Vitamin D Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Vitamin D, including details on sources, melanin, benefits, deficiency, supplements, calcium absorption.

Adolescent girls in Maine are at risk for vitamin D insufficiency.

Sullivan SS, Rosen CJ, Halteman WA, Chen TC, Holick MF

Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Maine, Orono 04469, USA. susan_sullivan@umenfa.maine.edu

The objective was to determine the seasonal fluctuations in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) in a group of healthy adolescents living in a northern climate. Twenty-three 9- to 11-year-old girls participated in the study from September 2000 to March 2003. Serum 25-OHD and parathyroid hormone levels were measured each September and March. Dietary intake of vitamin D was assessed each summer and winter. Summer-sun exposure was evaluated using reports of time spent outdoors. The mean decrease in serum 25-OHD from September to March was 28%. Vitamin D insufficiency (at least one serum 25-OHD level <50 nmol/L) was observed in 11 of 23 (48%) subjects. Four of 23 subjects (17%) exhibited vitamin D insufficiency in both September and March. Mean parathyroid hormone levels increased 4 pg/mL (15%) from September to March. Vitamin D intakes need to be increased in winter at northern latitudes.

Published 8 June 2005 in J Am Diet Assoc, 105(6): 971-4.
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