The Interplay Between Vitamin D Deficiency, Iron Status, and Anemia Risk in Moroccan Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

<b>Background:</b> Vitamin D and iron deficiencies are prevalent among Moroccan women of reproductive age (WRA). Research suggests that Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) may impair iron bioavailability, potentially leading to iron deficiency (ID) and anemia. Objectives: This study investigates...

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Main Authors: Noura Zouine, Ilham Lhilali, Lode Godderis, Adil El Midaoui, Samir El Jaafari, Younes Filali-Zegzouti
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Epidemiologia
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-3986/5/4/55
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author Noura Zouine
Ilham Lhilali
Lode Godderis
Adil El Midaoui
Samir El Jaafari
Younes Filali-Zegzouti
author_facet Noura Zouine
Ilham Lhilali
Lode Godderis
Adil El Midaoui
Samir El Jaafari
Younes Filali-Zegzouti
author_sort Noura Zouine
collection DOAJ
description <b>Background:</b> Vitamin D and iron deficiencies are prevalent among Moroccan women of reproductive age (WRA). Research suggests that Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) may impair iron bioavailability, potentially leading to iron deficiency (ID) and anemia. Objectives: This study investigates associations between vitamin D status, iron levels, and anemia risk in WRA, aged 18–49, from Meknes, Morocco. <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional study was conducted among 463 participants, measuring serum 25(OH)D, blood count parameters, iron, ferritin, C-reactive protein, and creatinine. Lifestyle factors, including dietary intake, sun exposure, and physical activity, were assessed through validated questionnaires, and anthropometric data were collected. Linear and logistic regression models analyzed associations, while ROC analysis evaluated VDD’s predictive accuracy for ID and anemia. <b>Results:</b> VDD (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) was significantly associated with reduced hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells, and ferritin (all <i>p</i> < 0.01), indicating vitamin D’s role in erythropoiesis and iron storage. Multivariate logistic regression showed that VDD increased the risk of anemia (OR: 7.17, 95% CI: 3.19–19.28, <i>p</i> < 0.001), ID (OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.32–3.77, <i>p</i> = 0.007), and IDA (OR: 4.10, 95% CI: 1.73–12.08, <i>p</i> = 0.004). Dietary iron intake was inadequate, showing minimal protective effects against anemia and ID (β(SE): −0.08(0.03), <i>p</i> = 0.030 and β(SE): −0.05(0.02), <i>p</i> = 0.037). <b>Conclusions</b>: VDD is a significant risk factor for impaired iron status and anemia in Moroccan WRA, highlighting the need for targeted nutritional interventions and further research.
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spelling doaj-art-cfa4475f065f41f6a293712319e8d7c02025-08-20T02:55:32ZengMDPI AGEpidemiologia2673-39862024-12-015480582710.3390/epidemiologia5040055The Interplay Between Vitamin D Deficiency, Iron Status, and Anemia Risk in Moroccan Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional AnalysisNoura Zouine0Ilham Lhilali1Lode Godderis2Adil El Midaoui3Samir El Jaafari4Younes Filali-Zegzouti5Cluster of Competency “ Environment and Health”, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes 50000, MoroccoCluster of Competency “ Environment and Health”, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes 50000, MoroccoHealth and Environment Unit, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, BelgiumFaculty of Sciences and Techniques, Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, Meknes 52000, MoroccoCluster of Competency “ Environment and Health”, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes 50000, MoroccoCluster of Competency “ Environment and Health”, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes 50000, Morocco<b>Background:</b> Vitamin D and iron deficiencies are prevalent among Moroccan women of reproductive age (WRA). Research suggests that Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) may impair iron bioavailability, potentially leading to iron deficiency (ID) and anemia. Objectives: This study investigates associations between vitamin D status, iron levels, and anemia risk in WRA, aged 18–49, from Meknes, Morocco. <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional study was conducted among 463 participants, measuring serum 25(OH)D, blood count parameters, iron, ferritin, C-reactive protein, and creatinine. Lifestyle factors, including dietary intake, sun exposure, and physical activity, were assessed through validated questionnaires, and anthropometric data were collected. Linear and logistic regression models analyzed associations, while ROC analysis evaluated VDD’s predictive accuracy for ID and anemia. <b>Results:</b> VDD (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) was significantly associated with reduced hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells, and ferritin (all <i>p</i> < 0.01), indicating vitamin D’s role in erythropoiesis and iron storage. Multivariate logistic regression showed that VDD increased the risk of anemia (OR: 7.17, 95% CI: 3.19–19.28, <i>p</i> < 0.001), ID (OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.32–3.77, <i>p</i> = 0.007), and IDA (OR: 4.10, 95% CI: 1.73–12.08, <i>p</i> = 0.004). Dietary iron intake was inadequate, showing minimal protective effects against anemia and ID (β(SE): −0.08(0.03), <i>p</i> = 0.030 and β(SE): −0.05(0.02), <i>p</i> = 0.037). <b>Conclusions</b>: VDD is a significant risk factor for impaired iron status and anemia in Moroccan WRA, highlighting the need for targeted nutritional interventions and further research.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-3986/5/4/55vitamin Dvitamin D deficiencyiron deficiencyiron deficiency anemiaanemiaerythropoiesis
spellingShingle Noura Zouine
Ilham Lhilali
Lode Godderis
Adil El Midaoui
Samir El Jaafari
Younes Filali-Zegzouti
The Interplay Between Vitamin D Deficiency, Iron Status, and Anemia Risk in Moroccan Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Epidemiologia
vitamin D
vitamin D deficiency
iron deficiency
iron deficiency anemia
anemia
erythropoiesis
title The Interplay Between Vitamin D Deficiency, Iron Status, and Anemia Risk in Moroccan Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
title_full The Interplay Between Vitamin D Deficiency, Iron Status, and Anemia Risk in Moroccan Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
title_fullStr The Interplay Between Vitamin D Deficiency, Iron Status, and Anemia Risk in Moroccan Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
title_full_unstemmed The Interplay Between Vitamin D Deficiency, Iron Status, and Anemia Risk in Moroccan Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
title_short The Interplay Between Vitamin D Deficiency, Iron Status, and Anemia Risk in Moroccan Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
title_sort interplay between vitamin d deficiency iron status and anemia risk in moroccan women of reproductive age a cross sectional analysis
topic vitamin D
vitamin D deficiency
iron deficiency
iron deficiency anemia
anemia
erythropoiesis
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-3986/5/4/55
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