Vitamin D status in infants: relation to nutrition and season.

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2011 Jan 19.
Ostergård M, Arnberg K, Michaelsen KF, Madsen AL, Krarup H, Trolle E, Mølgaard C.
Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.

In a cross-sectional study, the primary objective was to assess the plasma concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in healthy 9-month-old infants (n=255). The secondary objective was to evaluate nutritional variables and season in relation to 25(OH)D.
The concentration of 25(OH)D was 77.2±22.7?nmol/l (mean±s.d.), ranging from 12 to 151?nmol/l.

During the first 9 months, 97% received vitamin D supplementation (10??g/day) and 89% had sufficient levels of 25(OH)D (50-250?nmol/l). In multiple regression analysis, controlled for body mass index (BMI) and intake of infant formula, a longer period of exclusive breastfeeding (P=0.026) and breastfeeding at 9 months (P=0.001) were both associated with lower levels.

Dietary vitamin D intake was 4.4±3.1??g/day and in multiple regression analysis, controlled for BMI, intake of infant formula and mean energy intake, it was positively associated with 25(OH)D (P=0.001). There was a significant seasonal difference in 25(OH)D, with higher levels during summer-autumn compared with winter-spring (P=0.021) after control for BMI.; doi:10.1038/ejcn.2010.285. PMID: 21245885
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See also VitaminDWiki

• Vitamin D Before, during, and After Pregnancy
• Infants getting 500 IU achieved 60 ng vitamin D in blood – Jan 2011
• All items in category Infant-Child and Vitamin D 854 items

400 IU was the minimum recommended for infants by Institute of Medicine Nov 2010