El-houcine Sebbar
The Mohammed VI University Hospital, Morocco
Title: Dietary intake of vitamin D in the Moroccan adolescents
Biography:
Abstract:
Aims: Most epidemiological studies show that vitamin D deficiency is frequent in the general population including adolescents. The aim of our work is to evaluate the dietary intake of vitamin D in the Moroccan adolescents. Methods: This study included 257 Moroccan adolescents who performed a vitamin D questionnaire (VDQ), covering the consumption of four foods with high vitamin D content (fish, milk, margarine and yoghurt). Results: The average dietary vitamin D intake was 4.6μg/day. This observational study on Moroccan adolescents indicates a high prevalence of insufficient vitamin D intake, and below the recommended consumption values, particularly in girls. Conclusion: Inadequate vitamin D intake is common among the adolescents. To fight against this situation, initiatives must be implemented, including improved population education, lifestyle and vitamin D supplementation, in order to avoid serious adverse health consequences of bone.