Abstract
Plasma 25-hydroxy cholecalciferol (25-OH vitamin D) concentrations were measured in 31 adult Saudi Arabian women who presented with acute minor illness. Findings confirm the importance of inadequate exposure to sunlight in the aetiology of vitamin D deficiency. Social customs may contribute to this deficiency in spite of abundant sunshine. Direct questioning to assess the adequacy of sunlight exposure is an essential part of history taking in cases of suspected vitamin D deficiency.