Background: Vitamin D is fat soluble and cow's milk is the main dietary source of vitamin D in North America. I hypothesized higher fat milk would be associated with higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D and decreased BMI in children.
Methods: Multivariable linear regression and bivariate regression models were used to test the associations between percent fat content of milk and 25(OH)D, and both 25(OH)D and BMI z-scores (zBMI) in children 12-72 months.
Results: Higher fat milk had a positive effect on 25(OH)D, but a negative effect on zBMI. Children who drank whole milk had 25(OH)D 5.4 nmol/L (95% CI 4.3 to 6.5) higher than children who drank 1% milk, but a 0.72 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.76) lower zBMI. Volume of milk modified the relationship between percent fat content of milk and 25(OH)D (p=0.003), but not zBMI (p=0.77).
Conclusion: Consumption of lowfat milk may compromise both 25(OH)D and adiposity in children.M.Sc
