Vitamin D Deficiency in Adult Allergic Rhinitis Patients: A Gender-Specific Analysis

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and gender-specific differences in vitamin D deficiency among adult patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 adult AR patients (≥18 years), comprising 100 males and 100 females. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured using ELISA. Allergic rhinitis severity was assessed using the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) and the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) classification.

Results: Vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) was highly prevalent in both male (72%) and female (84%) AR patients. Notably, females exhibited significantly lower mean 25(OH)D levels (13.2 ng/mL) compared to males (15.8 ng/mL) (p < 0.05). No significant gender differences were observed in the relationship between vitamin D levels and AR severity.

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in adult AR patients, with females exhibiting a higher prevalence and lower vitamin D levels compared to males. These findings highlight the importance of gender-specific considerations in vitamin D assessment and supplementation strategies for AR patients.