Prevalence and predictors of low vitamin D concentrations in urban Canadian toddlers

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Public Health

Background:

• Vitamin D is crucial for bone health and immune function in children.
• Low vitamin D concentrations (hypovitaminosis D) are a growing concern in pediatric populations globally.
• Urban environments and lifestyle factors may influence vitamin D status in toddlers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in healthy two-year-old children in Toronto, Canada.
• To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and cow's milk intake with vitamin D status.
• To identify potential modifiable risk factors for low vitamin D in urban toddlers.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 91 healthy children aged 24-30 months in Toronto, Ontario.
• Dietary intake, including cow's milk consumption, was assessed via questionnaire.
• Vitamin D status was determined by measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, with low levels defined as <50 nmol/L or <75 nmol/L.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of low vitamin D (<50 nmol/L) was 32%, and <75 nmol/L was 82%.
• Higher BMI was associated with an increased odds of low vitamin D (<50 nmol/L).
• Each additional daily cup of cow's milk intake was associated with a decreased odds of low vitamin D (<50 nmol/L).

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of urban Canadian toddlers exhibit insufficient vitamin D levels.
• Lower cow's milk intake and higher BMI are associated with reduced vitamin D status in this cohort.
• The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve vitamin D status in Canadian toddlers.