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Vitamin D supplement use by adult Canadians: sociodemographic correlates
Author(s) -
Barr Susan I.,
Green Tim J.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.1059.4
Subject(s) - medicine , interquartile range , odds ratio , vitamin d and neurology , demography , marital status , national health and nutrition examination survey , population , odds , environmental health , vitamin , gerontology , logistic regression , sociology
The 2011 Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for vitamin D intake in the absence of sunlight exposure are 15 μg/d (1–70 y) and 20 μg/d (70+ y). In Canada, these intakes are not feasible to obtain from food alone, and in winter months cutaneous vitamin D synthesis is very limited, suggesting the need for supplementation. To assess the prevalence and correlates of vitamin D supplement use subsequent to release of the 2011 RDAs, an on‐line survey was completed in September 2011 by a nationally‐representative sample of 2554 English‐ or French‐speaking adults aged ≥19 y. The survey assessed use of vitamin D supplements, health perceptions, and sociodemographic variables. Characteristics associated with supplement use in univariate analysis were used to determine multivariable‐adjusted odds ratios for supplement use. Overall, 47.9% reported use of a supplement with vitamin D; users’ median (interquartile range) supplemental intake was 10 (5, 25) μg/d. Significant adjusted odds ratios (95% CI >; 1.0) were detected for age group (19–30, 31–50, 51–70, 71+ y), female sex, speaking English (vs. French), having an osteoporosis diagnosis, perceived lactose intolerance, and university education. Adjusted odds ratio for marital status, ethnicity and income level were not significant. Certain population subgroups may benefit from targeted information about vitamin D supplementation. Supported by the UBC Vitamin Research Fund and the Canadian Agri‐Science Cluster Initiative.