Vitamin D: Determinants of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in adults in the Western Cape Province of South Africa
Janicke Visser
Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of breast, prostate and colorectal cancer. Exposure to solar radiation is a major source of Vitamin D production. Greater exposure is required by those with darker skin tones in order to produce Vitamin D. We funded a study led by Janicke Visser at the Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University to determine Vitamin D levels of people with diverse skin tones and geographic regions in South Africa at two time points (Winter and Summer) in order to establish whether darker skin tones are at risk for Vitamin D deficiency and therefore at increased risk. Data collection and analysis is complete and a manuscript is in preparation. A low prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was found amongst healthy young adult participants, despite low dietary vitamin D intakes. Significant relationships were found between serum 25(OH)D and gender, skin tone and vitamin D intake. Further research is needed particularly in high-risk groups.
Presentation: Local Conference
Visser J, Knight K, Philips L, Visser W, Wallace M, Blaauw R. Determinants of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in healthy young adults living in the Western Cape, South Africa. CANSA Research in Action Conference, 3-5 July 2018, University of Pretoria.
Poster Presentation: International Conference
Visser J, Knight K, Philips L, Visser W, Wallace M, Blaauw R. Determinants of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in healthy young adults living in the Western Cape, South Africa. 40th ESPEN Congress, 1-4 September 2018, Madrid, Spain. Read more about the conference.
Masters Thesis
Knight K. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in healthy adults living in the Cape Metropole Area. Master of Nutrition. Supervisor: J Visser; Co-Supervisor: R Blaauw. (Graduation: March 2018 – Cum Laude)
