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Table 1 Risk factors for low 25OHD concentrations

From: The importance of vitamin D in maternal and child health: a global perspective

Risk factors that limit skin exposure to UVB rays

 

 Latitudes above 40° north

 

 Winter season

 

 Exposure in early morning and evening (before 10 AM, after 4 PM)

 

 Cloud cover and atmospheric pollution

 

 Limited time spent outdoors

 

 Customary dress that conceals large portions of the body

 

 Sunscreen use

 

 Dark skin pigmentation

 

 Older age

 

Risk factors that limit dietary exposure to vitamin D

 

 Low dietary intake of oily fish and egg yolks

 

 Vegetarian diets

 

 Low/no dietary intake of vitamin D fortified foods

 

 Exclusive breastfeeding in infants

 

 No intake of vitamin D supplements

 

Other risk factors that alter vitamin D supply or metabolism

 

 Vitamin D status of infant depends on vitamin D status of mother during pregnancy

 

 Low dietary calcium intake

 

 Obesity

 

 Genetic factors that affect vitamin D physiology and requirements

 

 Poor renal function

 

 Liver disease and cholestasis

 

 Chronic disease

 

 Malabsorption (coeliac, inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis, etc.)

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