Prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in postmenopausal women: a systematic review.

Background: Hypovitaminosis D is considered a global public health issue. Knowledge of its true dimensions will allow us to design interventions and plan preventive measures that can have a significant impact on human health.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, defined as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration < 30 ng/ml, in postmenopausal women around the world, as well as to identify the potential associated factors.

Higher serum levels of vitamin D are associated with lower blood glucose levels.

Objective: Vitamin D plays an important role in bone metabolism. There is now evidence that a higher serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) is associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, because it provides better glycemic control, possibly by promoting greater insulin sensitivity, and also by improving pancreatic beta cell function. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the possible association between 25(OH)D sufficiency and glycemia.