Background: Vitamin D deficiency associated with dyslipidemia can contribute towards cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have found that Saudi Arabia has a high burden of vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease risk factors. We aimed to explore the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and dyslipidemia, including total cholesterol, low-density lipids, high-density lipids (HDL), and triglycerides (TG) in apparently healthy Saudi male and female participants aged 30-75 years.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1717 apparently healthy Saudi participants from 18 primary health care centers in Riyadh. Data collectors conducted the interviews, took anthropometric measurements, and collected the blood samples. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured using an electrochemiluminescence assay method. Lipid panel was measured by a fully automated analyzer using enzymatic methods.
Results: Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the adjusted odds ratio (ORA) of low level of HDL cholesterol in association with 25(OH)D deficiency was 2.1 times higher in males (ORA = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.1, 3.9) and 1.3 times higher in females (ORA = 1.3; 95% CI = 0.9, 1.9). A significant excess odds ratio of high levels of TG in association with 25(OH) D deficiency was observed in females (ORA = 3.0; 95% CI = 1.1, 7.9) but not in males.
Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia. Low levels of HDL cholesterol in men and high TG levels in women are associated with vitamin D deficiency. The results emphasize the importance of treating vitamin D deficiency in the general population.
Keywords: Gender differences; HDL cholesterol; Saudi Arabia; Triglycerides; Vitamin D deficiency.