Low Vitamin D Status and Inadequate Nutrient Intakes of Elementary School Children in a Highly Educated Pacific Northwest Community

Authors

• Simone Frei, Oregon State UniversityFollow
• Balz Frei, Oregon State UniversityFollow
• Gerd Bobe, Oregon State UniversityFollow

Volume

52

Issue

4

Abstract

Are Extension healthy youth programs needed in highly educated U.S. communities? To answer this question, 175 children from four public elementary schools in Corvallis, Oregon, self-reported in a cross-sectional study their dietary intake, and 71 children provided a blood sample for measuring vitamin D concentrations. Most children had insufficient blood vitamin D and reported a diet insufficient in fiber, essential fatty acids, potassium, and vitamin E and excessive in saturated fatty acids and sodium. Our data indicate a need for Extension to provide youth programs in highly educated U.S. communities to improve nutrient intakes and vitamin D status in children.

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Recommended Citation

Frei, S., Frei, B., & Bobe, G. (2014). Low Vitamin D Status and Inadequate Nutrient Intakes of Elementary School Children in a Highly Educated Pacific Northwest Community. Journal of Extension, 52(4), Article 10. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.52.04.10