25-hydroxyvitamin D levels among healthy children in Alaska

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Public Health
• Vitamin D Metabolism

Background:

• Vitamin D deficiency is a growing concern in pediatric populations.
• The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program serves a vulnerable demographic.
• Geographic location, such as Alaska, may influence vitamin D levels due to limited sunlight exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess vitamin D levels in young children (6-23 months) enrolled in WIC programs in Alaska.
• To identify risk factors associated with low vitamin D levels in this population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study conducted in 2001-2002 involving 133 children from seven WIC clinics in Alaska.
• Data collection included a risk factor questionnaire and serum vitamin D level analysis.
• Children's ages ranged from 6 to 23 months.

Main Results:

• 11% of children had abnormal vitamin D levels (<15 ng/mL), and 20% had low-normal levels (15 to <25 ng/mL).
• Children who were exclusively breastfed showed a significantly higher risk of low vitamin D levels (RR=12 for <15 ng/mL, RR=3.6 for 15 to <25 ng/mL).
• Among breastfed children, only 34% received vitamin supplements, and 18% took them daily.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among young children in Alaska.
• Breastfeeding without sufficient vitamin D supplementation is the primary risk factor for deficiency in this population.
• Public health initiatives should focus on improving vitamin D supplementation for breastfed infants in Alaska.