Bamman, Karin

De Henauw, Stefaan

Kaufman, Jean

Michels, Nathalie

Moratidou, Theodora

Sioen, Isabelle

VANAELST, BARBARA

Vyncke, Krishna

English

Ghent University Academic Bibliography

VITAMIN D STATUS OF BELGIAN YOUNG CHILDREN Isabelle Sioen1,2, Theodora Moratidou3, Jean-Marc Kaufman4,5, Karin Bammann6, Nathalie Michels1, Barbara Vanaelst1,2, Krishna Vyncke1,2, Stefaan De Henauw1,7 on behalf of the IDEFICS consortium 1 Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium - 2 FWO, Research Foundation Flanders, Brussels, Belgium - 3 GENUD (Growth, Exercise, NUtrition and Development) Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain - 4 Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium -5 Unit for Osteoporosis and Metabolic bone diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium - 6 Bremen Institute for Prevention Research and Social Medicine, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany - 7 Department of Health Sciences, Vesalius, Hogeschool Gent, Ghent, Belgium Objectives This study aims to describe vitamin D status of Belgian children assessed by blood samples taken during winter and spring 2010 and to examine the influence of non-nutritional factors on outcome observed. Material and Methods Participating children (n=357; 51.5% male, 4-11 years) were drawn from the Belgian control region (Aalter) of the EU 6th FP IDEFICS cohort. Blood was sampled between February and June 2010. 25(OH)D was measured using radioimmunoassay I125 (INCSTAR 25(OH)D – 125 IRIA kit, Stillwater, MN, USA). Vitamin D status was categorized as deficient (25(OH)D  < 25 nmol/l), insufficient (25-50 nmol/l), sufficient (50-75 nmol/l) and optimal (≥ 75 nmol/l). Height and weight were measured with standard clinical stadiometer and balance. The BMI z-score was determined using the LMS method (with British reference population). Skinfold thickness (triceps and subscapular) was measured using Holtain Tanner/Whitehouse skinfold calipers. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethical Committee of the Ghent University Hospital. Results Serum 25(OH)D ranged from 13.6 nmol/l to 123.5 nmol/l (mean 47.2 ± 14.6 nmol/l). Within the group, 5% was deficient, 53.1% insufficient, 39.7% sufficient and 2.2% optimal. No significant difference in vitamin D status was found between boys and girls and no significant correlation with age. However, a significant difference in 25(OH)D concentration between the months of sampling was found, as well as a significant correlation with the number of hours playing outside (r=0.14) and the sum of skinfolds (r=-0.11). Two different multivariate models (ANCOVA) indicated that 68% of the variability of the 25(OH)D concentration was explained by the month of sampling, the number of hours playing outside and the BMI z-score or sum of skinfolds, respectively.  Conclusion The majority of Belgian children have a suboptimal vitamin D status, with more than half having an insufficient status in winter and spring. Month of the year, number of hours playing outside as well as body composition (BMI or sum of skinfolds) were identified as important determinants of vitamin D status in this group of children.  Acknowledgments Worked out within the IDEFICS Study (www.idefics.eu). Funded by the EC, FP 6, Contract No. 016181 (FOOD). We acknowledge all participants in Aalter.   

Vitamin D status of Belgian young children

https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/1230349/file/1264832

Vitamin D status of Belgian young children

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Ghent University Academic Bibliography