Hagenau T et al. – No overall influence of latitude on 25(OH)D (vitamin D) was found, however, in separate analyses 25(OH)D decreased with latitude in Caucasians but not in non-Caucasians. A widespread global vitamin D insufficiency was present compared with proposed threshold levels. Methods
Meta-analysis and meta-regression of studies in healthy subjects retrieved from Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science using the terms “serum”, “25-hydroxy-vitamin D”, “cholecalciferol”, and “human”
A total of 394 studies were included
Results
The mean 25(OH)D level was 54 nmol/l
Women had borderline higher 25(OH)D levels than men, and Caucasians had higher levels than non-Caucasians
25(OH)D levels were higher in subjects aged >15 yrs than in younger subjects
No significant decrease in 25(OH)D with latitude
There was a significant decline with latitude for Caucasians, but not for non-Caucasians
After adjustment for age, gender, and ethnicity, no overall correlation was present between 25(OH)D and latitude
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