Vitamin D deficiency in a Manitoba community.
OBJECTIVE
Using a cross-sectional survey, to investigate the vitamin D status of a random sample of 80 mother-child pairs (child age 3-24 months) in a Manitoba community with a high incidence of rickets.


METHODS
A questionnaire on feeding habits, gestational history, maternal diet and vitamin supplements was administered to mothers in their homes with the assistance of a local interpreter. Venous blood was collected from both mother and child for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.


RESULTS
Of 91% babies initially breastfed, 36% received no formula or milk after weaning and 40% received no vitamin supplements. 24% of mothers took no vitamin supplements during pregnancy and lactation. Knowledge about rickets was poor. In 43% of children and 76% of mothers, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were below normal range.


CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin D levels are low in this population due to lack of fortified dairy products and vitamin D supplements. A public health program should include counseling on rickets and vitamin D supplementation for all infants and pregnant or lactating women.
Lebrun
J B
JB
Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba.
Moffatt
M E
ME
Mundy
R J
RJ
Sangster
R K
RK
Postl
B D
BD
Dooley
J P
JP
Dilling
L A
LA
Godel
J C
JC
Haworth
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008350:Manitoba / Q000453:epidemiology; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education; D012279:Rickets / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014815:Vitamins