The Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among Cancer Survivors in a Nationwide Survey of the Korean Population |
| |
Authors: | Myueng Guen Oh Mi Ah Han Jong Park So Yeon Ryu Seong-Woo Choi |
| |
Institution: | 1. Department of Internal Medicine, Jeongup Asan Hospital, Jeongup, Korea.; 2. Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea.; University of Alabama at Birmingham, UNITED STATES, |
| |
Abstract: | BackgroundRecent studies have shown that inadequate vitamin D levels are associated with a poor cancer prognosis, but data regarding actual vitamin D levels in cancer survivors are limited. This study investigated the vitamin D levels and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Korean cancer survivors compared with non-cancer controls, and identified the factors associated with vitamin D deficiency.MethodsUsing the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 915 cancer survivors and 29,694 controls without a history of cancer were selected. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured; vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D levels less than 20 ng/mL. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and associated factors.ResultsVitamin D deficiency was observed in 62.7% of cancer survivors and 67.1% of controls. Among cancer survivors, vitamin D deficiency was most prevalent among 19–44 year olds (76.2%) and among managers, professionals, and related workers (79.3%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that younger cancer survivors and those who work indoors were predisposed to vitamin D deficiency.ConclusionVitamin D deficiency was prevalent among both cancer survivors and controls in Korea. The regular evaluation and management of vitamin D levels is needed for both bone health and general health in cancer survivors. |
| |
Keywords: | |
|
|