Volume 29, Issue 157, March 2025

Awareness of the population about vitamin D function, deficiency, and its impact on health, supported by survey results

Aleksandra Jeńć-Magoń¹, Aleksandra Roztoczyńska¹, Martyna Orzechowska¹, Karolina Jabłońska¹, Piotr Paluch¹, Karol Leśniewski¹, Jakub Pudźwa¹, Kamil Gibczyński², Anita Król², Michał Orczyk¹

¹College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow Tadeusza Rejtana 16c Ave, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
²Fryderyk Chopin University Clinical Hospital in Rzeszów, Fryderyka Szopena 2 Street, 35-055 Rzeszów, Poland

ABSTRACT

Background: Vitamin D plays an important role in the human body, and its deficiency may result in serious consequences such as rickets, osteoporosis, and cause an increased risk of autoimmune diseases, or cancer. In countries with limited exposure to the sun, deficiencies are more common, so supplementation is necessary. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of adult women and men about the function of vitamin D, supplementation, and the consequences of its deficiency. Material and Methods: The study material was collected using an anonymous questionnaire. The results were carefully reviewed and validated against the scientific literature available in online databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Medline. Additionally, they were statistically analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel. Results: The study involved 155 participants. The largest group of whom were women aged 41-64 years. Almost 66.9% of the respondents declared that they take vitamin D supplements, of which 62.8% take it once a day at a dose of 2000 IU (International units). Furthermore, most respondents take the preparations only in autumn and winter. Respondents mainly associated the function of vitamin D with the skeletal system, but also with immunity, thyroid function, and positive effects on the skin. 78.6% of those surveyed also know the consequences of deficiency. Conclusions: Most adults have adequate knowledge of vitamin D and its effects on health, but some people do not supplement or do not know the consequences of deficiency. It is worthwhile to introduce educational programmes, and advertising spots to increase awareness of vitamin D.

Keywords: Vitamin D, vitamin D supplementation, vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D functions

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e46ms3511

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v29i157.e46ms3511

Published: 01 March 2025