Observations on the natural history of vitamin D deficiency amongst Asian immigrants
Stephens, W.P.; Klimiuk, P.S.; Warrington, S.; Taylor, J.L.; Berry, J.L.; Mawer, E.B.
Quarterly Journal of Medicine 51(202): 171-188
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0033-5622 PMID: 6981122 Document Number: 189930
The Asian community of Rochdale [UK] was examined for evidence of vitamin D deficiency in 1970 and again in 1980. There was a striking improvement in the biochemical markers of vitamin D deficiency among Asian children, but little improvement was observed in the adults. Asian children born in the UK had higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations than migrant children. Prolonged residence in the UK and a long period of exposure to western customs were not associated with a better vitamin D status in the adults. The vitamin D status of this community was still markedly inferior to that of a white control group despite attempts to influence their dietary practices and habitual solar exposure. Vitamin D deficiency presents a continuing problem among 1st generation adult migrants, but a decreasing problem among children.