RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Vitamin D and Health Status of British African-Caribbean Women

This study focuses on vitamin D levels in British African-Caribbean women in the UK. Many people in the UK don't get enough vitamin D, especially those with darker skin, because the sun isn't strong enough for much of the year. Vitamin D is important for healthy bones and might affect other health conditions. Researchers will find out the vitamin D levels of these women and see how things like diet, how much sun they get, and their daily routines play a role. The study involves two visits to the University of Surrey and aims to understand why low vitamin D is common in this group. The findings could lead to better advice on how to keep vitamin D levels healthy.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Surrey

Enrolment target

100

Start

07 Feb 2020

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2025

Vitamin D Deficiency

What is this study about?

You might have heard about vitamin D and how important it is for our bodies. It plays a big part in keeping our bones strong and healthy. Some studies also suggest it might be linked to reducing the risk of other health issues, like certain cancers and problems with our immune system (which fights off illness).

Many people in the UK don't get enough vitamin D, and this can be a particular problem for people with darker skin. This is because our main way of getting vitamin D is through our skin when it's exposed to sunlight. In the UK, the sun is only strong enough for this to happen between April and September. For the rest of the year, we need to get vitamin D from certain foods or supplements. People with darker skin naturally produce less vitamin D from the sun, making them more at risk of low levels, especially in a country like the UK with less strong sunlight.

This study, run by the University of Surrey, wants to learn more about vitamin D levels specifically in British African-Caribbean women. The researchers will look at their vitamin D levels and try to understand what factors might be affecting them. This includes things like their diet, how much time they spend in the sun, their general lifestyle, and body measurements. The aim is to gather information that could help develop better advice to make sure everyone, especially those at higher risk, can keep their vitamin D levels healthy.

Key takeaways

The study looks at vitamin D levels in British African-Caribbean women.
Low vitamin D can affect bone health and potentially other conditions.
Darker skin and UK sunlight can make it harder to get enough vitamin D.
Participation involves two visits to the University of Surrey.
The study aims to improve health advice for this community.
No new treatments or medicines are given; it's an observational study.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women who are between 18 and 35 years old, or over 55 years old. You should identify as British African-Caribbean, meaning you or at least one of your parents came from the Caribbean with African heritage, and you've lived in England for at least two months.

You should also be generally healthy with no major health issues, and your weight should be within a certain range (BMI 18-30kg/m2). If you are still having periods, they need to be regular. If you have gone through menopause, your periods must have stopped for more than 12 months.

Unfortunately, you can't take part if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are currently going through menopause. You also can't join if you have very high calcium levels, are using sunbeds regularly, or are planning a long sunny holiday soon. If you take vitamin D or calcium supplements, you would need to be willing to stop them for at least 8 weeks before the study starts. You also can't participate if you're being treated for conditions that affect vitamin D, like certain bone problems, hormone treatments, or some cancer treatments.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you female?
Are you between 18-35 or over 55 years old?
Do you identify as British African-Caribbean?
Have you lived in England for more than 2 months?
Are you generally healthy with no major medical conditions?
Are you not currently pregnant or planning to be?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will need to visit the University of Surrey twice. The first visit will take about two hours. You will be asked about your diet, how much time you spend in the sun, and your general lifestyle. The research team will also take some measurements like your height and weight, and assess your muscle strength. The second visit will be shorter as not all measurements will need to be repeated. During these visits, information about your vitamin D levels will be collected, likely through a blood test. You won't be given any new treatments or medicines as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us learn more about vitamin D levels in British African-Caribbean women, which might lead to better health advice for this community in the future. The main 'risk' is the time commitment for your visits and potentially a small pinch from a blood test. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Surrey
Verified postcode
Guildford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is vitamin D?

Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps your body keep your bones strong and healthy. It also plays a role in your immune system, which helps fight off illnesses.

Why is this study important for me?

This study helps researchers understand vitamin D levels in British African-Caribbean women, which is not well-researched. The findings could lead to better health advice for you and your community.

Will I get any specific treatment?

No, this is an 'observational' study. This means researchers are just observing and collecting information, not giving any new treatments or medicines.

How long will the study last for me?

You will need to attend two visits to the University of Surrey over a few months, with each visit lasting a couple of hours for the first one, and less for the second.

Who is funding this research?

This study is funded by the University of Surrey.

How to find out more

Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.