| Objective To investigate the winter 25-(OH)-vitamin D (25-(OH)-VD3) level in patients living in the subtropical seaside city, Quanzhou. Methods The levels of 25-(OH)-VD3 were measured in 282 patients over 20 years old who came to our department from December 2011 to March 2012. The patients were divided into 6 groups according to a 10-year-age division, 2 groups according to the gender, and 4 groups according to the measurement time. Results The mean serum level of 25-(OH)-VD3 was 14.38±9.20 ng/ml. The levels of 25-(OH)-VD3 below 10 ng/ml, between 10 ng/ml and 30 ng/ml, and equal or greater than 30 ng/ml were in 104 patients, 159 patients, and 19 patients, respectively. The mean level of 25-(OH)-VD3 was lowest in patients of 21-30-year-old group. The level of 25-(OH)-VD3 in men was significantly higher than that in women. The levels measured in December 2011 were higher than those in other months. Conclusion The incidence of vitamin D deficiency is very high. Measuring the level of 25-(OH)-VD3 will make a great contribution to formulate the strategy and plan for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. |