by Michael Absoud, Carole Cummins, Ming J. Lim, Evangeline
Wassmer, Nick Shaw To evaluate the prevalence and predictors of
vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) in children In Great Britain.
Design A nationally representative cross-sectional study survey
of children (1102) aged 4–18 years (999 white, 570 male) living
in private households (January 1997–1998). Interventions
provided information about dietary habits, physical activity,
socio-demographics, and blood sample. Outcome measures were
vitamin D insufficiency (<50 nmol/L). Results Vitamin D levels
(mean?=?62.1 nmol/L, 95%CI 60.4–63.7) were insufficient in 35%,
and decreased with age in both sexes (p<0.001). Young People
living between 53–59 degrees latitude had lower levels (compared
with 50–53 degrees, p?=?0.045). Dietary intake and gender had no
effect on vitamin D status. A logistic regression model showed
increased risk of VDI in the following: adolescents (14–18 years
old), odds ratio (OR)?=?3.6 (95%CI 1.8–7.2) compared with
younger children (4–8 years);