Risk factors influencing vitamin D status of ethnic minority adults in northern England and the efficacy of calcifediol supplementation in 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations

Background: Hypovitaminosis D is a major health concern in the UK. Reduced sunshine exposure and limited dietary sources of vitamin D, coupled with other factors lead to increased risk of hypovitaminosis D among the whole population especially amongst ethnic minorities (EMGs) due to their eating habits and high skin pigmentation. Vitamin D3 supplement is the most common form of vitamin D used today to correct deficiency, however, evidence shows that calcifediol may increase vitamin D levels more rapidly. Aims: To determine differences in the risk factors for hypovitaminosis D among different EMGs in the UK, and to investigate the efficacy of calcifediol supplementation, and its effect on improving vitamin D levels in deficient adults from EMGs. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was completed by 253 participants to assess sun exposure behaviours and lifestyle factors. Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to estimate vitamin D intake. Overall, seventy-four ethnic minority participants had their vitamin D level measured. 42 of these participants had a vitamin D level ≤30 nmol/l and were subsequently supplemented with 140 μg/week of calcifediol for 5 weeks. Results: Dietary intake of vitamin D and supplement intake were low among all participants regardless of ethnicity (P>0.05). Ethnic differences were found in socioeconomic status, time spent outdoors and sun index (p