No description available.

Objectives: Inadequate maternal vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels during pregnancy may affect primary tooth calcification predisposing enamel hypoplasia (EH), a risk factor for Early Childhood Caries (ECC). The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between 25(OH)D status of expectant mothers and the incidence of EH and ECC among their infants. Methods: This prospective study recruited expectant mothers during their second trimester of pregnancy. A prenatal questionnaire was completed and serum sample drawn for a 25(OH)D assay. Infant dental exams, scheduled at approximately 12 months of age, determined EH and ECC, at which time the mother completed a second questionnaire. The dental examiner was blinded to each mother's prenatal vitamin D status. Results: 207 women, 90% of whom self-declared Aboriginal heritage, were enrolled at a mean age of 19.0 ± 4.7 years. The mean serum 25(OH)D was 48.1 ± 24.4 nmol/L. 35% had levels ≤ 35 nmol/L, a formerly-defined threshold of deficiency. Only 10% of women had concentrations ≥ 80 nmol/L, denoting adequacy. 135 infants were examined at 16.1 ± 7.4 months of age. EH was identified in 22% of infants, 23% had ECC and (36% ECC when white spot lesions were included). Mothers of children with EH had lower mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations during pregnancy than mothers of children without EH (43.2 ± 21.1 vs. 51.4 ± 27.4 nmol/L, p=.072). Mothers of children with ECC had lower 25(OH)D levels than mothers whose children were caries-free (41.4 ± 20.4 vs. 52.4 ± 27.4 nmol/L, p=.045). The rate of untreated decay was inversely related with maternal vitamin D concentrations (p<.001). Infants with EH were significantly more likely to have ECC (p<.001). Logistic regression identified low maternal calcium levels (p=.034), not having heard of vitamin D (p=.036), and not using margarine daily (p=.024) as being significantly associated with EH in the primary dentition of infants. Backwards logistic regression revealed that EH (p<.001), infant age (p=.002), and lower 25(OH)D levels during pregnancy (p=.019) were significantly associated with ECC. Conclusions: This study shows for the first time that maternal vitamin-D levels may influence primary dentition and the development of ECC in their babies.

Vitamin D may have immunomodulatory effects in the intestine. Our objective was to determine if exposure to vitamin D mitigates intestinal inflammation in IL-10 KO mice. Mice were randomized to a diet containing 25 IU (low) or 5000 IU (high) of vitamin D/kg of diet in utero and offspring were maintained on the same diet or switched to the other diet at weaning. Fecal samples were collected at 3 months of age. Vitamin D did not affect intestinal inflammation in male and female mice and did not affect KC cytokine concentration or regulate colonic gene expression in male mice. Vitamin D modulated the gut microbiota in a sex-specific manner and depending on timing of exposure. Females in the HH group had significantly higher fecal counts of C. coccoides than the other vitamin D interventions. Therefore, vitamin D may favourably modulate microbiota composition without attenuating inflammation.

Vitamin D status is assessed with circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. As some evidence suggests that low vitamin D status adversely affects neonatal health, this project aimed to determine the association between cord blood 25(OH)D levels and preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks gestation), low birthweight (LBW; <2500 grams) and small for gestational age (SGA; <10th percentile) and to examine the relationship between maternal 25(OH)D levels during the first trimester of pregnancy and fetal 25(OH)D levels at birth in a Canadian population. This nested case-control study used serums, questionnaires and chart reviews collected in Quebec City. Compared to 25(OH)D concentrations ≥75 nmol/L, concentrations 37.5-<75, 50-<75, and <75 nmol/L were associated with lower odds of LBW, PTB and an adverse neonatal composite outcome, and PTB as well as LBW, respectively. Maternal and neonatal 25(OH)D were correlated (r=0.23, p<0.01; adjusted r=0.46, p<0.01). This study contributes to evidence for identifying further policy and research directions.

Vitamin D may have immunomodulatory effects in the intestine. Our objective was to determine if exposure to vitamin D mitigates intestinal inflammation in IL-10 KO mice. Mice were randomized to a diet containing 25 IU (low) or 5000 IU (high) of vitamin D/kg of diet in utero and offspring were maintained on the same diet or switched to the other diet at weaning. Fecal samples were collected at 3 months of age. Vitamin D did not affect intestinal inflammation in male and female mice and did not affect KC cytokine concentration or regulate colonic gene expression in male mice. Vitamin D modulated the gut microbiota in a sex-specific manner and depending on timing of exposure. Females in the HH group had significantly higher fecal counts of C. coccoides than the other vitamin D interventions. Therefore, vitamin D may favourably modulate microbiota composition without attenuating inflammation.

No description available.

Background: Contribution of dietary sources to vitamin D status is not clearly known. Some studies have shown that dietary intake of certain vitamin D rich foods had a significant positive influence on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations, whereas other studies have shown no effect. Although sunlight exposure is a major source of circulating serum 25(OH)D, children and adolescents have been advised on the dangers of sun exposure. Diet may therefore be an important contributor of circulating serum 25(OH)D in absence of or reduced sunlight exposure. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether serum 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with any specific dietary patterns in US children and adolescents using assay-adjusted serum 25(OH)D data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004 and 2005-2006. Methods: Data from 2 cycles of the NHANES 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 for individuals aged 2 to ≤19 y, were used to study the association between dietary patterns and serum 25(OH)D. Dietary patterns were established using factor analysis based on food-frequency questionnaire data. Eigenvalues and Scree plot were used to derive 2 major principal factors. They were labeled as High Fat Low Vegetable (HFLV) and Prudent dietary patterns. Results: Serum 25(OH)D was significantly lower in HFLV dietary pattern group compared to Prudent dietary pattern group (25.1 vs 27.0 ng/mL; P=0.001). The highest serum 25(OH)D concentrations for all subjects were in the low-intake HFLV group or medium and high-intake Prudent groups (P=0.003 and P=0.012, respectively). In multivariate adjusted analysis, children with higher Prudent dietary contribution scores to overall diet showed a significant positive relation with serum 25(OH)D (β=62.01, P=0.016). When data were stratified by sex, a significant positive relation was observed in girls who consumed the Prudent diet (β=86.34, P=0.014) and a significant negative relation was observed in girls who consumed the HFLV diet (β=-84.32, P=0.022). Conclusion: Overall, serum 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with Prudent dietary pattern but not with HFLV dietary pattern in US children and adolescents. When stratified by sex, the relation between dietary patterns and serum 25(OH)D was confined to only girls. Children consuming HFLV pattern diet may benefit from vitamin D supplementation and sunlight exposure (outdoor activities), and should be encouraged to consume more vitamin D fortified foods.

Osteoporosis literally means 'porous bone" and is characterized by an increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture, which typically involves the wrist, spine and hip (South African Medical Association (SAMA) Working Group, 2000). In South Africa osteoporosis and fractures are more common in whites than in blacks. African-American men experience hip fractures at a rate of only half of that of Caucasian men. The bone mass in Africans were found to be 6 - 12 % higher than in Caucasians at all ages. A higher peak bone density at skeletal maturity in African-Americans were found, so that despite comparable age related bone loss, African Americans reach the fracture threshold less frequently than whites. Age-related bone loss that begins later, is less severe, or occurs in different skeletal sites in African-Americans than whites (Luckey et al., 1996). American whites have a higher bone turnover than American blacks, but in contrast to this American data. South African blacks may have a higher bone turnover and lower bone density than whites (Daniels et a/., 1995). If it is compared with Caucasians a lower rate of hip fracture in South African blacks were found, despite lower bone density at all ages (Villa, 1994). The lower fracture rate in blacks than in whites is because of greater bone mass and higher bone turnover leading to more frequent renewal of damaged bone. Blacks excrete less urinary calcium, and show no skeletal sensitivity towards the parathyroid hormone. Few studies focus on older black South African men and osteoporosis. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of calcium intake, vitamin D status, anthropometry and physical activity and bone density in black South African men. Methods A case-control study design was used, in which variables associated with bone density were compared. The case group were men with fractures of the proximal femur, the proximal humerus or the distal radius and an equal number of age-matched healthy black men (with not more than a 5-year age difference) with no fracture (the proximal femur and humerus and distal radius) previously, was recruited as a control group. Bone density was measured with DEXA. Fat percentage was measured with a Tanita scale. Biochemical analyses were done. Questionnaires were used to gather demographic, activity and dietary information. To our knowledge, this is the first case-control study on osteoporotic fractures in South African black men. Results Both the groups' bone mineral densities were lower than recommended. The bone density of the case group for lumbar and hip regions was 0.86 and 0.88 and the control group's bone density for lumbar region was 0.95 and hip region 0.91. The control group was more physically active and had a better nutritional status than the case group. The control group's calcium intake was higher but the vitamin D status was lower than the case group. Both calcium and vitamin D status were not statistically significant (pc0.5), between the two groups. Body mass indices of the groups were the same. The serum albumin was higher in the control group than in the case group. The case group serum calcium was higher than the control group. Both serum albumin and serum calcium were statistical significant between the two groups. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the other biochemical variables between the two groups. Serum phosphate and serum vitamin D were statistical significant for bone density of the hip and lumbar regions. Conclusion To conclude it seems logical to suggest a healthy diet with optimal macro- and micro nutrient intake. Maintain ideal body weight and body fat percentage and recommend regular but moderate-weight-bearing exercise from a young age throughout adult life, as part of a strategy to prevent and treat osteoporosis. In the present study black South African men present with low bone mineral density, but other studies indicated a lower rate of hip fracture in South African blacks, despite lower bone density at all ages. It can be recommended that other factors may play a role in black South African men with osteoporosis. Factors such as serum phosphorus, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, body mass index (BMI), physical activity index (PAI), animal protein, total fat intake and dietary calcium are important determinants of BMD in older South African blacks, as shown in the present study. Osteoporosis is a multi factorial problem and must be treated that way. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Dietetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Menopause is an important period for bone health in women. Objective: To assess the determinants of bone mineral density (BMD) changes in women transitioning to menopause. Method: A secondary data analysis of the MONET (Montreal-Ottawa New Emerging Team) study. Outcome measures included yearly assessment of menopause status, body composition, BMD, physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and dietary calcium and vitamin D intakes. Results: 84 of the original 102 women had complete data for the purpose of the present study. Repeated measures analysis revealed significant decreases in lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD (P< 0.01). Regression analysis revealed that baseline femoral neck BMD, changes in PAEE and trunk fat explained 31% of the variation of BMD changes at the femoral neck, while changes in both PAEE and trunk fat account for 27% of BMD change at lumbar spine. Conclusion: Baseline femoral neck and changes in physical activity energy expenditure and trunk fat are determinants of the reduction of bone mineral density in women transitioning to menopause.

60 % of Canadians have suboptimal vitamin D (<75 nmol/L) and 25% are obese. Obesity has been reported to be a risk factor for low vitamin D, but there is uncertainty about the magnitude of the association. Linear regression was performed using data from the nationally representative cross-sectional Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007-2009). Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), and vitamin D levels were directly measured. There were 5298 participants aged 6 to 79 years. Using a conservative p value of 0.001, body mass index (BMI) category obese / obese I was positively associated and WC was inversely associated with vitamin D level in crude analysis. WC was inversely associated with vitamin D level in multivariate analysis. The pattern of relationship is not the same as other studies, yet this was a large study with direct measurements. There may be issues with linearity of relationships or subgroups disturbing the relationship.