Abstract

Background:
Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, and multiple other biological effects, supporting in building strong bones, teeth, and muscles. The current study aimed at investigating the potential association between vitamin D deficiency and anxiety among the Saudi population.
Methodology
A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi men and women aged between 18 years to 40 years during the period between March 2017 to August 2017. Online questionnaires were employed for the study enquiring about the manifestations of anxiety and vitamin D deficiency. Since collected data showed normal distribution, differences between groups were evaluated using the Student T-test or one-way ANOVA. Analysis of data was performed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), MedCalc and GraphPad Prism programs.
Results:
Among the total responders, 749 (46.5%) respondents had vitamin D deficiency, 161 (10%) had normal vitamin D levels while, 649 (40.3%) were not tested for vitamin D. The levels of vitamin D were 5-15 pg/ml in 431 (57.54%), 16-25 pg/ml in 247 (32.9%), 26-35 pg/ml in 89 (11.88%) and only 31 (4.13%) had vitamin D levels above 60 pg/ml. Data analysis showed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among respondents. A positive correlation was found between vitamin D deficiency and anxiety among the studied population
Conclusion:
The strong association between vitamin D deficiency and anxiety found among Saudi ethnicity recommends measurement of vitamin D levels in subjects demonstrating anxiety manifestations. The authors also recommend the need for administration of vitamin D supplements for vitamin D deficient individuals along with other anxiety management strategies.

Key words: Vitamin D, deficiency, anxiety, Saudi population