Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Towards Vitamin D Among Second Year Medical Students In Udaipur – An Observational Study

Abstract

Vitamin D, an essential fat-soluble nutrient, is synthesized in the epidermis upon exposure to UVB sunlight or obtained from dietary sources such as oily fish, egg yolks, veal, beef, liver, and sun-dried mushrooms. The serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is widely regarded as the most reliable marker of vitamin D status, reflecting both endogenous production and dietary intake. Although there is ongoing debate regarding optimal 25(OH)D levels, a serum concentration below 25 nmol/L is generally considered indicative of vitamin D deficiency. In our study we included second year students as Second-year medical students have typically completed basic science courses, including physiology, biochemistry, and nutrition, providing them with foundational knowledge about vitamins and their physiological roles. This makes them an ideal population to evaluate the translation of theoretical knowledge into practical behaviour. As future healthcare professionals, these students will play a critical role in educating patients about nutrition and lifestyle interventions. Understanding their current knowledge and attitudes toward vitamin D can help identify gaps in their education that might impact their future practice. Second-year medical students are still early in their medical training, meaning interventions based on study findings (e.g., educational programs) can

influence their attitudes and practices before these habits become ingrained. Medical students often serve as informal educators to peers, family, and friends. By identifying their knowledge gaps, this study can enhance their capacity to promote awareness about vitamin D among their social and professional circles.