Keywords
Old Order Mennonite; Old Order Amish; dietary supplements; vitamin fortification; raw milk; public health policy; sun exposure
Abstract
The objective was to determine vitamin D status of Old Order Anabaptist children in rural Southwestern, Ontario, Canada, given concerns of community healthcare professionals. Fifty-two children (2.5 months - 6.5 years) (56% female) were recruited. Finger prick blood spot (BSp) samples were analyzed for 25-hydroxy (OH) vitamins D2 & D3 (BSp25(OH)D). Three-day food records were evaluated using Dietary Reference Intakes and Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) (Bush, et al. 2007). Compared to national Canadian data: mean BSp25(OH)D concentrations (78±31 nmol/L) were similar; a slightly smaller proportion (0% vs 2%) were at risk of deficiency (<30 nmol/L) or had inadequate status (4% vs 7%) (<40 nmol/L); and 10% vs 1% had BSp25(OH)D higher than 125 nmol/L. BSp25(OH)D was significantly associated (r2=0.358; p=0.001) with total vitamin D intake. From food alone, vitamin D intake was 68±39 IU/day, lower than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 600 IU/day, and intakes were all below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) of 400 IU. Even including supplemental vitamin D, 87% were below the EAR (total intake=213±194 IU/day). No children had vitamin D intakes greater than the Upper Limit. Servings of milk and alternates were 1.6±0.8/day (CFG=2/day). Unfortified farm milk was consumed by 88% of children and 89% received a vitamin D supplement. Results were comparable to recent Canadian data suggesting that most children have adequate vitamin D status. Nevertheless, these findings support the need to encourage appropriate vitamin D intake (from food and supplements) to achieve the RDA for Old Order Anabaptist children in these communities. [Abstract by authors.]
Acknowledgements
To the mothers and children of the Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite communities we serve in Southwestern Ontario, Canada.
Recommended Citation
Randall Simpson, Janis A., Natalee Miller, Taylor Hartwig, Jane Leach, Melissa Purdy, Emily Roth, Victoria Mok Siu, Cynthia Soulliere, Jacqui Tam, and Ann Watt. 2023. "Vitamin D Status of Anabaptist Children in Southwestern Ontario, Canada." Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies 11(2):161-74.
ISSN
2471-6383