Evaluation of the intake of vitamin D in the daily food rations by the students

Background: Over the past two years, a significant number of studies and statistical reports have appeared that prove the relationship between the level of vitamin D in the body and the severity of COVID-19. The main sources of vitamin D in the human body are food and sunlight. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intake of vitamin D in daily food rations by the students. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey. Respondents included in the study were first year students of two universities in the city Kharkiv (Ukraine). Data collection was carried out by conducting three parallel questionnaires A, B and C. The frequency of consumption and food preferences in relation to 22 vitamin D-containing foods were assessed using questionnaires A. The questionnaire В allowed to evaluate the consumption of vitamin D-containing products in the daily food rations of students. Also, students were offered a questionnaire C, which was developed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Health for the screening of allergic diseases. Before analysis of data the internal consistency and trait validity of the instrument was carried out. Results: The factors of influence on consumption by students of vitamin D using statistical analysis of data and chemometric techniques are evaluated. There was a lack of consumption of vitamin D-rich foods and a critical time spent in sunlight, regardless of the season. At the same time, a positive correlation between the presence of vitamin D deficiency in young people and a high percentage of respondents with symptoms of allergic diseases was obtained. Conclusion: The survey suggests that the rations of students are poor to consume products vitamin D-rich foods.