OBJECTIVE:

To determine 25(OH)D concentrations in obstetrician-gynecologists and other Latin American specialists and to know the prevalence of its deficiency.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional and observational study to determine 25(OH)D concentrations in volunteer physicians, mainly gynecologists, attending different congresses in different Latin American countries.

RESULTS:

A total of 643 determinations were analysed. 19.4% had deficiency (mean 16.58 ng/mL), 72% insufficiency (mean 24.6 ng/mL), and 36.9% normal concentrations (mean 40.34 ng/mL). Men had higher deficiency-insufficiency (62.8%) than women (59.5%), but no significant differences (p < 0.058). Light-skinned people had lower insufficiency levels than darker-skinned people (p < 0.001). Those taking vitamin D supplements had a lower risk of deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS:

Sixty percent of obstetrician-gynecologists, internists, and general practitioners in Latin America have low 25(OH)D concentrations. Caucasian skin may be a risk factor for increased deficiency. Vitamin D supplementation appears to improve 25(OH)D concentrations in the physician groups studied.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )