https://doi.org/10.4081/reumatismo.2017.991

Vitamin D deficiency in refugees in Italy

Vol. 69 No. 3 (2017)
Submitted: 30 March 2017
Accepted: 4 July 2017
Published: 21 September 2017
Vitamin D, Refugees, Salgari syndrome.
Abstract Views: 1787
PDF: 722
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Authors

L.G. De Filippis
lgdef@yahoo.it
COOPISA Association, Reggio Calabria; Service for protection of refugees and asylum seekers (SPRAR), Projects of S. Alessio in Aspromonte (RC) and Laganadi (RC), Italy.
I. Trombetta
Service for protection of refugees and asylum seekers (SPRAR), Projects of S. Alessio in Aspromonte (RC) and Laganadi (RC), Italy.
T. Novella
Service for protection of refugees and asylum seekers (SPRAR), Projects of S. Alessio in Aspromonte (RC) and Laganadi (RC), Italy.
M. Alampi
Service for protection of refugees and asylum seekers (SPRAR), Project of Campo Calabro (RC), Italy.
The objective of the research is to determine 25[OH]D serum levels in refugees in Italy. In the following research we have taken into consideration the results of the monitoring of Vitamin D levels in 46 refugees of the Italian Service for protection of refugees and asylum seekers (SPRAR) system. The indicator of overall vitamin D status used was the circulating serum level of 25(OH)D. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. In the refugees tested, the mean level of 25(OH)D resulted 9.18 ng/mL. The standard deviation was 4.8, with a minimal level of 4.3 and a maximum of 27.4. This figure indicates a clear condition of hypovitaminosis in refugees. While it is general assumption that migratory phenomena may induce the spread of tropical or infectious diseases, widely attested literature demonstrates how chronic pathologies and diseases related to altered lifestyles are the most relevant for Italian case records. Indeed, among the aforementioned diseases, Vitamin D deficiency so far lacks acknowledgement at a national level. Considering the results of lower-than-desirable vitamin D levels found in refugees in Italy, it is necessary to take this parameter into consideration when analyzing individuals who have faced migratory phenomena in order to mitigate the effects of hypovitaminosis D.

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How to Cite

De Filippis, L., Trombetta, I., Novella, T., & Alampi, M. (2017). Vitamin D deficiency in refugees in Italy. Reumatismo, 69(3), 101–104. https://doi.org/10.4081/reumatismo.2017.991

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