Vitamin D-deficiency in Asia

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Vitamin D-deficiency rickets is a significant childhood disease in China and Mongolia.
• Prevalence is higher in northern regions, with over 40% of adolescent girls in Beijing affected during winter.
• Low dietary calcium intake (around 350 mg/day) correlates with lower bone mineral density and Vitamin D status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of calcium and Vitamin D deficiencies on bone health in Chinese and Mongolian children.
• To assess the effectiveness of calcium-fortified milk supplementation in improving bone health.
• To identify factors contributing to Vitamin D deficiency in growing populations.

Main Methods:

• A survey in Beijing identified Vitamin D deficiency and low calcium intake among adolescent girls.
• An intervention study provided 757 Beijing schoolgirls with daily calcium-fortified milk for 24 months.
• A 2-year survey in Mongolia examined the association between low calcium, limited UV exposure, and Vitamin D deficiency.

Main Results:

• Increased calcium intake from fortified milk significantly improved bone health in Beijing schoolgirls.
• Deficiencies in both calcium and Vitamin D were found to negatively impact bone growth and development.
• In Mongolia, low calcium intake and limited sun exposure were linked to Vitamin D deficiency, with malnutrition further impairing Vitamin D utilization.

Conclusions:

• Calcium and Vitamin D deficiencies pose significant risks to bone health during childhood in China and Mongolia.
• Calcium supplementation, particularly through fortified milk, can effectively improve bone mineral density and development.
• Addressing multiple factors, including nutrition and environmental exposures, is essential for preventing Vitamin D deficiency in growing children.