Vitamin D Status among Young Children Aged 6 to 23 Months from 4 Different Ethnic Groups in Yunnan, China

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in 6- to 23-month-old children from 4 different ethnic groups, Han, Lisu, Hani, and Bai, in Yunnan Province of China. Methods: A large cohort of 938 young children aged 6 to 23 months who were living in Yunnan, China (23°28′-27°52′ N), were selected and recruited in this study. Venous-blood sampling was conducted in all the participants, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured. The children’s physical status was measured. Results: General mean serum 25(OH)D level was 21.46 ± 7.95 ng/mL, which was obtained from a total of 938 cases. No significant difference was found in age, gender, height, and weight of participants from different ethnic groups. The mean 25(OH)D level was significantly lower in children of Lisu ethnic groups compared with that of Han and Hani participants, respectively (P