Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased interest in the use of dietary supplements to prevent infection. High-risk groups, complications, and higher mortality rates are often associated with populations exhibiting a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Such groups, notably including postmenopausal women, coincide with those vulnerable to severe outcomes from COVID-19. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the vitamin D status among premenopausal and postmenopausal women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovenia. The primary objectives were to investigate the impact of the pandemic on vitamin D status and the use of vitamin D supplements and medications through a questionnaire and serum 25(OH)D measurements. Methods: A descriptive methodology was employed, involving a review of domestic and foreign scientific literature and quantitative method with a questionnaire survey, and blood sample collection from participants for measuring vitamin D levels. The final analysis included 176 women aged 44 to 65 from the central Slovenian region, comprising 69 premenopausal and 107 postmenopausal women. The study was conducted between March 1 and May 31, 2021. Results: The 25(OH)D level in the entire sample was 66.42 ± 27.36 nmol/L. Postmenopausal women exhibited higher 25(OH)D levels (69.64 ± 27.81 nmol/L) compared to premenopausal women (61.43 ± 26.06 nmol/L). Of the total sample, 61.36% of participants were taking vitamin D supplements and medications. Additionally, 28% of the participants had a history of COVID-19 infection. The odds ratio (OR) for vitamin D deficiency of the whole sample was 7.59 (p < 0.001, 95% CI [2.72; 14.274]). Discussion and conclusion: In contrast to previous Slovenian studies measuring 25(OH)D levels, a significant increase in 25(OH)D levels by more than 20 nmol/L was observed in the studied population from 2017 to 2021, which can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of vitamin D supplements also rose during this period. Postmenopausal women in this study had higher 25(OH)D levels compared to premenopausal women, unlike findings from earlier studies. A notable proportion (61.36%) of participants supplemented their vitamin D intake through dietary supplements or medications (>5 µg/day). Participants who supplemented with vitamin D exhibited approximately 20 nmol/L higher 25(OH)D levels compared to those who did not. Despite the elevated 25(OH)D levels, they remained below the optimal threshold of 75 nmol/L.
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