Despite ample sunlight, vitamin D inadequacy is prevalent in Qatar and neighboring Middle Eastern countries.(1) Rapid socioeconomic development has changed the traditional food system beyond recognition. Fast-food consumption is high and increasing at an alarming pace. Given that fast-food is typically low in vitamin D, regular fast-food consumption (RFFC) may contribute to vitamin D inadequacy and associated adverse health outcomes. We aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy and assess its association with RFFC among adults in Qatar.
A cross-sectional analysis of secondary data from Qatar Biobank (QBB) included 2,000 adults aged 18–64 years (balanced 1:1 for males and females). Exclusion criteria were pregnant women, lactating women, and individuals following vegan or vegetarian diets.(2) FFC was classified as regular (≥1/week) or irregular (<1 time/week).(3) Vitamin D inadequacy was defined as serum 25(OH)D levels <20 ng/ml, with adequate status being ≥20 ng/mL. Descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-squared tests, and multiple binary logistic regression models were conducted to assess prevalence and predictors of inadequate vitamin D status.(4) The study was reviewed and approved by the institutional review board of Qatar Biobank (QF-QBB-RES-ACC-00287).
Overall, 60.8% of participants exhibited inadequate vitamin D levels, and 49.6% were classified as regular fast-food consumers. Unadjusted chi-square analysis revealed a higher prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy among regular, compared to irregular, fast-food consumers (71.6% vs. 57.6%; p < 0.001). In addition, prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy was higher among males, singles, younger adults, employed, smokers, rural residents, those with lower educational attainment, individuals who worked night shifts, consumed fewer fruits and vegetables, and didn’t take vitamin D supplements.
In the adjusted regression analysis (n= 1,993), RFFC was independently associated (AOR; 95% CI) with a 41% increase in the odds of vitamin D inadequacy (1.407; 1.133-1.746). Other significant predictors of inadequate vitamin D status included male gender, younger age (18-34 and 35-54 years compared to those aged 55-65), lower educational attainment, and being single. By contrast, vitamin D supplementation was strongly protective against inadequacy (0.23; 0.18–0.28).
Vitamin D inadequacy is highly prevalent among adults living in Qatar and is independently associated with RFFC. This supports existing evidence of increased prevalence of Vitamin D inadequacy in this region; however, it is the first to highlight a potential association with FFC; a modifiable factor through appropriate behaviour change strategies. This study underscores the need for targeted nutritional interventions —specifically aimed at younger people and males— and campaigns to promote vitamin D supplementation, as well as policies to influence accessibility and the composition of fast foods, encouraging a shift away from RFFC towards healthier alternatives. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify causality and inform public health strategies.