Vitamin D status in the Faroe Islands: insights from the FarGen 2 cohort

Abstract

Background:

The aim of this study was to investigate overall vitamin D status in the Faroese population and assess the correlation between vitamin D levels and various sociodemographic and anthropometric factors, including sex, age, exercise, alcohol and tobacco consumption, BMI, body fat percentage, and seasonal variations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of vitamin D levels across all adult age groups within the Faroese population.

Methods:

P25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, anthropometric measurements and questionnaires from 1748 individuals enrolled in the FarGen 2 cohort were collected. Statistical analyses were performed to characterise the distribution and correlates of vitamin D concentration in the population.

Results:

We observed a high sufficiency of vitamin D in the FarGen cohort, with 74.3% of the cohort having P-25-hydroxyvitamin D levels exceeding the recommended concentration of 50 nmol/l, and only 3.3% having a vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/l). The deficiency was mostly observed in younger age groups. Our results indicated significant seasonal fluctuations in vitamin D levels, as well as significant correlations between vitamin D levels, age, sex, BMI, and physical activity.

Conclusions:

Although the study suggests previous interventions have had a positive impact on vitamin D levels among the elderly, our findings emphasise the importance of enhancing awareness about vitamin D supplementation, promoting physical activity and encouraging consumption of vitamin D-rich foods. Such approaches could significantly advance public health initiatives related to vitamin D and general health within the Faroese population.