Vitamin D deficiency risk factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sadaf Sharfaei M.D.[2]

Overview[edit | edit source]

Important risk factors for vitamin D deficiency that can not be changed are non-western ethnicity, older age and colder seasons. Sedentary lifestyle and less sun exposure play a significant role in increasing vitamin D deficiency.

Risk Factors[edit | edit source]

The risk factors of vitamin D deficiency can be categorized into three main groups; non-modifiable risk factors, modifiable risk factors, and also factors that are related to mothers' conditions.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]}

Non-modifiable risk factors[edit | edit source]

• Age
• Ethnicity: non-western ethnicity like African, Asian, Turkish, and Moroccan children are at greater risks than children of western ethnic background.
• Dark skin color
• Season: late fall, winter, and spring
• Geography: higher latitude, lower altitude, cloudy weather

Modifiable risk factors[edit | edit source]

• Life style including sedentary behavior, high child television watching, and less outdoor activities
• Less sun exposure including use of sunscreen or clothing
• Obesity
• Being underweight
• Less milk drinking
• Not taking vitamin D supplements
• Exclusive breastfeeding

Maternal risk factors[edit | edit source]

• Lower maternal age
• Lower household income
• Multiparity
• Higher maternal BMI

References[edit | edit source]

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