Calciferol Deficiency among AsymptomaticAdult and Elderly Population: An EarlyRisk Identification of Bone Mineral DensityDisorders

Abstract

Background: Risk identification of the essential bone’s vitamin among vulnerable subjects while still asymptomatic
allows early intervention to prevent the development of bone illnesses and related complications. Aim: To evaluate
Vitamin D laboratory testing during medical practice at the outpatient family medicine and internal medicine
clinic of an academic hospital. Materials and Methods: A single-center retrospective observational study was
conducted by reviewing the files of attendances at the outpatient clinic who were aged above 25 years old during
the period from 2021 to 2024. Data regarding 25-hydroxyvitamin D laboratory results were collected for different
age groups, including adults and the elderly, both at initial testing and follow-up. Results: 723 subjects were
enrolled. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher among young adults aged 25–50 years, while excess
Vitamin D was significantly higher frequency among the geriatric age group. 323 subjects (43.5%) had abnormal
Vitamin D levels (304 were deficient and 19 had excess vitamin D), with a high missed follow-up rate of 76%.
Geriatric age group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.742), middle-aged adults (50–64 years old) (aOR 2.868), and
deficient Vitamin D level (aOR 2.732) were significant independent predictors for attendance for follow-up.
Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is still high among all age groups; however, it tends to decline among those
older than 50 years who attend for regular health care visits. Missing follow-up among those with abnormal
Vitamin D status represents a major challenge during medical practice. Vitamin D testing is a valuable tool for risk
stratification of vulnerable groups who are at high risk for Vitamin D insufficiency.