A Review in Vitamin D Deficiency in Iraq Preva- lence, Distribution and Associated diseases

Vitamin D deficiency in Iraq

Abstract

Despite Vitamin D being known as the sunshine vitamin, low levels of vitamin D are reported continuously in majority of middle eastern countries. Interest in vitamin D levels have been growing considerably throughout the years and understanding the relation with vitamin D and similar populations has been crucial for the overall health benefits of individual patients. Iraq being a middle eastern country is divided into 2 different climatic provinces thus vitamin D levels may differ between populations living in the north vs. those in the southern area in hotter desert climate. This review is limited to the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency studies done in various cities in Iraq among different populations (adults, children, pregnant, those suffering from similar chronic diseases i.e. diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease and asthma/allergic rhinitis) living in different cities and published between the years 2019 to 2024. In short, it is essential to identify candidates who are at high risk of developing vitamin D complications for screening, monitoring and treating.