Vitamin D insufficiency common in newborns, children and pregnant women living in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Matern Child Nutr. 2009 Apr;5(2):186-91. doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8709.2008.00157.x.

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with poor bone health, colorectal cancer, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Two national health-related societies in Canada have made recommendations for vitamin D supplementation, yet little research has been reported on the vitamin D status of Canadians. Lifestyle changes, such as sunscreen use, spending less time outdoors and insufficient intake of vitamin D-containing foods as well as northern latitude, may be affecting human vitamin D status. A cross-sectional analysis of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH)D] was conducted in pregnant women, newborns (umbilical cord blood) and children. Samples were analysed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Published ranges for 25-(OH)D were used to determine vitamin D status. The prevalence of 25-(OH)D deficiency for the three groups studied revealed most concentrations in the 25-(OH)D deficiency or insufficiency ranges. There were significant differences in all groups studied between seasons, with the exception of maternal blood and female cord blood samples. 25-(OH)D insufficiency was common in all groups for winter and summer, more so in winter. 25-(OH)D insufficiency was common in the three groups studied. The Newfoundland and Labrador population may be at increased risk for vitamin D insufficiency because of factors such as northern latitude and lifestyle issues. Further research on the vitamin D status of this population is important, considering the potential adverse health-related outcomes and the recommendations on supplementation being made.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Calcifediol / blood
  • Calcifediol / deficiency
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Climate
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Fetal Blood / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Newfoundland and Labrador / epidemiology
  • Nutritional Status
  • Pregnancy
  • Seasons
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Calcifediol