Impact of seasonal fluctuations in vitamin D levels on the health of the population of southern regions of Ukraine as a factor of climate risks

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is a global problem affecting public health regardless of the level of insolation. Vitamin D plays a key role in metabolic processes, immune system function, and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and other pathologies. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes vitamin D deficiency as a pandemic phenomenon, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where the lack of this vitamin affects between 50% and 99% of the population, depending on the age group. In Ukraine, the situation is also critical. According to an epidemiological study conducted in 2014, 81.8% of the population had vitamin D deficiency, 13.6% had insufficiency, and only 4.6% had adequate levels of 25(OH)D. Later studies conducted in 2019 showed some positive dynamics, but the overall level of vitamin D sufficiency remains unsatisfactory.