Examining Vitamin D Levels in British African-Caribbean Women

The Relationship Between Sun Exposure, Diet, Lifestyle and Bone on Vitamin D Status (25OHD) in British African-Caribbean Women Living in Southern United Kingdom

Observational University of Surrey · NCT04179370

This study looks at the vitamin D levels in British African-Caribbean women during the colder months to see how diet and sun exposure affect their health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Surrey Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Guildford)
Trial IDNCT04179370 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the vitamin D status of British African-Caribbean women living in the UK, particularly during late autumn and winter months when sun exposure is limited. The research aims to identify factors influencing vitamin D levels, such as dietary intake and sun exposure, and will compare findings from two different seasons. By focusing on this specific population, the study seeks to address a significant gap in existing research regarding vitamin D deficiency and its health implications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are British African-Caribbean women aged 18-35 or over 55, living in England, and without significant health issues.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or have conditions affecting vitamin D metabolism may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of vitamin D deficiency in British African-Caribbean women, potentially enhancing their overall health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on this population, studies have shown significant links between vitamin D deficiency and various health issues, indicating the potential relevance of this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women
* British African-Caribbean Self-reported Having African ancestral origin and migrated via the Caribbean islands, or having at least one parent with African ancestral origin that migrated via the Caribbean
* Living in England for \>2 months
* Aged 18-35 or \>55 years
* No significant health issues
* Pre-menopausal (regular menstrual periods) or Post-menopausal (menstrual periods stopped for longer than 12 consecutive months)
* BMI 18-30kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

* Women in perimenopause or menopause
* Pregnant or planning pregnancy during study period
* Hypercalcaemia (\>2.5mmol/L) - assessed and excluded at baseline
* Currently receiving treatment for medical conditions that are likely to affect vitamin D metabolism (osteoporosis, hormone replacement therapy, anti-estrogens treatment, antiepileptic drugs and breast cancer treatment)
* Regular use of sun beds
* Having a sun holiday one month prior to commencing study or plans for a sun holiday for more than 4 weeks within the study period
* Women who take vitamin D or calcium supplements (or multivitamin supplements that contain these vitamins) - If potential participant agrees to stop supplement use to join the study, a wash-out period of 8 weeks prior to commencing the study is acceptable
* Living in England for less than 2 months

Where this trial is running

Guildford

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Vitamin D Deficiencyvitamin D OR 25DAfrican-Caribbean OR Afro-Caribbean
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.