Nutritional Status for less‐explored micronutrients in underprivileged Guatemalan preschool children: Vitamins D

Abstract

BackgroundWhereas iron, vitamin A, iodine, zinc and folate are prominent on the public health nutrition agenda, vitamin D has been lower on the interest horizon. Particular dietary or environmental characteristics of Guatemala may predispose to insufficient or deficient nutrient status.ObjectiveTo assess vit D status in a convenience sample of preschoolers in disadvantaged urban and rural communities receiving subsidized meals.Methods104 serum samples were obtained from boys and girls meals in 3 sites in the Central Highlands of Guatemala, 47 from 2 urban (U) centers and 57 from a rural (R) center. Serum 25(OH)D was measured on a Liaison instrument (DiaSorin, Inc., Stillwater, MN) using a chemiluminescent assay in Omaha, Nebraska. Respective cutoff criteria for deficient and insufficient for 25(OH)D were <20 and 20–30 ng/mL. The contribution of dietary vit D from center menus was estimated.ResultsOverall mean 25(OH)D concentration (ng/mL) was 26±6, 27±6 (U) and 25±7 (R) (p>0.05). Globally, 20.2% had deficient values and 56.7% had insufficient values. Deficiency rates by setting were 12.7% (U) and 26.0% (R), and insufficiency rates, 59.6% (U) and 54.4% (R). The 1 or 2 meals offered by the centers provided averages of 0.12–0.90 μg vit D/d.ConclusionSub‐adequate vit D status is a common feature of preschoolers in day‐care center populations, without geographic distinction, related in part to low dietary intakes.