Health disparities and the vitamin d connection: Local and global health consequences

The differences in incidence and severity of chronic illnesses including cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, type 2 diabetes, infant mortality and total mortality in populations associated with health disparities has been linked to vitamin D deficiency. A study at our hospital revealed that 40 mostly black and Hispanic pregnant women who received 600 IUs of vitamin D daily from diet and supplements at the time they gave birth 76% of them and 81% of their newborns were vitamin D deficient. An evaluation of 253 women giving birth revealed they had a 100% increased risk for requiring a cesarean section if they were vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with increased risk for preeclampsia, low birth weight and poor birth outcomes. We have promoted vitamin D nutrition for pregnant women at the Mattapan Community Health Center and at the annual Mattapan community health revival for the past 8 years. Infant mortality rate dropped below Boston's overall rate of 6.2 in 2005-2009. Thus strategies to improve the vitamin D status in the underserved may help to bridge the gap in health disparities. Data will be presented on the role of improvement in vitamin D status for the overall health of the underserved and related to improvement in genetic health of the immune system.