Vitamin D status in children and adults in Sweden: dietary intake and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in children aged 10–12 years and adults aged 18–80 years

Abstract

The study aimed to estimate vitamin D intake and plasma/serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations, investigate determinants of 25(OH)D concentrations and compare two 25(OH)D assays. We conducted two nationwide cross-sectional studies in Sweden with 206 school children aged 10–12 years and 1797 adults aged 18–80 years (n 268 provided blood samples). A web-based dietary record was used to assess dietary intake. Plasma/serum 25(OH)D was analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and immunoassay in adults and LC-MS/MS in children. Most participants reported a vitamin D intake below the average requirement (AR), 16 % of children and 33 % of adults met the AR (7⋅5 μg). In adults, plasma 25(OH)D below 30 and 50 nmol/l were found in 1 and 18 % of participants during the summer period and in 9 and 40 % of participants during the winter period, respectively. In children, serum 25(OH)D below 30 and 50 nmol/l were found in 5 and 42 % of participants (samples collected March–May), respectively. Higher 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with the summer season, vacations in sunny locations (adults), and dietary intake of vitamin D and use of vitamin D supplements, while lower concentrations were associated with a higher BMI and an origin outside of Europe. Concentrations of 25(OH)D were lower using the immunoassay than with the LC-MS assay, but associations with dietary factors and seasonal variability were similar. In conclusion, vitamin D intake was lower than the AR, especially in children. The 25(OH)D concentrations were low in many participants, but few participants had a concentration below 30 nmol/l.

Introduction

A low level of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D) in plasma or serum is a risk factor for the development of rickets in children⁽¹⁾ and osteomalacia in adults⁽²⁾. Moreover, low levels of vitamin D have been associated with an increased risk of non-skeletal diseases^(3–6), such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, autoimmune diseases and infectious diseases, and overall mortality. Vitamin D receptors are found in several cell types, indicating that an association may exist between vitamin D status and many diseases⁽⁷⁾.

The most important determinant of vitamin D status in most humans is skin synthesis of vitamin D⁽⁸⁾. For humans with no or limited sun exposure and those who reside in countries at latitudes higher than 42°N, dietary intake of vitamin D is critical for maintaining healthy vitamin D levels⁽⁹⁾. Vitamin D₃ is synthesised in the skin in the presence of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation⁽¹⁰⁾. In Nordic countries at latitudes 55–72°N, no vitamin D₃ is synthesised in the skin during the late autumn, winter months and early spring (November–April) since the UVB radiation level is too low to induce cutaneous vitamin D₃ production⁽¹¹⁾.

Few foods are naturally rich in vitamin D, but in Sweden, certain products, including milk, fermented milk, yoghurt and fat spreads, are fortified with vitamin D (some mandatorily and other voluntarily). The major contributors to vitamin D intake in the Swedish adult population are fish (32 %), spreads (14 %), dairy products (12 %), meat (8 %), pastries (5 %), chicken (4 %) and eggs (4 %)⁽¹²⁾. The major contributors to vitamin D intake in the Swedish child population are dairy products (25 %), spreads (17–18 %), meat and chicken (14–17 %), fish (11 %) and pastries (5 %)⁽¹³⁾.

The concentrations of 25(OH)D in plasma or serum are commonly used to assess vitamin D status. Both vitamin D synthesis in the skin and vitamin D intake from foods and supplements are considered when measuring 25(OH)D concentrations. Several researchers have suggested that a 25(OH)D concentration above 50 nmol/l is optimal based on studies showing an increased risk of non-skeletal diseases at concentrations of 25(OH)D below 50 nmol/l^(3,4,14), while other researchers have suggested that higher concentrations are optimal. A risk of 25(OH)D deficiency, as well as increased risks of rickets and osteomalacia, is associated with concentrations below 30 nmol/l. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) noted that 25(OH)D concentrations in plasma or serum above 75 nmol/l are not consistently associated with increased benefits and that ‘there may be the reason for concern at concentrations above 125 nmol/l’⁽⁴⁾. Furthermore, very high vitamin D intake can have toxic effects and can lead to hypercalcaemia and kidney failure, as well as other conditions⁽⁶⁾. Several methods have been used to measure 25(OH)D concentrations in plasma or serum^(15–17). The most commonly applied methods are liquid chromatography (LC)-based methods with UV or mass spectrometric (MS)-detection and immunoassays^(4,6). Various methods used in different laboratories have produced different results, complicating the interpretation and comparison of results from different studies^(18–20). However, the assays have been improved using external controls and standardisation programme has been developed^(21,22). There have been differences between immunoassays and LC-MS/MS (lower values for immunoassays), but these differences have decreased over time the last decade. Recent comparisons of immunoassays vs. LC-MS/MS have shown that there were no consistent differences in the levels between the two methods; however, the immunoassays had a higher CV %⁽²³⁾. Despite much interest in vitamin D, there are few published data on vitamin D status from the Nordic countries, especially in children.

The aims of the present study were to estimate dietary intake of vitamin D and plasma or serum 25(OH)D concentrations in children and adults who participated in two nationwide cross-sectional studies in Sweden. In addition, the associations among 25(OH)D concentrations and dietary, lifestyle and demographic factors were investigated, and two assays used to measure 25(OH)D concentrations were compared.

Materials and methods

Population and study design

The results are based on two cross-sectional studies in Sweden. One study included adults, and one study included school children. Both studies were performed by the Swedish National Food Agency (NFA).

Adults

A national dietary survey, i.e. the ‘Riksmaten adults 2010–11’, was conducted between May 2010 and July 2011 and included participants aged 18–80 years from all regions in Sweden⁽¹²⁾.

The Riksmaten sample was divided into a diet only sample (n 3995) and a biomonitoring subsample (n 1008). All subjects were requested to record their diet and complete a questionnaire, while the subjects in the subsample were also asked to provide blood and urine samples. Sample selection was performed by Statistics Sweden, and the data from the Total Population Register in Sweden were intended to represent the Swedish adult population. The main sample was stratified by sex, age group and region, but the subsample was not stratified due to logistics and sample handling (see below). The participants were contacted by interviewers from Statistics Sweden on behalf of the NFA.

Blood sampling was carried out by seven Occupational and Environmental Medicine Centers (OEMCs) covering all regions in Sweden. From each centre, the regional capital (Umeå, Uppsala, Stockholm, Örebro, Linköping, Gothenburg and Lund) was selected. In addition, two smaller municipalities were randomly selected. Then, 48 individuals per municipality (144 individuals per centre) were randomly selected; thus, an equal number of individuals were randomly selected from each centre independently of its population size. The collection period for the subsample was divided into the following four periods: May/June 2010; August/September 2010; January/February 2011; April/May 2011.

A total of 1497 (37 %) adults participated in the diet only part of the study, and 300 (30 %) adults participated in the biomonitoring part. For all analyses, except the blood analyses, the diet only and biomonitoring samples were combined (main study). The biomonitoring subsample included 268 participants with complete dietary records and questionnaires, and their 25(OH)D concentrations were measured using two assays.

School children

A study involving school children aged 10–12 years was conducted between March and May 2014. The original focus of this study was to examine exposure to environmental contaminants and the data collections were, therefore, not spread out over the year. Children were in the 5th grade in schools in Umeå, Uppsala, Stockholm, Örebro, Linköping and Lund (all larger cities).

Ten schools per city with at least 25 individuals per class in the 5th grade were selected by Statistics Sweden; of these schools, the two largest schools per city were selected. Overall, 524 children were asked to participate in the study, and 262 (50 %) children participated in the study. All children were requested to provide dietary records, complete a questionnaire and provide blood and urine samples; the samples were collected by staff from the NFA and OEMCs by visiting the schools. Thus, 206 children with complete dietary records and questionnaire were included in the study, and their 25(OH)D concentrations were analysed.

Ethics of human subject participation

This study was conducted according to the guidelines laid down in the Declaration of Helsinki, and all procedures involving human subjects were approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board of Uppsala (reference number 2010/060 for adults and 2372/2013 for children). Written (from children and their parents) or verbal (from adults) informed consent was obtained from all subjects. Verbal consent was witnessed and formally recorded.

Dietary assessment

The participants were requested to record their intake of all foods and beverages over four consecutive days (including at least one weekend day) using a validated web-based dietary record^(24,25). Quantities were reported in household measurements, numbers or portion sizes, as shown in photos. In addition, adults reported their use of food supplements in the dietary record, and children reported their use of food supplements in the questionnaire. In adults, intake of vitamin D from supplements was calculated using typical dosages of products on the market. In children, the intake of vitamin D from supplements was not calculated. The web-based dietary record is linked to the NFA's food composition database (version Riksmaten adults 2010–11). The content of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in food was not included in the database.

Reported dietary intake of vitamin D (intake from supplements is not included in the calculation) was compared with the dietary reference values in the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2012 (NNR 2012)⁽⁵⁾. The estimated average requirement (AR) of vitamin D is 7⋅5 μg/d, with a lower intake level (LI) of 2⋅5 μg/d and an upper intake level (UL) of 100 μg/d. The recommended intake (RI) for children older than 2 years and adults is 10 μg/d, and the RI for elderly persons (i.e. ≥75 years) is 20 μg/d. The AR is a primary reference value used to assess the nutrient intakes, and RI, LI and UL can be used as complement reference values. In the NNR, the AR is defined as the intake of a nutrient that is sufficient to cover the requirement for half of a defined group. Intakes below the AR value are associated with a considerable probability of not meeting the requirement. The AR corresponds to the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) used in the UK and US recommendations. RI is set to also covers individual variations and is, therefore, greater than the AR to cover the requirements in 97–98 % of the individuals. Intake below the LI indicates an increased risk of deficiency in most individuals, while intake above the UL indicates the maximum long-term intake that is unlikely to cause a risk of adverse health effects.

Under-reporting was estimated according to Black⁽²⁶⁾ using the ratio of energy expenditure to the basal metabolic rate (EI/BMR), and body weight (BW) and physical activity levels (PALs) were also considered. Probable under-reporters (low-energy reporters) were defined as those with an EI/BMR below 0⋅93.

Blood sampling

Blood samples were drawn from the antecubital region without an overnight fast. Blood was collected into serum tubes or tubes containing EDTA. After centrifugation, the plasma and serum aliquots were frozen at −20°C until use.

Measurement of vitamin D in plasma and serum

Adults

Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were determined using both an LC-MS assay and an immunoassay.

LC-MS assay

Plasma 25(OH)D₃ and 25(OH)D₂ concentrations were analysed separately using HPLC atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry. HPLC was performed using a Hewlett-Packard 1100 liquid chromatograph (Agilent Technologies, Palo Alta, CA, USA), which was interfaced using atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation to a Hewlett-Packard mass spectrometer operated in single-ion monitoring mode at Vitas Analytical Services, Oslo, Norway⁽²⁷⁾. The laboratory is GMP certified and participates in external control programmes, including the Vitamin D External Quality Assessment Scheme (DEQAS).

Chemiluminescence immunoassay

Total plasma 25(OH)D concentrations, including both 25(OH)D₃ and 25(OH)D₂, were measured using a chemiluminescence immunoassay (LIAISON 25(OH)D Assay (DiaSorin)) at the Department of Clinical Chemistry at Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden. This laboratory is accredited according to SS-EN-ISO/IEC 15189. As a part of the accreditation procedures, the laboratory participates in interlaboratory external proficiency testing schemes, which are conducted by LabQuality, Finland.

School children

Serum 25(OH)D₃ concentrations were measured using an LC-MS/MS assay at OEMC, Lund, Sweden⁽²⁸⁾. The analyses were conducted using a triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer (QTRAP 5500; AB Sciex, Foster City, CA, USA) coupled to an LC system (UFLCXR, Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto, Japan; LC/MS/MS). 25(OH)D₃ concentrations were determined using a modified method for the analysis of perfluorinated compounds⁽²⁹⁾. The laboratory participates in DEQAS, and control samples were checked against controls from Chromsystems Instruments & Chemicals GmbH (MassCheck1; Gräfelfing, Germany).

Definition of winter and summer values

In Northern Europe, the UVB radiation level is too low to induce cutaneous vitamin D₃ production during winter months⁽¹¹⁾. Vitamin D is stored in adipose tissue and other tissues and thus some of the summer's vitamin D production is reflected in blood drawn in September and October. Therefore, the winter values were defined as values obtained with blood drawn between November and April, and the summer values were defined as values obtained with blood drawn between May and October, which also have been used in similar previous studies⁽³⁰⁾.

Other measurements

The body mass index (BMI) was calculated as BW divided by height squared (kg/m²). In children, the age-specific BMI, i.e. the isoBMI, was also calculated to define normal (or low) BW (BMI <24⋅9), overweight (BMI 25–29⋅9) and obese (BMI >30) in a manner similar to that in which the terms are defined in adults⁽³¹⁾. BW and height were self-reported by adults and measured by OEMCs for children. The participants also completed a questionnaire with approximately 50 questions on foods that they rarely eat, sun exposure behaviour (adults), vacations in a sunny location, family size, smoking habits (adults) and other background or lifestyle factors.

Statistical analysis

The values are expressed as the median or mean and standard deviation (sd). A P value < 0⋅05 was considered significant, and tests were two-tailed. For variables with a skewed distribution (Shapiro Wilk's W test <0⋅95), a logarithmic or a square root transformation was performed before the statistical analysis. ANOVA or Student's unpaired t test was used to analyse the differences between groups of different variables. Chi-square tests were performed to compare the proportions of the 25(OH)D concentrations below 30 and 50 nmol/l. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to test the correlations among the variables. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the determinants of plasma 25(OH)D concentrations, and Bland-Altman analysis was used to evaluate the agreement between the LC-MS assay and the immunoassay. The statistical analyses were conducted using Stata version 12.1 (Stata Corp, College Station, TX, USA).

Results

Characteristics of the study participants

The characteristics of the study participants are summarised in Table 1. The characteristics of the two adult study samples were similar. More children than adults were born outside Europe.

Table 1.

Characteristics of the participants in the two cross-sectional studies with adults and children

	Adults						Children
	n 268a			n 1797			n 206
	Mean/proportion	sd	Range	Mean/ proportion	sd	Range	Mean/proportion	sd	Range
Gender (females/males) (% (n))	54/46 (144/124)			56/44 (1005/792)			45/55 (92/114)
Age (years)	50⋅1	16⋅8	19–80	48⋅0	17	18–80	11⋅3b	0⋅5	10–12
BMI (kg/m2)	25⋅5	4⋅0	17⋅5–45⋅9	25⋅5	4⋅3	16⋅7–47⋅5	18⋅6	2⋅9	13⋅4–29⋅1
Females	25⋅3	4⋅6	17⋅5–45⋅9	25⋅0	4⋅6	16⋅7–45⋅9	18⋅57	3⋅1	13⋅4–29⋅1
Males	25⋅7	3⋅2	19⋅0–35⋅5	26⋅1	3⋅8	18⋅5–47⋅5	18⋅62	2⋅8	14⋅4–28⋅2
Education (%)							-
≤9 years	10			14
10–12 years	46			42
>12 years	44			44
Region (%)
North Sweden	14			13			17
Middle Sweden	43			41			60
South Sweden	43			46			22
Born outside Europe (% (n))	3⋅0 (8)			3⋅1 (55)			14⋅6 (30)
Females	1⋅4 (2)			2⋅8 (28)			16⋅3 (15)
Males	4⋅8 (6)			3⋅4 (27)			13⋅2 (15)
Dietary intake of vitamin D (μg/d)	7⋅3	4⋅6	1⋅3–24⋅1	7⋅0	4⋅8	0⋅3–44⋅7	5⋅3	3⋅0	0⋅6–23⋅1
Females	6⋅4	4⋅1	1⋅3–20⋅3	6⋅4	4⋅2	0⋅3–34⋅0	4⋅7	2⋅3	0⋅6–15⋅3
Males	8⋅4	4⋅8	1⋅5–24⋅1	7⋅6	5⋅4	0⋅3–44⋅7	5⋅8	3⋅4	0⋅6–23⋅1
P value	<0⋅0001			0⋅001			0⋅008
Dietary intake of vitamin D (μg/10 MJ)	8⋅6	5⋅0	1⋅7–25⋅3	8⋅6	5⋅5	0⋅3–48⋅2	7⋅4	4⋅0	1⋅2–28⋅6
Females	8⋅3	5⋅0	1⋅8–25⋅3	8⋅8	5⋅4	0⋅6–37⋅6	6⋅6	2⋅8	1⋅2–15⋅4
Males	9⋅0	5⋅0	1⋅7–25⋅3	8⋅3	5⋅6	0⋅3–48⋅2	8⋅1	4⋅7	1⋅9–28⋅6
P value	0⋅221			0⋅112			0⋅008
Use of vitamin D supplements (% (n))	7⋅5 (20)			7⋅6 (137)			7⋅3 (15)
Season of blood sampling				–
Summer (n)	210						105
Winter (n)	58						101
Smokers (%)c	14⋅5			14⋅9			0

^aIn the biomonitoring subsample were 25(OH)D concentrations in plasma measured.

^bGrade 5 in elementary school.

^cSmoking daily or occasionally.

Intake of vitamin D from diet and use of supplements

Adults

The mean (sd) daily intake of vitamin D from diet in the 1797 participants was 7⋅0 (4⋅8) μg, as shown in Table 1, with a median of 5⋅7 μg. Intake of vitamin D was higher in participants ≥75 years than in younger participants (see Supplementary material). The results were similar after the under-reporters were excluded.

Dietary intake of vitamin D was associated with age before (r 0⋅267, P < 0⋅0001) and after adjusting for total energy intake (r 0⋅186, P < 0⋅0001).

In participants who reported use of vitamin D supplements on one or more days during the 4-day record (n 137), the mean (sd) daily intake of vitamin D from supplements was 6⋅9 (9⋅9) μg (median: 5 μg), and that from both diet and food supplements was 15⋅1 (11⋅6) μg (median: 12⋅9 μg). The mean daily intake from vitamin D supplements varied between 0⋅9 and 100 μg.

Dietary intake of vitamin D in participants (n 268) whose plasma 25(OH)D were also analysed was similar to that in the larger sample. The mean (sd) daily intake of vitamin D in the 268 participants was 7⋅3 (4⋅6) μg, as shown in Table 1, with a median of 6⋅0 μg. In participants who reported use of vitamin D supplements (n 20), the mean (sd) daily intake of vitamin D from the supplements was 6⋅9 (5⋅1) μg (median: 5 μg), and that from both diet and food supplements was 15⋅3 (7⋅4) μg (median: 14⋅4 μg).

School children

The mean (sd) daily intake of vitamin D from diet in children (n 206) was 5⋅3 (3⋅0) μg, as shown in Table 1, with a median of 4⋅8 μg. In children, 15 participants reported use of vitamin D supplements, but the dosage of vitamin D from the supplements was not reported.

Comparisons with NNR dietary reference values

Adults

A total of 33 % (n 593) of participants (n 1797) met the AR (vitamin D intake >7⋅5 μg/d)⁽⁵⁾, while 9 % (n 170) of participants reported intakes below the LI (<2⋅5 μg/d). Overall, 19 % of participants met the RI (>10 μg/d). Intake of vitamin D from supplements was not included in the calculation. The results were similar after the under-reporters were excluded. None of the participants had vitamin D intakes from diet that were above the UL (100 μg/d), while one participant had an intake above the UL after including the vitamin D intake from supplements.

In the subsample (n 268) whose 25(OH)D was analysed, 37 % met the AR, 7 % reported an intake below the LI and 23 % met the RI.

School children

A total of 16 % (n 32) of participants (n 206) met the AR (7⋅5 μg/d), while 14 % (n 28) of the participants had an intake below the LI (2⋅5 μg/d). Overall, 5⋅5 % (n 11) of participants met the RI cut-off of 10 μg/d or above. Intake of vitamin D from supplements was not included in the calculation.

Plasma/serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Adults

25(OH)D concentrations as measured using an LC-MS assay: The mean (sd) plasma concentration of total 25(OH)D (D₂ + D₃) was 63⋅5 (18⋅2) nmol/l (Table 2). The mean plasma concentration of 25(OH)D₃ was 63⋅2 (18⋅2) nmol/l, and 25(OH)D₂ was detected in 15 subjects with a mean concentration of 4⋅9 (2⋅1) nmol/l. 25(OH)D₂ was detected in 8 % (n 12) of female participants and 2 % (n 3) of male participants with a concentration ranging between 3⋅0 and 10⋅2 nmol/l. Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations below 30 nmol/l were found in 3 % of participants, and concentrations below 50 nmol/l were found in 22 % of participants. There were no differences in 25(OH)D levels between women and men. There were no differences in the mean 25(OH)D concentrations between the age groups, but the proportions below 30 nmol/l differed slightly (P 0⋅05) between the age groups. A plasma 25(OH)D concentration above 125 nmol/l was found in one participant.

Table 2.

Plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, as determined using an LC-MS assay, in adults and the proportions of participants with levels below 30 and 50 nmol/l

	n	Median P-25(OH)D (nmol/l)	Mean P-25(OH)D (nmol/l)	sd	Range	% (n) <30 nmol/l	% (n) <50 nmol/l
Women and men	268	62⋅8	63⋅5	18⋅2	20–168	3⋅4 (9)	22⋅4 (60)
Women	144	65⋅1	64⋅6	19⋅3	24–168	4⋅9 (7)	20⋅8 (30)
Men	124	60⋅3	62⋅2	16⋅8	20–105	1⋅6 (2)	24⋅2 (30)
P value			0⋅265			0⋅156a	0⋅511a
Age groups
18–30 years	44	66⋅3	65⋅7	24⋅4	20–168	6⋅8 (3)	18⋅2 (8)
31–44 years	62	63⋅0	62⋅3	15⋅3	30–95	0	22⋅6 (14)
45–64 years	96	61⋅6	62⋅2	18⋅8	24–105	5⋅2 (5)	28⋅1 (27)
65–80 years	66	63⋅7	65⋅0	14⋅7	33–101	0	16⋅7 (11)
P value			0⋅606			0⋅050a	0⋅319a
Season
Summerb	210	65⋅0	65⋅7	17⋅5	24–168	1⋅4 (3)	17⋅6 (37)
Winterc	58	55⋅0	55⋅4	18⋅3	20–94	8⋅6 (5)	39⋅7 (23)
P value			<0⋅0001			0⋅004a	<0⋅0001a

P-25(OH)D, plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

^aDifferences in the proportions of 25(OH)D concentrations below 30 or 50 nmol/l.

^bSummer values are defined as values obtained from blood samples collected in May–October.

^cWinter values are defined as values obtained from blood samples collected in November–April.

There was a seasonal variation in the plasma 25(OH)D, as significantly higher concentrations were noted during the summer than during the winter. Moreover, proportions below 30 and 50 nmol/l were higher during the winter than during the summer (Table 2).

Demographic and lifestyle factors: Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations (measured with an LC-MS assay) stratified by demographic and lifestyle factors are presented in Table 3. A higher 25(OH)D concentration was associated with use of vitamin D supplements and vacations in sunny locations during the previous 2 months, while a lower 25(OH)D concentration was associated with a higher BMI, living in sparsely populated areas and small municipalities, being born outside Europe and living in a single household.

Table 3.

Plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, as determined using an LC-MS assay, in adults according to demographic and lifestyle factors

Variable	Mean P-25(OH)D (nmol/l)	sd	P value	P value adjusteda
Gender			0⋅265	0⋅264
Women	64⋅6	19⋅3
Men	62⋅2	16⋅8
BMI			0⋅018	0⋅026b
<24⋅9, n 140	66⋅3	18⋅8
25–29⋅9, n 92	62⋅1	16⋅4
>30, n 33	57⋅2	17⋅5
Education			0⋅320	0⋅186
≤9 years, n 28	59⋅5	16⋅0
10–12 years, n 122	65⋅0	19⋅3
>12 years, n 117	62⋅9	17⋅5
Income of householdc			0⋅082	0⋅055
Below median income, n 133	61⋅7	18⋅7
Above median income, n 134	65⋅5	17⋅3
Region			0⋅288	0⋅633
North Sweden, n 38	59⋅5	14⋅2
Middle Sweden, n 116	63⋅5	20⋅3
South Sweden, n 114	64⋅8	16⋅9
Residential area			0⋅004	0⋅008
Sparsely populated area and small municipalities, n 78	58⋅6	16⋅4
Large municipalities, n 190	65⋅5	18⋅5
Country of birth			<0⋅0001	<0⋅0001
Europe, n 260	64⋅3	17⋅7
Outside Europe, n 8	36⋅6	11⋅5
Size of family			0⋅046	0⋅030
1 person, n 54	58⋅3	17⋅4
2 persons, n 117	65⋅4	17⋅0
>3 persons, n 95	64⋅7	19⋅1
Family with children			0⋅648	0⋅966
Yes, n 85	63⋅1	19⋅5
No, n 167	64⋅2	17⋅2
Use of vitamin D supplements			0⋅049	0⋅026
Yes, n 20	71⋅2	28⋅3
No, n 248	62⋅9	17⋅0
Sun exposure behaviour			0⋅515	0⋅981
Sun, n 33	66⋅8	18⋅9
Shade, n 17	62⋅0	32⋅4
Sun and shade, n 216	63⋅1	16⋅6
Vacation in a sunny location during the previous 2 months			0⋅0001	0⋅0001
Yes, n 29	75⋅4	17⋅4
No, n 238	62⋅0	17⋅8
Smoking			0⋅323	0⋅455
Never/stopped smoking, n 226	63⋅9	18⋅5
Daily/occasionally, n 39	60⋅7	16⋅5

P-25(OH)D, plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

^aAdjusted for season, age, vacation in a sunny location during the previous 2 months, use of vitamin D supplements and BMI.

^bAdjusted for season, vacation in a sunny location during the previous 2 months and use of vitamin D supplements.

^cAnalysis based on annual income.

25(OH)D concentrations as measured using an immunoassay: The mean (sd) plasma total 25(OH)D concentration was 58⋅5 (24⋅5) nmol/l (see Supplementary Table S1). Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations below 30 nmol/l were found in 9 % of participants, and those below 50 nmol/l were found in 39 % of participants. There were no differences in 25(OH)D concentrations between women and men or between the age groups, as shown in Supplementary Table S1. Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations above 125 nmol/l were found in 1⋅5 % (n 4) of participants.

The seasonal variations in plasma 25(OH)D concentrations, as determined using the immunoassay, were similar to those measured using the LC-MS assay, i.e. they were 50⋅4 (26⋅2) in the winter and 60⋅7 (23⋅6) nmol/l in the summer (P 0⋅0002). The proportions of plasma 25(OH)D concentrations below 30 and 50 nmol/l were significantly higher during the winter (17 % and 54 %, respectively) than during the summer (6 and 41 %, respectively).

Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and dietary factors: The plasma 25(OH)D concentrations that were determined using the LC-MS assay and the immunoassay were both positively correlated with total dietary intake of vitamin D, fish and vitamin D-fortified milk and milk products (see Supplementary Table S2).

Determinants of plasma 25(OH)D levels: According to the multiple regression analysis, the strongest determinants of 25(OH)D concentrations (measured using the LC-MS assay) were country of birth (born outside Europe was negative), vacationing in a sunny location (positive), season of blood sampling (winter was negative) and use of vitamin D supplements (positive). Furthermore, vitamin D intake and living in large municipalities were positively associated with plasma 25(OH)D levels, whereas BMI was negatively associated with plasma 25(OH)D levels. In addition, the regression model included age, education, household income, sun exposure behaviour, smoking habits, and family and residential region size, which were all non-significant factors in the model. This model explained 29 % of the variability in the 25(OH)D concentrations (data not shown).

School children

The mean (sd) serum 25(OH)D (D₃) concentration was 52⋅9 (14⋅3) nmol/l. Levels below 30 nmol/l were found in 5 % of participants, and levels below 50 nmol/l were found in 42 % of participants, as shown in Table 4. There were no differences in 25(OH)D (D₃) concentrations between girls and boys. The proportions below 50 nmol/l and, to a certain degree, the proportions below 30 nmol/l also differed among the included cities. There were no differences in the characteristics of the participants in the included cities, and the month of blood sampling did not explain the differences between the cities (data not shown). The proportions of serum 25(OH)D concentrations below 50 nmol/l were higher in March and April than in May (Table 4), but there was no difference in the mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations between March–April and May.

Table 4.

Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, as determined using an LC-MS/MS assay, in children and the proportions of children with levels below 30 and 50 nmol/l

	n	Median S-25(OH)D (nmol/l)	Mean S-25(OH)D (nmol/l)	sd	Range	% (n) < 30 nmol/l	% (n) < 50 nmol/l
All children	206	52⋅0	52⋅9	14⋅3	13–112	4⋅9 (10)	42⋅2 (87)
Girls	92	51⋅4	50⋅8	14⋅1	23–112	7⋅6 (7)	43⋅5 (40)
Boys	114	52⋅5	54⋅5	14⋅3	13–98	2⋅6 (3)	41⋅2 (47)
P value			0⋅064			0⋅098a	0⋅745a
Season
May	105	53⋅8	53⋅3	14⋅0	13–94	5⋅7 (6)	35⋅2 (37)
March–April	101	50⋅2	52⋅4	14⋅6	23–112	4⋅0 (4)	49⋅5 (50)
P value			0⋅646			0⋅558a	0⋅038a

S-25(OH)D, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

^aDifferences in the proportions of 25(OH)D concentrations below 30 or 50 nmol/l.

Demographic and lifestyle factors: Serum 25(OH)D concentrations stratified according to demographic and lifestyle factors are presented in Table 5. As was the case in adults, a higher 25(OH)D concentration in children was related to use of vitamin D supplements. In addition, a lower 25(OH)D concentration was related to a higher BMI and being born outside Europe (child and/or one or both parents). In contrast to 25(OH)D levels in adults, 25(OH)D levels in children did not differ between subjects who did and did not vacation in sunny locations during the previous 2 months.

Table 5.

Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, as determined using an LC-MS/MS assay, in children according to demographic and lifestyle factors

Variable	Mean S-25(OH)D (nmol/l)	sd	Unadjusted	P value adjusteda
BMI			0⋅026	0⋅009b
<iso 24⋅9, n 170	54⋅0	14⋅4
iso 25–29⋅9, n 29	48⋅8	12⋅6
>iso 30, n 7	42⋅3	12⋅6
Country of birthc			0⋅004	0⋅0008
Europe, n 176	54⋅0	13⋅4
Outside Europe, n 30	46⋅0	17⋅4
Use of vitamin D supplements			0⋅002	0⋅0015
Yes, n 15	63⋅6	20⋅9
No, n 191	52⋅0	13⋅4
Vacation in a sunny location during the previous 2 months			0⋅185	0⋅187
Yes, n 20	57⋅1	20⋅0
No, n 178	52⋅6	13⋅3

S-25(OH)D, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

^aAdjusted for season, vacation in sunny location during the previous 2 months, vitamin D supplements and BMI.

^bAdjusted for season, vacation in a sunny location during the previous 2 months and vitamin D supplements.

^cBorn outside Europe includes children and/or one or both parents.

Comparisons of an LC-MS assay and a chemiluminescence immunoassay

A lower mean 25(OH)D concentration was observed with the immunoassay than with the LC-MS assay (P 0⋅016 for the difference between methods), and the proportions below 30 and 50 nmol/l differed between the assays, as shown in Table 2 and Supplementary Table S1. The distribution of plasma 25(OH)D was wider when measured using the immunoassay than when measured using the LC-MS assay, as shown in Fig. 1, but there was an agreement between the two assays (see Supplementary Fig. S1).

Fig. 1.

Box plot of the distribution of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D, as determined using an immunoassay and an LC-MS assay in adults aged 18–80 years (n 268). The box plot is presented with whiskers with the maximum 1⋅5 interquartile range.

Discussion

The results of this study showed that dietary intake of vitamin D was below the AR in most participants, especially in school children, according to the NNR⁽⁵⁾, and that 25(OH)D concentrations were low in many participants. Vitamin D intake and 25(OH)D levels were lower in children than in adults. The important determinants of 25(OH)D concentrations were vitamin D intake from food; use of vitamin D supplements; the season during which blood sampling was performed; origin outside Europe; vacationing in sunny locations (adults); and BMI. There was considerable individual variability with respect to 25(OH)D levels, a phenomenon that was only partially explained in this study.

Intake of vitamin D from diet

In recent years, several countries, including the Nordic countries, have increased the RI of vitamin D⁽⁵⁾. In this study, only 16 % of children and 33 % of adults (vitamin D supplements not included) met the AR (7⋅5 μg/d). This is of concern, that a high proportion of the population, and in particular in the child population, had vitamin D intakes below the recommendations. In children, vitamin D is important during the skeletal growth and mineralisation. Substantial variation in dietary intake of vitamin D among countries has been reported and the intake in many European countries is lower than that observed in our study^(5,32–34). The higher intakes in Sweden, other Nordic countries, the USA and Canada may reflect vitamin D fortification but also various eating habits in the countries. Furthermore, few foods are naturally rich in vitamin D. Results from Riksmaten adults 2010–11 have reported that the major contributors to vitamin D intake were fish, fortified spreads, milk and milk products⁽¹²⁾. Similar contributors were noted in a Swedish population of children; however, milk, milk products and fortified spreads were greater contributors than fish in children⁽¹³⁾.

In Sweden, an extended mandatory fortification of additional products with higher levels of vitamin D was recently implemented. The mandatory fortification includes an extended fortification of milk, fermented milk products and vegetable products replacing milk (≤3 % fat), with a fortification level of 10 μg vitamin D/l, and an extended fortification of spreads, with a fortification level of 20 μg vitamin D/100 g. The extended mandatory fortification is expected to result in increased intake of vitamin D in the Swedish population, particularly in children with low fish intakes.

Concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Few participants had 25(OH)D concentrations below 30 nmol/l (5 % of children and 3 % of adults), which is often used to indicate a risk of deficiency. Our results showed that 18 % of adults during the summer and 40 % of adults during the winter had 25(OH)D concentrations below 50 nmol/l, as measured using the LC-MS assay. Comparing the 25(OH)D concentrations from March to April in children with those from the winter months in adults showed that more children than adults had 25(OH)D levels below 50 nmol/l, but more children than adults did not have levels below 30 nmol/l. However, the study including the school children was not designed in the same way as the study including the adults, in which blood samples were collected throughout the year. Since the participation rate was low in the adult population (30 %), the adult participants may have had healthier lifestyles, as well as higher fish intake, than the children. Moreover, fewer participants than non-participants were born outside Europe. Thus, the adult participants in our study might have a better vitamin D status than most of the Swedish population. The participation rate in the child population was higher (50 %); therefore, the child population might be more representative of the general population than the adult population. We do not think that the differences in 25(OH)D concentrations between children and adults are due to the analytical method. No considerable differences have been reported between LC-MS/MS and LC-MS assays. However, other investigators have also reported lower levels of 25(OH)D in girls aged 11–13 years than in elderly women aged 70–74 years⁽³⁵⁾. Similar results or somewhat higher concentrations of 25(OH)D have been found in other studies in adults in Sweden^(36–38). There are few studies that cover the same age group in children as in our study, but in one Swedish regional study with children aged 8–9 years, similar results were reported⁽³⁹⁾.

The small number of participants in this study with 25(OH)D concentrations below 30 nmol/l may reflect the intake of fortified foods. In addition, in children, free school meals might also contribute to a higher intake of vitamin D, resulting in a better vitamin D status.

We did not observe differences in 25(OH)D concentrations between the age groups or between females and males. Similar findings were also found in a study involving 18 European studies⁽⁴⁰⁾.

Determinants of 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations

Sun exposure is an important factor in skin synthesis of vitamin D, and our results demonstrated that adult participants who had been on vacation in a sunny location had higher 25(OH)D concentrations than those who had not; these findings are consistent with those of other studies^(41–43). In children, vacationing in a sunny location was not related to 25(OH)D concentrations. This discrepancy between the child and adult populations might be due to children spending more time outdoors and a greater use of sunblock than adults and may also indicate that vacationing in a sunny location had a greater impact on vitamin D status in adults than in children. Despite the apparent absence of the influence of sun exposure behaviour on the results of the study, in adults, the seasonal variation in the mean 25(OH)D concentrations was approximately 10 nmol/l. As expected, in children, the proportions of subjects with concentrations below 50 nmol/l were lower in May than in March–April, indicating that increases in UVB radiation exposure in May are sufficient to induce skin synthesis of vitamin D. The seasonal variations reported in our study are consistent with those reported in numerous other studies^{(30,35,44–48)}. There were no differences in plasma 25(OH)D concentrations among adults living in the north, middle or south of Sweden, which was unexpected since Sweden is a country with a shifting climate in the north compared to the south. Sweden is situated between latitude 55 and 69°N, and from north to south, is greater than 1500 km long (Lantmäteriet, The Swedish mapping, cadastral and land registration authority, personal communication). However, it is possible that our sample was too small and that we collected too few blood samples, particularly during the winter season. Furthermore, the results from another nationwide Swedish study showed that there were no differences in 25(OH)D concentrations according to the living region⁽⁴⁹⁾.

In this study, we noted associations between intake of fish, vitamin D-fortified milk and milk products, and vitamin D from diet and higher 25(OH)D levels. These findings may reflect that higher 25(OH)D concentrations are observed in adults than in children. Other studies have also reported associations between the intake of foods containing vitamin D or use of vitamin D supplements and the levels of 25(OH)D^(1,50,51). We found that approximately 30 % of the total variation in plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were explained by the country of birth, vacationing in a sunny location, the season during which blood sampling was performed, use of vitamin D supplements, dietary vitamin D intake, living in large municipalities and BMI. Differences in the synthesis of 25(OH)D may also depend on genetics⁽⁵²⁾, and further studies are required to clarify how the influence of genetics on vitamin D levels affects health.

Comparisons of the LC-MS assay and the immunoassay

Our results showed that the mean concentrations of 25(OH)D, as measured using the immunoassay, were lower than those measured using the LC-MS assay. Furthermore, the proportions below 30 and 50 nmol/l were higher with the immunoassay than with the LC-MS assay. This result is consistent with those of other studies^(18,53). Several assays are used to measure 25(OH)D concentrations, and LC-MS-based methods are considered more accurate and reliable than immunoassays^(4,5,18). Furthermore, all assays have advantages and disadvantages, and improvements in the assays and standardisation of serum 25(OH)D data have been achieved^(21,22). However, the seasonal variations and associations among plasma 25(OH)D and dietary factors were similar between the LS-MS assay and the immunoassay.

Strengths and limitations

The strengths of this study were that the selection of adults was based on data from the Total Population Register in Sweden, which represented the Swedish adult population aged 18–80 years in all regions in Sweden. Most studies in Sweden are regional studies, and nationwide studies are scarce. In addition, blood samples were collected from the adult subjects throughout the year, and the plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were measured using two assays. Detailed information regarding food and beverage intake was obtained using a web-based dietary record. Furthermore, for children, cities in all regions in Sweden were included in the study. One limitation of the study was the low response rate among adults, which might have led to a selection bias and resulted in the inclusion of participants with a healthier lifestyle; thus, the vitamin D status of the Swedish population is likely worsen than that presented in this study. The low response rate resulted in small groups and complicated the interpretation of our results. Furthermore, in children, blood samples were not collected throughout the year. The dietary record included only 4 d, which might have been too short time to collect data reflecting typical vitamin D intake (particularly fish). Moreover, a limitation of this study was that the blood samples were collected at only one occasion for each participant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the mean intake of vitamin D was lower than the AR in both children and adults; only 33 % of adults and 16 % of children met the AR. Concentrations of 25(OH)D were low in many participants, but few participants had concentrations below 30 nmol/l. Vitamin D intake and 25(OH)D levels were lower in children than in adults. Future studies are needed to clarify how vitamin D status can be improved in different population groups. One way is the fortification of certain foods, which may be especially important for children.