Dietary Patterns and Vitamin D Levels in Children in Guangzhou, China
Author Information
Author(s): Guo Jiaying, Huang Jie, Luo Shiyun, Zeng Chunzi, Su Zheng, Fu Jinhan, Zhang Weiwei, Bai Zhijun, Zhang Zhoubin, Zhu Huilian, Li Yan
Primary Institution: School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
Hypothesis
This study aimed to identify dietary patterns among school-aged children in rural areas of Guangzhou, China, and to explore their association with vitamin D levels.
Conclusion
The fruits and vegetables dietary pattern is a risk factor for inadequate vitamin D levels, while the high-protein pattern is protective, especially in girls.
Supporting Evidence
- A higher adherence to the fruits and vegetables dietary pattern was associated with lower vitamin D levels.
- Among girls, a stronger preference for the high-protein dietary pattern was positively correlated with higher vitamin D levels.
- The study involved 2,346 participants, with a significant prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency.
Takeaway
Eating lots of fruits and vegetables might not help kids get enough vitamin D, but eating more protein-rich foods can help, especially for girls.
Methodology
The study used structured questionnaires to collect data and employed factor analysis and structural equation modeling to analyze dietary patterns and their relationship with vitamin D levels.
Potential Biases
Recall bias and social desirability bias may affect the accuracy of dietary intake data.
Limitations
The cross-sectional design limits causal inference, and the reliance on self-reported dietary intake may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 1,267 males (54%) and 1,079 females (46%), aged 9 to 16 years, with a median age of 13.27 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: (−0.022, −0.010)
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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