Vitamin D Intake and Adherence with Current Recommendations Among a National Sample of Infants Participating in WIC

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To explore vitamin D intake and adherence with current recommendations among a national sample of infants participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Methods Data were analyzed from the WIC Infant Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2, the most recent longitudinal assessment of mother-child dyads participating in WIC around the time of childbirth. Only data collected from 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11- and 13-months post-partum interviews were included in the current analysis. Total vitamin D intake was measured from a 24-hour dietary recall, which included supplementation. Infant feeding was categorized at each time point as only breastmilk, only formula, both breastmilk and formula (mixed feeding) and neither. A generalized estimating equation was constructed to assess predictors of meeting the infant vitamin D recommendation of ≥400 IU/day. Results A total of 3398 infants were included in this study at 1 month. The median total vitamin D intake ranged from 217 (95% CI: 210, 226) IU/day at 1 month to 324 (314, 333) IU/day at 13 months, with 16–36% of infants meeting the infant vitamin D recommendation. There were significant differences (P < 0.01) in the ability to meet the recommendation by infant feeding type at all time points, except 1 month. Among infants fed only formula, 16 to 43% met the recommendation; among those consuming only breast milk, 15–22% and among mixed fed infants, only 12 to 21%. Supplementation increased the ability to meet the recommendation although, only 6 to 12% of participants reported supplementation, across all time points. Time point (P < 0.05), infant feeding type (P < 0.05), parity (P < 0.05), baby's sex (P < 0.01), race (P < 0.01) and time-infant feeding interaction (P < 0.01) were significant predictors of the ability to meet the recommendation. Conclusions Among a national sample of infants participating in WIC, a high proportion were unable to meet vitamin D recommendations hence, putting them at risk for vitamin D deficiency and associated diseases. WIC may be an untapped resource to provide education about vitamin D for infants. Funding Sources None.