Objetives:

It is not clear whether diet in the Spanish general population is also a relevant determinant of hypovitaminosis D. The objective of the study was to analyze the impact of diet on the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in healthy children.

Methods:

Demographic, anthropometric, nutritional, analytical data and vitamin D (25 (OH) D) level were studied using an enzyme-immuno-analysis using an observational design in a sample of the pediatric population between 4 and 14 years old. The 24-hour reminder diet survey was evaluated with the DietSource 3.0 software. The probability of hypovitaminosis was analyzed using logistic regression.

Results:

280 healthy children with a mean age of 9.0 years were recruited. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (<20 ng/ml) was 18.15% and that of severe deficit (<10 ng/ml) 1.4%. Ethnicity, seasonality, skin phototype, and time of sun exposure were significantly associated with the presence of hypovitaminosis D. The distribution of nutrients did not show differences between the groups with and without hypovitaminosis except for Pyridoxine B6 and saturated fatty acids.

Conclusions:

Diet plays a reduced role as a risk factor for hypovitaminosis D in healthy children and the relevant factors are those related to sun exposure. An adequate outdoor lifestyle, sun exposure free of sunscreens and dietary patterns that ensure a correct intake of vitamin D and calcium remain the ideal recommendations for the general population. Supplementation should be limited to risk groups.

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