Weight and skin colour as predictors of vitamin D status: Results of an epidemiological investigation using nationally representative data

Abstract

Objective Current US dietary recommendations for vitamin D vary by age. Recent research suggests that body weight and skin colour are also major determinants of vitamin D status. The objective of the present epidemiological investigation was to clarify the role of age as a predictor of vitamin D status, while accounting for body weight and skin colour, among a nationally representative sample. Design We calculated the mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels for the US population by age and weight, as well as by weight and race/ethnicity group. Multiple regression analyses were utilized to evaluate age and weight as predictors of vitamin D status: serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with age alone, age and body weight, and age, body weight and their two-way interaction were modelled for the entire sample and each age subgroup. Graphical data were developed using B-spline non-linear regression. Setting National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (31 934 unweighted cases). Subjects Individuals aged 1 year and older. Results There were highly significant differences in mean vitamin D status among US residents by weight and skin colour, with those having darker skin colour or higher body weight having worse vitamin D status. Although a significant factor, the impact of age on vitamin D status was notably less than the impact of body weight. Conclusions Vitamin D status varied predominantly by body weight and skin colour. Recommendations by nutritionists for diet and supplementation needs should take this into account if vitamin D-related health disparities are to be meaningfully reduced across the USA.