Vitamin D status of immigrant mothers and infants in Metro Vancouver

Abstract

Recent studies suggest Canadian children from immigrant families may be at higher risk for rickets. However, little is known about the vitamin D status of immigrant mothers and infants in Canada. We measured 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) in Asian and Middle Eastern immigrant (n=40) and White (n=40) mothers and their infants aged 2–4 months living in Vancouver (49°N). Mothers completed diet and sun exposure questionnaires. Mean 25OHD concentrations of immigrant mothers were lower than those of White mothers (68 vs 78 nmol/L; p=0.02), but 25OHD concentrations of their babies did not differ (82 vs 79 nmol/L; p=0.67). Only 1 White mother, 1 infant with a White mother, and 1 infant with a Middle Eastern mother had a 25OHD concentration indicative of severe deficiency (<25 nmol/L). However, 7 (18%) immigrant mothers and 2 (5%) White mothers (p=0.08) and 3 (8%) immigrants’ infants and 6 (15%) White infants (p=0.29) were vitamin D insufficient (<50 nmol/L). Multivariate analyses showed that ethnicity, body mass index, and vitamin D supplement use were significant predictors of 25OHD in mothers. Only supplement use was a significant predictor for infants. In conclusion, immigrant mothers were at marginally higher risk of vitamin D insufficiency than White mothers, but their infants had similar vitamin D status. (Supported by the Canadian Vitamin Class Action settlement)Grant Funding Source: Canadian Vitamin Class Action settlement