Introduction
At the moment, there is a large number of conversations that relate to such a topic as vitamin D deficiency in modern people. This aspect is facilitated by a large number of factors, the study of which provides an opportunity to understand better how the given situation can be changed. The study of the researchers’ works on this topic will have a positive impact on the expansion of knowledge in this area. Therefore, the main issue of concern becomes the deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin D, which has negative consequences for individuals and requires a change in the situation.
Summary of Research Article 1
Journal Name and Objectives of the Study
The Journal of Nutrition, Health, and Aging has released a paper titled “Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency prevention in the west of Ireland-A retrospective study.” It was written by Delos Reyes et al. (2017), who had the objective of “evaluating age and gender-related rates of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in adult patients” (p. 1107).
Subjects Involved and Study Setup
The main subjects of this research work were adults aged 18 to 97 years, which represents a relatively large and diverse size of the sample. 15,078 consecutive blood samples were provided from the participants to identify the amount of Serum 25OH vitamin D in the body. The study was conducted throughout the year to obtain more complete data on the level of vitamin D in the body of participants in winter, spring, summer, and autumn.
Conclusions of the Study
The results of the studies led the authors to the conclusion that there is a significantly high level of deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin D. They note that “the lowest median vitamin D levels were noted in the subgroup aged 18-40 years who also showed the largest seasonal variation” (p. 1110). Moreover, the fact that the experiment showed that men are more predisposed to this problem than women is also of value.
Study Funding and Potential Bias
The authors point out that there was no conflict of interest during the study, and no bias was highlighted during the examination of the information provided in it. The scientific paper does not disclose information about the sources of funding.
Summary of Research Article 2
A significant amount of scientific research is carried out in the field of studying vitamin D and its effect on the body. Of particular value is the fact that the authors of these papers focus on the clinical situation and how the deficiency and insufficiency of this vitamin can affect the well-being of patients and the outcomes of the treatment.
Journal Name and Objectives of the Study
Hence, the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing released an article titled “The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in a hematology-oncology clinic.” It was written by Everett (2008) and was aimed to “further promote the bone health of patients, by checking vitamin D levels in at-risk patients and recommend supplementation when appropriate” (p. 33). Due to the fact that this study is of a qualitative nature, which is based on an examination of the existing evidence-based literature on vitamin D, it did not include participants, that is, a sample.
Conclusions of the Study
The article by Everett provided several essential factors affecting the reduction of vitamin D levels in the body of patients and how this affects the process of their treatment. Based on clinical studies of the level of this vitamin in the body of individuals undergoing treatment, it was highlighted that the main symptoms of deficiency and insufficiency are bone and muscle pain, fatigue, and hypocalcemia (Everett, 2008).
In addition, studies have provided data that natural sources of vitamin D, such as fish, cod liver oil, and direct exposure to sunlight, stand out. However, in the case of the latter, it is worth remembering that this activity can also have negative consequences for the skin, and a sufficient dose for a young person is intervals of ten minutes.
Study Funding and Potential Bias
The article does not provide information regarding financing. Due to the fact that this work is based on a literary review of relevant research, the possibility of any bias is limited.
Summary of Research Article 3
Journal Name and Objectives of the Study
A follow-up study that has value within the framework of the work being carried out is an article entitled “Vitamin D status of the elderly in the Vaal region, South Africa.” It was written by Oldewage-Theron and Grobler and published in one of the issues of the South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The central objective of this scientific work is to “determine the prevalence of Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency and identify symptoms associated with such status among black elderly individuals living in the Vaal region” (Oldewage-Theron & Grobler, 2023, p. 43).
Subjects Involved and Study Setup
To obtain the most complete information regarding the objective study, a sample of 79 of the surviving community-living participants from a previously conducted study was involved. In addition, the authors note that all participants belonged to the black race and were over 60 years old (Oldewage-Theron & Grobler, 2023). To ensure the ethics of scientific work, an informed agreement was received from each individual.
Study Methodology
One-on-one interviews with participants were used as a research method. In addition, a fasting blood sample was collected, which was analyzed in the Biomedical Research Laboratory at the Vaal University of Technology. The authors do not specify the specific amount of time that was given for the study.
Conclusions of the Study
Based on the data obtained, the study came to several conclusions and recommendations. The main one is the “need for awareness and nutrition education programs through which the elderly can be advised to increase their intake of vitamin D and motivated to spend more time outside in the sun” (Oldewage-Theron & Grobler, 2023, p. 44). These actions will provide an opportunity to change the situation with poor vitamin D status in the elderly population and, in general, can be applied to individuals regardless of age or race.
Study Funding and Potential Bias
The article does not indicate the sources of funding, and the only aspect where bias could arise is when interviews are conducted with participants on the part of respondents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, based on the analyzed sources, it can be confirmed that vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are widespread problems. Quite a large number of individuals suffer from this problem regardless of age or nationality. In addition, the issue is caused by the fact that it affects the well-being of people and can lead to a deterioration in health outcomes.
Thus, it is necessary to spread awareness about medicinal and non-medicinal measures that will help increase vitamin D in the body. Conducting research on articles has provided me with a large amount of knowledge about the chosen topic, which can have a positive impact on my future practice. The most valuable is the fact that, based on the learned information, I can give more informed recommendations regarding the intake of the necessary vitamins.
References
Delos Reyes, J., Smyth, A., Griffin, D., O’Shea, P., O’Keeffe, S., & Mulkerrin, E. C. (2017). Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency prevalence in the west of Ireland: A retrospective study. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 21, 1107-1110. Web.
Everett, P. C. (2008). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in a hematology-oncology clinic. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 12(1), 33-35. Web.
Oldewage-Theron, W., & Grobler, C. (2023). Vitamin D status of the elderly in the Vaal region, South Africa. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 36(1), 43-44. Web.