Variations in serum vitamin levels with age, gender, and diabetes: A comprehensive analysis in a Saudi Arabian population

Vollständiger Abstract

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Adequate vitamin levels are crucial for physiological function, with deficiencies linked to chronic conditions like diabetes. This study investigates the associations between serum levels of Vitamins A, B12, C, D, E, and folic acid, and their relationship with age, gender, and diabetes status within a Saudi Arabian cohort. A cross-sectional study was performed using data from 1,499 participants at Al Borg Laboratories between 2021-2023. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, subgroup comparisons, multiple linear regression, and two-way ANOVA to determine the impact of age, gender, and diabetes on vitamin levels. The cohort’s diabetes prevalence was 20.55%. Diabetic individuals had significantly lower mean levels of all measured vitamins compared to non-diabetics. Across both genders, advancing age was associated with decreasing vitamin levels. Males generally presented higher levels of Vitamins A, B12, C, D, and E than females, except for folic acid, where they had lower levels. Multivariate regression analysis confirmed age, gender, and diabetes as significant independent predictors of vitamin levels; older age and diabetes were associated with lower levels, while males, except for folic acid, exhibited higher levels. ANOVA results generally supported these findings. These findings underscore the need for targeted nutritional screening and personalized supplementation strategies in clinical practice, particularly for older adults, diabetics, and women, to mitigate the risks associated with vitamin deficiencies. Future research should address the study’s limitations, which include its cross-sectional design and lack of dietary data.