Vitamin D Deficiency in a Minnesota-Based Foster Care Population: A Cross Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Children in foster care face complex health issues, with increased risks for mental health disorders and physical disabilities.
• Vitamin D deficiency, traditionally linked to bone health, is increasingly associated with behavioral, neurodevelopmental, and psychological conditions.
• Nutrition-related deficiencies are common in foster care populations, prompting investigation into vitamin D status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare total 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels between children in foster care and non-fostered controls.
• To identify risk factors associated with lower vitamin D levels within the foster care population.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cross-sectional chart review was conducted from January 2013 to May 2018.
• Data included vitamin D levels from 407 foster care patients and age-matched controls.
• Univariate analysis identified risk factors for low vitamin D in the foster care group.

Main Results:

• Total 25(OH)D levels were comparable between foster care children and control groups (p=0.771).
• Within the foster care group, higher Body Mass Index (BMI), older age, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and a greater number of transitions were associated with decreased 25(OH)D levels.

Conclusions:

• Foster care status itself was not associated with lower vitamin D levels compared to controls.
• Identifying and treating vitamin D deficiency in foster care youth with specific risk factors may support their overall medical and psychosocial well-being.