Prevalence and Deficiency of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and Calcium, and the Effect of a Limited Preventive Intervention among Adults in Gharyan City and Surrounding Areas

Khadija Hamed; Aisha Abdullah; Asila Al-Abyad; Farah Al-Thalouthi; Noha Bilhaj; Aya Talib; Ibtihaj Abdul Salam; Noor Al Karati; Khadija Al-Harari

doi:10.69667/ajs.26410

Authors

Khadija Hamed Author https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9596-9326
Aisha Abdullah Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Health Sciences. University of Garyan, Garyan, Libya Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3794-0605
Asila Al-Abyad Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Health Sciences. University of Garyan, Garyan, Libya Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2995-8916
Farah Al-Thalouthi Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, University of Garyan, Garyan, Libya Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8561-5531
Noha Bilhaj Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, University of Garyan, Garyan, Libya Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4663-9945
Aya Talib Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, University of Garyan, Garyan, Libya Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8766-4199
Ibtihaj Abdul Salam Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, University of Garyan, Garyan, Libya Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2263-3074
Noor Al Karati Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, University of Garyan, Garyan, Libya Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3359-1025
Khadija Al-Harari Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, University of Garyan, Garyan, Libya Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5287-3191

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69667/ajs.26410

Keywords:

Vitamin D Deficiency, Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Calcium Deficiency, Dried Figs, Olive oil

Abstract

In recent years, we have observed a widespread deficiency in essential nutrients, most notably vitamin D, B12, and calcium, across all age groups. This has led to an increase in chronic diseases and mortality rates among adults. Consequently, we have investigated the causes of these deficiencies and sought to develop preventative, therapeutic, and awareness-raising strategies to mitigate this phenomenon and reduce the prevalence of these nutrient deficiencies among adults. The results showed that vitamin D deficiency was the most common (~58.1%) in both sexes, specifically (56.25 %) in males and (59.26%) in females. This was followed by calcium deficiency (48.96%) in males and (54.81%) in females, and vitamin B12 deficiency (16.5%) in males and (11.01%) in females. This study involved collecting random samples of vitamin D, B12, and calcium test results from routine health records of medical laboratories in Gharyan and its suburbs for 704 adults aged between 40 and 80 years, and estimating the prevalence of these vitamin deficiencies. We took action. A general paper questionnaire was administered to 100 adults to identify their financial and social status, the most common chronic diseases they suffer from, the types of vitamins they are deficient in, and the methods used to treat this deficiency, 55% of participants reported using dietary supplements. Then we selected 7 adults who had a severe vitamin deficiency under study, and we carried out therapeutic and nutritional interventions and introduced a separate dietary regimen consisting of dried figs and olive oil. These cases were followed up for a period of 3 to 4 months, and the rate of increase in these vitamins and the percentage of all cases were recorded. We found that the greatest improvement was observed in the case that relied on the use of dried figs and olive oil. The results showed a significant increase in both vitamin D and B12 levels. We also noted that the elevated iron stores (ferritin) in the blood results were associated with increased vitamin D levels. In addition, most cases that relied on supplements, injections, or tablets showed a significant increase in vitamin D levels.