Fatty fish and supplements are the greatest modifiable contributors to the serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration in a multiethnic population

Abstract

SummaryObjective Because vitamin D synthesis is lower in a heavily pigmented skin than in a lighter skin, the relative contribution of determinants to the vitamin D concentration might differ between ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the relative contribution of vitamin D consumption and exposure to sunlight to the vitamin D concentration in a multiethnic population. Design Cross-sectional study. Modifiable, significant determinants (standardized regression coefficients) for serum 25(OH)D concentration were: consumption of fatty fish (0·160), use of vitamin D supplements (0·142), area of uncovered skin (highest category 0·136; middle category 0·028), use of tanning bed (0·103), consumption of margarine (0·093) and preference for sun (0·089). We found no significant modification of ethnic group on the effect of sunlight determinants. ConclusionOf the modifiable determinants, fatty fish and supplements are the greatest contributors to the serum 25(OH)D concentration in a multiethnic population.

Global vitamin D status and determinants of hypovitaminosis D

“…Serum 25(OH)D was lower than 25 nmol/l in 40% of non-Western immigrants in the Netherlands [69]. Pregnant non-Western women even carry a higher risk: a study in midwife practices in The Hague showed a serum 25 (OH)D lower than 25 nmol/l in more than 80% of Turkish and Moroccan immigrants.…”

“…Therefore, both latitude and seasons influence the degree of possible solar radiation a population may receive. The literature reports strong evidence that hypovitaminosis D is greater in winter months for all age groups in Asia [25,26], Europe [69,72,82], Latin America [79], Middle East [91], North America [153], and Oceania [142]. However, in very hot countries and where the majority of women wear veils, vitamin D levels were not significantly higher and were even lower in the summer months, as these women avoided the heat and sun by staying indoors [101,105].…”

“…Population studies in Europe have shown that immigrants and asylum seekers from Asian, Middle Eastern, or African origins have greater risks of low vitamin D levels [66][67][68][69][70]. Country of origin, genetic traits, and cultural behaviour are important factors in determining vitamin D levels.…”

Do Professional Soccer Players have a Vitamin D Status Supporting Optimal Performance in Winter time?

“…For comparison, the prevalence of deficiency (<50 nmol/l 25OHD3) in a Caucasian Dutch population is about 23% in summertime [6]. The 25OHD3 level decreases in wintertime as expected, since on our latitude UV radiation is insufficient for vitamin D formation in the skin from November up till and including March [1].…”

South Asians and their increased cardiovascular risk: A review of risk factors and diet and lifestyle modification

“…asian Indian immigrants in northern climates have lower serum 25(oH)D than Caucasians and have a tendency to develop rickets and osteomalacia; in the Netherlands over 51% of sas were vitamin D-deficient (25(oH)D <25nmol/l) 98 . low vitamin D concentrations are related to increased risk of T2D, affecting pancreatic insulin secretion and insulin resistance 91,99 .…”