scholarly journals Vitamin D status and dietary intake in young university students in the UK

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Honglin Dong ◽  
Viktorija Asmolovaite ◽  
Nareen Marseal ◽  
Maryam Mearbon
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
University Students ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Dietary Vitamin ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Vitamin D Intake ◽  
Dietary Vitamin D

Purpose Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent worldwide. This paper aims to investigate the vitamin D status and dietary intake in young university students. Design/methodology/approach Forty-one healthy students aged 18–29 years from Coventry University UK were recruited during January-February 2019, including white Caucasians (n = 18), African-Caribbeans (n = 14) and Asians (n = 9). Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were measured and dietary vitamin D intake was determined. Chi-square and simple linear regression were used to analyse the data. Findings The plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were (36.0 ± 22.2) nmol/L in all subjects, (46.5 ± 25.3) nmol/L in white Caucasians, (22.6 ± 7.4) nmol/L in African-Caribbeans and (37.4 ± 21.7 nmol/L) in Asians. The majority (85.7%) of African-Caribbeans were vitamin D deficient compared with 22.2% of white Caucasians and 33.3% of Asians (p = 0.001). Overweight/obese subjects showed a significant higher proportion of vitamin D deficiency (65%) than normal weight subjects (28.6%) (p = 0.04). The average dietary vitamin D intake in all subjects was (4.6 ± 3.9) µg/day. Only 12.1% of the subjects met the recommended dietary vitamin D intake of 10 µg/day. Dietary vitamin D intake (p = 0.04) and ethnicity (p = 0.01) were significant predictors of 25(OH)D levels and accounted for 13% and 18.5% of 25(OH)D variance, respectively. Research limitations/implications This small-scale study showed an alarmingly high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among subjects from African-Caribbean origin during wintertime. Education programs and campaigns are urgently needed to fight the vitamin D deficiency in this population. Originality/value The targeted population were in a critical period of transition from adolescence toward adulthood involving in changes in behaviours and nutrition.

scholarly journals Global Perspective of the Vitamin D Status of African-Caribbean Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca M. Vearing ◽  
Kathryn H. Hart ◽  
Andrea L. Darling ◽  
Yasmine Probst ◽  
Aminat S. Olayinka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Dietary Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Vitamin D Intake ◽  
African Caribbean ◽  
Dietary Vitamin D ◽  
Caribbean Populations

Abstract Background/Objectives Vitamin D deficiency remains a global public health issue, particularly in minority ethnic groups. This review investigates the vitamin D status (as measured by 25(OH)D and dietary intake) of the African-Caribbean population globally. Subjects/Methods A systematic review was conducted by searching key databases (PUBMED, Web of Science, Scopus) from inception until October 2019. Search terms included ‘Vitamin D status’ and ‘African-Caribbean’. A random effects and fixed effects meta-analysis was performed by combining means and standard error of the mean. Result The search yielded 19 papers that included n = 5670 African-Caribbean participants from six countries. A meta-analysis found this population to have sufficient (>50 nmol/L) 25(OH)D levels at 67.8 nmol/L, 95% CI (57.9, 7.6) but poor dietary intake of vitamin D at only 3.0 µg/day, 95% CI (1.67,4.31). For those living at low latitudes ‘insufficient’ (as defined by study authors) 25(OH)D levels were found only in participants with type 2 diabetes and in those undergoing haemodialysis. Suboptimal dietary vitamin D intake (according to the UK recommended nutrient intake of 10 µg/day) was reported in all studies at high latitudes. Studies at lower latitudes, with lower recommended dietary intakes (Caribbean recommended dietary intake: 2.5 µg/day) found ‘sufficient’ intake in two out of three studies. Conclusions 25(OH)D sufficiency was found in African-Caribbean populations at lower latitudes. However, at higher latitudes, 25(OH)D deficiency and low dietary vitamin D intake was prevalent.

scholarly journals Determinants of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in healthy young adults living in the Western Cape, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
J. Visser ◽  
K. Knight ◽  
L. Philips ◽  
W. Visser ◽  
M. Wallace ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Skin Tone ◽  
Dietary Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Vitamin D Intake ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Dietary Vitamin D

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is fast emerging as a global pandemic. In South Africa few studies have been conducted to determine the vitamin D status of the healthy population.Methods: This prospective study with an analytical component investigated vitamin D status of healthy undergraduate students at two time points (winter and summer) at Stellenbosch University. Serum 25(OH)D was determined, anthropometric measurements taken and dietary vitamin D intake estimated (food-frequency questionnaire). Skin tone was determined (Fitzpatrick skin type classification), and a skin reflectometry device used to measure dermal melanin content.Results: Results of 242 students indicated a mean serum 25(OH)D of 63.80 ± 41.35 ng/ml and a high prevalence of vitamin D sufficiency (88%). Significantly more females experienced suboptimal vitamin D levels than males (18 vs. 5%; p 0.01). Participants with lighter skin tones had higher levels of 25(OH)D than those with darker skin tones (chi-square = 24.02; p = 0.02). The majority (60.74%) had a normal BMI, although there was no significant relationship between BMI and serum 25 (OH)D (Spearman’s r=–0.11; p = 0.09). Total mean dietary vitamin D intake was 7.99 ± 13.81 mcg, with 87.2% having inadequate intake ( 15 mcg). The relationship between total vitamin D intake and serum 25(OH)D was found to be significant in winter (p 0.001) and summer (p = 0.01). Serum vitamin D levels were significantly higher in the winter phase (p 0.001).Conclusions: A low prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was found amongst healthy young adults, despite low dietary vitamin D intakes. Significant relationships were found between serum 25(OH)D and gender, skin tone and vitamin D intake. Further studies need to be conducted, especially in high-risk groups, before results are applied to the greater South African public.

scholarly journals High Prevalence of Vitamin D Inadequacy During Late Postpartum in Canadian Mothers

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 790-790
Author(s):  
Sarah Montgomery ◽  
Angella Lee ◽  
Nasime Sarbar ◽  
Deborah Zibrik ◽  
Yvonne Lamers
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
British Columbia ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Dietary Vitamin ◽  
Nutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Vitamin D Intake ◽  
Pregnancy And Postpartum ◽  
Dietary Vitamin D

Abstract Objectives To assess maternal dietary intake and adequacy at postpartum and to determine whether lifestyle characteristics and breastfeeding status are related to nutrient intakes. Methods We analyzed cross-sectional data from a convenience sample of 129 mothers at 18-mo postpartum, whose families were enrolled into a randomized toddler intervention trial, in the Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Canada. The Canadian Diet History Questionnaire II (C-DHQ II) was used to estimate usual dietary intake in the mothers during the preceding 12 months (i.e., between 6- to 18-mo postpartum). Implausible energy intakes were defined as <600 kcal/day or >3500 kcals/day, and excluded from analysis. Demographic and lifestyle characteristic data about the pregnancy and postpartum time period were collected using a questionnaire. Results Maternal mean (SD) age at birth was 33.5 (4.0) years and most women were of European (46%) or Asian (38%) ethnicity, and had Bachelor's degree or higher education (70%). About 75%, 88%, and 89% did not meet their dietary requirements (i.e., intake below the EAR) for fiber, potassium, and vitamin D intakes, from food only, respectively. Considering total dietary intake from food and supplements, the prevalence of dietary vitamin D inadequacy was 25%. Women of European ethnicity had higher vitamin D intake (median (IQR) in mg/1000kcal/day: 19.5 (7.26,101)) compared to Asian women (10.8 (3.87, 21.1); P < 0.05). Dietary vitamin D intake was higher in breastfeeding (i.e., providing breastmilk as primary milk source, i.e., ³2 times/day, to their 18-mo old toddlers) compared to non- or occasionally breastfeeding mothers (20.0 (10.5, 61.1) versus 14.9 (4.28, 26.7) mg/1000kcal/day; P < 0.05). Conclusions While most Canadian mothers in this sample met the EARs for most nutrients, the prevalence of dietary inadequacy was very high for vitamin D, potassium, and fiber. Some population groups may be especially at risk of developing nutrient deficiencies in this period of life characterized by postpartum recovery and transition; targeted public health strategies may be needed to address these deficiencies. Funding Sources This study is supported by The University of British Columbia, and the British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Canada, and is funded by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

scholarly journals A Narrative Review of The Role of Foods as Dietary Sources of Vitamin D of Ethnic Minority Populations with Darker Skin: The Underestimated Challenge

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Guo ◽  
Julie A. Lovegrove ◽  
David I. Givens
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Ethnic Minority ◽  
Ultraviolet B ◽  
Dietary Vitamin ◽  
Minority Populations ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Vitamin D Intake ◽  
Ethnic Minority Populations ◽  
Dietary Vitamin D ◽  
Lower Vitamin

In recent years, vitamin D deficiency has attracted attention worldwide. Especially many ethnic minority populations are considered at high-risk of vitamin D deficiency, owing to a lesser ability to synthesis vitamin D from sunlight (ultraviolet B), due to the skin pigment melanin and/or reduced skin exposure due to coverage required by religious and cultural restrictions. Therefore, vitamin D intake from dietary sources has become increasingly important for many ethnic minority populations to achieve adequate vitamin D status compared with the majority of the population. The aim of the study was critically evaluate the vitamin D intake and vitamin D status of the ethnic minority populations with darker skin, and also vitamin D absorption from supplements and ultraviolet B. Pubmed, Embaase and Scopus were searched for articles published up to October 2018. The available evidence showed ethnic minority populations generally have a lower vitamin D status than the majority populations. The main contributory food sources for dietary vitamin D intake were different for ethnic minority populations and majority populations, due to vary dietary patterns. Future strategies to increase dietary vitamin D intake by food fortification or biofortification needs to be explored, not only for the majority population but more specifically for ethnic minority populations who are generally of lower vitamin D status.

scholarly journals Vitamin D Intake in Slovenian Adolescents, Adults, and the Elderly Population

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 3528
Author(s):  
Maša Hribar ◽  
Hristo Hristov ◽  
Živa Lavriša ◽  
Barbara Koroušić Seljak ◽  
Matej Gregorič ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Dietary Vitamin ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vitamin D Intake ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Dietary Vitamin D

Vitamin D is involved in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, and is vital for numerous bodily functions. In the absence of sufficient UV-B light-induced skin biosynthesis, dietary intake becomes the most important source of vitamin D. In the absence of biosynthesis, the recommended dietary vitamin D intake is 10–20 µg/day. Major contributors to dietary vitamin D intake are the few foods naturally containing vitamin D (i.e., fish), enriched foods, and supplements. The present study aimed to estimate the vitamin D intake in Slovenia, to identify food groups that notably contribute to vitamin D intake, and to predict the effects of hypothetical mandatory milk fortification. This study was conducted using data collected by the national cross-sectional food consumption survey (SI.Menu) in adolescents (n = 468; 10–17 years), adults (n = 364; 18–64 years), and the elderly (n = 416; 65–74 years). Data collection was carried out between March 2017 and April 2018 using the EU Menu Methodology, which included two 24-hour recalls, and a food propensity questionnaire. Very low vitamin D intakes were found; many did not even meet the threshold for very low vitamin D intake (2.5 µg/day). Mean daily vitamin D intake was 2.7, 2.9, and 2.5 µg in adolescents, adults, and the elderly, respectively. Daily energy intake was found to be a significant predictor of vitamin D intake in all population groups. In adolescents and adults, sex was also found to be a significant predictor, with higher vitamin D intake in males. The study results explained the previously reported high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Slovenia. An efficient policy approach is required to address the risk of vitamin D deficiency, particularly in vulnerable populations.

scholarly journals Relationship between Serum 25OH-Vitamin D2 Level and Vitamin D Status of Children Aged 3–5 Years in China

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 4135
Author(s):  
Xuehong Pang ◽  
Zhenyu Yang ◽  
Jie Wang ◽  
Yifan Duan ◽  
Liyun Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
Dietary Vitamin ◽  
Total Serum ◽  
Vitamin D2 ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Nutrition And Health ◽  
Dietary Vitamin D

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent globally and there is lack of evidence as to how 25(OH)D2 contributes to vitamin D status. The aim of this study was to describe vitamin D status and to assess the role of vitamin D2, a dietary vitamin D source, against the vitamin D status of children aged 3–5 years in China. Methods: Data were extracted from the Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance (CNNHS) in 2013. The concentration of serum 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 was measured by using LC-MS/MS. Results: A total of 1435 subjects were enrolled and serum 25(OH)D were analyzed. The prevalence of total serum 25(OH)D < 30 nmol/L was 8.9%. Serum 25(OH)D2 was detected in 10.9% of the studied children. After adjusting for confounding factors, total 25(OH)D concentration was 8.48 nmol/L lower and odds ratio of vitamin D deficiency was 4.20 times (OR (95%CI): 4.20 (1.64, 10.77)) in children without 25(OH)D2 than those with 25(OH)D2 detected. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency was common among children aged 3–5 years in China. Vitamin D2 may play a role in preventing vitamin D deficiency in Chinese children aged 3–5 years.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Related to Vitamin D and Its Relationship with Vitamin D Status among Malay Female Office Workers

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (23) ◽  
pp. 4735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nor Aini Jamil ◽  
Nurul Nadiah Shahudin ◽  
Nur Surfina Abdul Aziz ◽  
Chew Jia Qi ◽  
Wan Az Aleesa Wan Aminuddin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Sunlight Exposure ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Dietary Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Serum 25Ohd ◽  
Vitamin D Intake ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Dietary Vitamin D ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

This study assessed knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) related to vitamin D and its relationship with vitamin D status among Malay female office workers. A total of 147 women aged between 20 and 55 years were recruited from a university in Kuala Lumpur. They answered questionnaires related to KAP on vitamin D, sun exposure, dietary vitamin D intake and physical activity. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was analysed using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Nearly half (45%) of the subjects had good knowledge but moderate attitude (76%) and practice (84%) towards sunlight exposure and dietary vitamin D intake. Median serum 25OHD was 34.1 nmol/L with the majority (91%) had vitamin D insufficiency (25OHD < 50 nmol/L). Knowledge was weakly associated with attitude (r = 0.29, p < 0.001) but no association was found between knowledge and practice (r = 0.08, p = 0.355) nor attitude and practice (r = −0.001, p = 0.994). Serum 25OHD was positively associated with sunlight exposure (r = 0.22, p = 0.008) and dietary vitamin D intake (r = 0.37, p < 0.001). It can be implied that this group is at increased risk of low bone health status, which highlights the needs of public health campaigns to improve their vitamin D status.

scholarly journals Dietary vitamin D intake among university students and their habits concerning daily sunlight exposure – a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 396-406
Author(s):  
Gordana Kenđel Jovanović ◽  
Greta Krešić ◽  
Sandra Pavičić Žeželj
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
University Students ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Sunlight Exposure ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Dietary Vitamin ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Vitamin D Intake ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Dietary Vitamin D

Aim: To evaluate students’ dietary vitamin D intake according to characteristics and habits concerning daily sunlight exposure. Methods: The study included 403 students of the University of Rijeka, Croatia that fulfilled questionnaire about their characteristics, habits, physical activity, supplement use, diet, and their daily sunlight exposure. For assessing diet quality, the Dietary inflammatory index (DII®) was used. Results: Average dietary vitamin D intake was 2.76 μg/day, statistically highest among men (p&lt;0.01), medical sciences universities’ students (p&lt;0.01), students with obesity (p=0.03), highly physically active (p=0.02) and smokers (p=0.01). Major dietary vitamin D sources were fish (42%, p&lt;0.01) and meat and meat products (31%). Students that more frequently expose themselves to the sunlight were mostly men, overweight, moderately physically active, dietary supplements users, and had a diet with more anti-inflammatory potential, higher dietary vitamin D intake and its major dietary sources. Those who rarely and never used a sunscreen had a more anti-inflammatory diet and higher vitamin D and its major food sources intakes. Diet with more pro-inflammatory potential had students that rarely or never directly expose themselves to the sunlight, likewise the students that frequently used sunscreen. Those subgroups also had the lowest dietary vitamin D intake. Conclusions: The average dietary vitamin D intake by investigated university students satisfied only the fifth of the recommended daily vitamin D intake. Students with habits that can influence the lower synthesis of vitamin D may increase the risk of diseases related to bone health, immunity and inflammation in their future life. Provided results about students’ habits of their exposure to the sunlight might be useful for public health messages toward sufficient sunlight exposure, diet quality with more anti-inflammatory potential, vitamin D supplements use, and vitamin D deficiency prevention.

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