Predictors of Differences in Vitamin D Levels in Children and Adolescents and Their Relation to Endurance Performance

Lämmle, Lena; Bergmann, Karin; Bös, Klaus; Koletzko, Berthold (2013): Predictors of Differences in Vitamin D Levels in Children and Adolescents and Their Relation to Endurance Performance. In: Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, Vol. 62, No. 1: pp. 55-62

Abstract

Aims: The present study investigated whether sociodemographic factorsand physical activity (PA) are associated with differences in serum25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and whether these differences areassociated with varying levels of endurance performance and body massindex (BMI) in children and adolescents. Subjects and Methods: Pathanalyses were based on data of a nationwide, cross-sectional GermanHealth Interview and Examination Survey for Children (KiGGS; 2003 until2006) for 25(OH)D and the embedded ‘motor function module’ for PA andendurance performance. The data were collected from 3,437 children andadolescents aged 6-17 years clustered in three age groups: 6-10, 11-13and 14-17 years. Results: PA is affected by socioeconomic status and(non-)immigration background, 25(OH)D is only affected by(non-)immigration background and only in childhood. PA and 25(OH)D werenot associated in those aged 11-13 years. In adolescence, lower 25(OH)Dlevels are associated with lower endurance performance and a higher BMI.Conclusions: Our results did not reveal a universally significant effectof sociodemographic factors on 25(OH)D. The association between 25(OH)Dand endurance performance might reflect the effects of 25(OH)D on musclefunction. Predictors of 25(OH)D status other than sunlight exposure andits health effects in the pediatric age group should be exploredfurther.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Medicine > Medical Center of the University of Munich > Pediatric Clinic and Outpatient Clinic in the Dr. von Hauner Children‘s Hospital
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health
• ISSN: 0250-6807
• Alliance/National Licence: This publication is with permission of the rights owner freely accessible due to an Alliance licence and a national licence (funded by the DFG, German Research Foundation) respectively.
• Language: English