@article{ACEJRSB202661278,
    title = {Serum Vitamin D Levels among Adults in Al‐Diwaniyah: A Cross‐Sectional Study},
    journal = {ACE Journal of Research Studies in Biosciences},
    volume = {6},
    number = {1},
    pages = {14-16},
    year = {2026},
    issn = {2520-3916},
    doi = {10.36478/acerjmb.2026.14.16},
    url = {https://theacepublications.com/article-detail.php?art=278-ACE-JRSB},
    author = {Riyam,Majida and},
    keywords = {Vitamin D, 25(OH)D, Al‐Diwaniyah, CLIA, Deficiency, Cross‐Sectional},
    abstract = {Vitamin D deficiency is a major global public‐health issue and remains
highly prevalent in Middle Eastern countries despite abundant sunlight.
This cross‐sectional study assessed serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D
[25(OH)D] concentrations among adults in Al‐Diwaniyah, Iraq, and
examined associations with gender, body mass index (BMI), and sun
exposure. A total of 300 adults (150 males, 150 females) were
evaluated; serum 25(OH)D was measured by automated CLIA. Data were
non‐normally distributed and analyzed using non‐parametric tests.
Males exhibited significantly higher vitamin D levels than females
(Mann–Whitney U; p < 0.001). Deficiency (<20 ng/mL) occurred in 18%
of men vs. 42% of women. The findings underline a substantial gender
disparity and call for targeted public‐health interventions including
screening, supplementation, and fortification strategies in the
governorate<sup>[1]</sup>.}
    }