Vitamin D supply in shift working nurses

Abstract

We studied determinants of Vitamin D in serum of 67 female health care workers (aged 25-60 years), including age, body mass index, physical activity, and shift work. Overall, vitamin D levels were low, ranging from 6 to 51 ng/mL (median: 20 ng/mL). Lower serum levels were found in samples drawn in winter and spring and in obese subjects. Shift work had only small effects on vitamin D levels. The high prevalence of vitamin D undersupply is in line with observations from the German general population. Vitamin D supply particularly in winter and spring should be ensured to avoid health problems.