Associations of socioeconomic, gestational, and vitamin D–rich food intake with vitamin D status in mothers of infants and young children

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) has been associated with adverse consequences for maternal and child health and is considered a global public health problem. Sun exposure and the consumption of foods rich in vitamin D are the main sources for this vitamin. The study aimed to investigate vitamin D levels, socioeconomic and gestational factors and the consumption of vitamin D food sources regarding mothers of infants and young children in two cities in the western border of Rio Grande do Sul state in Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study with 50 participants from the cities of São Borja and Itaqui. Sociodemographic, gestational history, dietary and anthropometric data were collected together with blood samples from the mothers for vitamin D analysis. Vitamin D serum levels were assessed in 32 participants with a mean of 23.05 ± 4.5 ng/dL. Only eight mothers received supplementation and had a mean of 34.18 ± 5.3 ng/dL. Most of the mothers consumed vitamin D food sources on a weekly basis with the exception of butter, which had a high daily consumption. In general, these mothers had a history of adequate prenatal care, 16% did not take supplements, showing the importance of prenatal care to prevent nutritional disorders and promote health for women and children.