Vitamin D deficiency in the gulf region: A literature review

Deficiency in vitamin D is a major public health problem globally, including the sun-rich Gulf region. This review summarizes the existing evidence on the prevalence, risk factors and health consequences of vitamin D deficiency in the six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) (i.e. Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman), and potential strategies to tackle vitamin D deficiency. Focusing on the results of recent studies to illustrate the implications, and discussing the importance of lifestyle, cultural contexts and public health measures in preventing this deficiency.