Adolescent girls in Maine are at risk for vitamin D insufficiency

J Am Diet Assoc. 2005 Jun;105(6):971-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2005.03.002.

Abstract

The objective was to determine the seasonal fluctuations in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) in a group of healthy adolescents living in a northern climate. Twenty-three 9- to 11-year-old girls participated in the study from September 2000 to March 2003. Serum 25-OHD and parathyroid hormone levels were measured each September and March. Dietary intake of vitamin D was assessed each summer and winter. Summer-sun exposure was evaluated using reports of time spent outdoors. The mean decrease in serum 25-OHD from September to March was 28%. Vitamin D insufficiency (at least one serum 25-OHD level <50 nmol/L) was observed in 11 of 23 (48%) subjects. Four of 23 subjects (17%) exhibited vitamin D insufficiency in both September and March. Mean parathyroid hormone levels increased 4 pg/mL (15%) from September to March. Vitamin D intakes need to be increased in winter at northern latitudes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Maine / epidemiology
  • Parathyroid Hormone / blood
  • Risk Factors
  • Seasons
  • Sunlight*
  • Vitamin D / administration & dosage*
  • Vitamin D / analogs & derivatives*
  • Vitamin D / blood*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Parathyroid Hormone
  • Vitamin D
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D