Oral

Scientific evidence continues to accumulate in support of the hypothesis that poor vitamin D status, as measured by low circulating levels of the intermediary metabolite 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), predisposes infants, children and adults to multiple chronic diseases including autoimmune disorders, malignancy, cardiovascular disease risk and osteoporotic bone loss. The growing prevalence of hypovitaminosis D is a global phenomenon that is well documented in Canada and the United States; nevertheless, our understanding of how diet contributes to this prevalence is limited. In this session, we explore factors that influence dietary intake of vitamin D which significantly affect vitamin D status measured by serum 25OHD levels.

Session Objectives: Participants will be able to explain how the following key diet related factors contribute to poor vitamin D status: 1) infant feeding and supplementation practices; 2) compliance with national pediatric dietary guidelines for breast fed infants; 3) dietary supplement use in the general population, and 4) the effect of national food fortification practices.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)