Prevalence and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in patients with widespread musculoskeletal pain.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) vitamin D) deficiency in patients complaining of widespread musculoskeletal pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 14,925 patients (13,589 females and 1336 males; mean age: 47.0 years, range: 20-99 years) were included. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D was measured by ELISA. The patients were classified into two groups: 1) patients with vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) and 2) patients without vitamin D deficiency (>20 ng/mL).

RESULTS: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 73.9%. A multivariate logistic regression model showed that low 25(OH) vitamin D level was associated with sex, age, and month in which 25(OH) hypovitaminosis was determined. The risk of a low 25(OH) vitamin D was level was 1.74 times higher in female patients than in males. The risk of low 25(OH) vitamin D level was highest in March during the year.

CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that vitamin D deficiency should be considered in patients with widespread musculoskeletal pain and some precautions, such as sunbathing during summer, should be recommended for patients with a risk of vitamin D deficiency.