Determinants of vitamin D status in fair-skinned women of childbearing age at northern latitudes.

Background and objective

Poor vitamin D status during pregnancy has been associated with unfavorable outcomes for mother and child.Thus, adequate vitamin D status in women of childbearing age may be important.The aim of this study is to investigate the determinants of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) serum concentrations in women of childbearing age living in Sweden, at latitude 57-58° north.

Method

Eighty four non-pregnant, non-lactating, healthy, fair-skinned women aged between 25-40 years were included.

All subjects provided blood samples, four day food Hood Mirrors records and answered questionnaires about sun exposure and lifestyle.Total serum 25(OH)D was analyzed using Roche Cobas® electrochemoluminiescent immunoassay.

Results

Mean 25(OH)D was 65.8±19.

9 nmol/l and 23% of the subjects had concentrations <50 nmol/l.Only 1% had concentrations <25 nmol/l.Determinants of 25(OH)D concentrations were recent sunbed use, recent travel to southern latitude, season, estrogen contraceptive use and use of supplementary vitamin D (R(2) = 0.27).

Conclusion

Every fifth woman had 25(OH)D concentrations <50 nmol/l.About 30% of the variation in vitamin D status was explained by sun exposure, use of vitamin D supplements and use of estrogen contraceptives.Cutaneous vitamin D synthesis seems Trucker Jacket to be a major contributor to vitamin D status, even at northern latitudes.Thus, recommendations on safe UV-B exposure could be beneficial for vitamin D status.