures to secure vitamin D adequacy cannot encompass the whole continent and need to be developed locally.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: sdg 3 - good health and well-being ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Musculoskeletal Medicine
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Nutrition and Preventive Medicine
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Depositing User: LivePure Connector
Date Deposited: 28 Jan 2022 13:32
Last Modified: 23 Oct 2022 03:29
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/83216
DOI: 10.1007/s12018-009-9038-6

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