Authors:
Guo S, Gies P, King K, Lucas RM
Authors notes:
Photochemistry and Photobiology. 2014;90(6):1455-1461
Keywords:
Vitamin D, deficiency, immigrants, Asian, sun exposure, acculturation
Abstract:
Vitamin D deficiency is more common in Northeast-Asian immigrants to western countries than in the local population; prevalence equalizes as immigrants adopt the host country's culture.
In a community-based study of 100 Northeast-Asian immigrants in Canberra, Australia, we examined predictors of vitamin D status, its association with indicators of acculturation (English language use; time since migration) and mediators of that association.
Participants completed a sun and physical activity diary and wore an electronic ultraviolet radiation (UVR) dosimeter for 7 days. Skin colour was measured by reflectance spectrophotometry.
Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and cardio-metabolic biomarkers were measured on fasting blood.
In a multiple linear regression model, predictors for 25(OH)D concentration were season of blood collection, vitamin D supplementation, UVR exposure, body mass index, physical activity and having private health insurance.
Greater acculturation was associated with lower risk of vitamin D deficiency; this association was statistically mediated by physical activity and time outdoors.
Vitamin D deficiency was associated with higher total cholesterol levels.
Targeted public health approaches are required to manage the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in migrants retaining a traditional lifestyle.