A weekly 35,000 IU vitamin D supplementation improves bone turnover markers in vitamin D deficient Saudi adolescent females.

Unlabelled: This study examined the effects of weekly 35,000 IU vitamin D supplementation for 4 weeks on bone turnover markers (BTMs). There was improvement in the levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin, and carboxy-terminal telopeptides of crosslinks of type 1 collagen (βCTX) which paralleled the increase in vitamin D levels.

Purpose: The effects of vitamin D supplementation on bone turnover markers (BTMs) have been inconsistent.

Vitamin D deficiency and biochemical variations among urban Saudi adolescent girls according to season.

Objectives: To determine seasonal variations in the vitamin D status of Saudi adolescent girls in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and its effect in biochemical and clinical characteristics. 

Methods: In this prospective study, a total of 2000 Saudi females aged 12-18 years from different schools in Riyadh, KSA participated and submitted a generalized questionnaire with clinical information. Fasting blood samples were obtained in 1618 subjects for the winter season (December to February) and only 499 subjects returned to submit fasting blood samples for the summer season (June-August).

Long-term protection of hepatitis B vaccine 18 years after vaccination.

Introduction: This is the third evaluation study of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination program, initiated in 1989 in Saudi Arabia.

Aims: This study sought to assess the efficacy and long-term protection of the hepatitis B vaccine among Saudi adolescents.

Methods: School students between the ages of 16 and 18 years were randomly chosen from high endemic (Aseer), intermediate endemic (Madinah), and low endemic (Al-Qaseem) areas of the country.