Prevalence and correlates of vitamin D deficiency in primary school children of South Asian, White European, Black African and Caribbean and White European origin: a cross-sectional survey (2004-2007) in London, Birmingham and Leicester
Donin A S, Limb E, Tang J C Y, Whincup P H (2025) Br J Nutr 134(8):689-695 doi: 10.1017/S0007114525105187. Epub 2025 Sep 23
Abstract:
Vitamin D deficiency is common in the UK, especially in certain ethnic minority populations. There is limited information on childhood vitamin D status in the UK, or factors associated with vitamin D deficiency.Using a cross-sectional study of 4650 children of South Asian, Black African and Caribbean and White European origins (9-10 years old) surveyed between 2004 and 2007, we investigated measurements of circulating 25(OH)D concentrations (a measure of vitamin D status) and anthropometric measurements.
Overall, 68 % of children had 25(OH)D concentrations ≤ 50 nmol/L and were either insufficient (25-50 nmol/L) (45 %) or deficient (< 25 nmol/L) (23 %).
Mean 25(OH)D concentrations were lowest in South Asian (especially Bangladeshi) children, intermediate in Black African and Caribbean and highest in White European children.
Mean values were ≤ 50 nmol/L for all children during the winter months and ≤ 50 nmol/L throughout the year for South Asian, Black African and Caribbean children.
In analyses adjusted for season, age, sex, ethnicity, socio-economic status and fat mass index, girls had a higher risk of being vitamin D deficient or insufficient (OR 1·49, 95 % CI 1·32, 1·68) compared with boys.
South Asian children (OR 25·49, 95 % CI 19·95, 32·57) and Black African and Caribbean children (OR 10·31, 95 % CI 10·31, 17·52) had the highest risks of being deficient or insufficient compared with White European children.
Childhood vitamin D deficiency was common in this study population. In the UK, targeted and novel interventions are needed to increase 25(OH)D concentrations, particularly South Asian and Black African and Caribbean children and reduce the health risks associated with low vitamin D status.
FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:
Once again, research shows high rates of Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency in a UK general population sample - with more than 2/3 of a London community sample of 9-10 year old children affected, as shown by suboptimal blood levels.And as previous studies have shown, striking differences were seen between ethic groups, with particularly high rates of deficiency in South Asian and black children of African or Caribeean ancestry.
- Overt deficiency (< 25 nmol/L) was found in 43% of South Asian, 28% of black African/Caribbean, and only 3% of white European children
- Insufficiency (25-50 nmol/L) was found in 46% of South Asian, 53% of black African/Caribbean, and 32% of white European children
- Optimal levels (50 nMol/L or more) were recorded in 11% of South Asian 19% of black African/Caribbean, and 65% of white European children
Vitamin D deficiency impairs bone health and immune function, and is also associated not only with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer, but also with higher risks for a wide range of neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.
Both animal and human studies point to Vitamin D deficiency in early life as a modifiable risk factor for autism, ADHD and schizophrenia in children. See:
Evidence for benefits from supplementation in children or adults with these conditions still remains preliminary, but clinical trials have shown that supplementation with Vitamin D (at sufficient dosages) can reduce depressive symptoms in adults.
For more information on Vitamin D, please see the following article lists
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