Risk factors for low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in otherwise healthy children and adolescents

Background: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations serve as a biomarker for vitamin D stores. Prior studies have not examined the risk factors for low vitamin D concentrations in a multiethnic sample of US youth across a broad age range. Objective: The objective was to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with low concentrations of 25(OH)D in children and adolescents. Design: Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured in 382 healthy children aged 6-21 y living in the northeastern United States. Dietary and supplemental vitamin D intake was assessed by interview. Fat and lean mass were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with decreased concentrations of 25(OH)D. Results: The median concentration of 25(OH)D was 28 ng/mL (interquartile range: 19-35 ng/mL), and 55% of subjects had 25(OH)D concentrations < 30 ng/mL. 25(OH)D concentrations were inversely correlated with parathyroid hormone concentrations (Spearman's r = -0.31, P < 0.001) but were not significantly correlated with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations. In the multivariable model, older age (P < 0.001), black race [odds ratio (OR): 14.2; 95% CI: 8.53, 23.5], wintertime study visit (OR: 3.55; 95% CI: 2.29, 5.50), and total daily vitamin D intake < 200 IU (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.46) were associated with low vitamin D concentrations. Fat and lean mass were not independently associated with vitamin D status in this healthy-weight sample. Conclusion: Low serum 25(OH)D concentrations are prevalent in otherwise healthy children and adolescents in the northeastern United States and are related to low vitamin D intake, race, and season.