Vitamin D status in Adolescent Girls

Vitamin D deficiency has suggested that not only a biochemical abnormality, but is also associated with adverse effect of poor bone mineralization in growing children and adolescents. The findings of the present study clearly demonstrate that vitamin D deficiency occurs in a high proportion of adolescent girls, regardless of what 25(OH)D level is used to define vitamin D deficiency. In addition, body mass index (BMI), milk intake, participation in organized sports and total physical activity all emerged as major determinants of vitamin D status. The relationship between vitamin D status and bone mass and bone biomarkers showed that girl participants with a higher vitamin D status had significantly higher bone mass at the total body and distal and proximal forearm, and higher concentrations of IGF-I, lower concentrations of BAP and a lower urine Dpd/creatinine ratio compared to those of poor vitamin D status. Therefore, continuous participation in high physical activity, and adequate vitamin D status throughout childhood and late adolescence could help achieve maximum peak bone mass at maturity and thus reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures later in life.

Autorentext

Dr. Leng Huat Foo is a senior lecturer at the Program of Nutrition, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. His research interests are on vitamin D, bone health status and nutritional epidemiology. He has published 45 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings at national and international levels.