Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hispanic/Latino adults have a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency than other adults. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this was to evaluate the long-term mean daily intake of vitamin D (food and supplements), vitamin D-contributing food sources, and adherence to the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for vitamin D among Hispanic/Latino adults. METHODS: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos is a population-based cohort study of 18-74-y-olds from 4 cities and 6 heritage groups: Central American, Cuban, Dominican, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and South American (visit 1: 2008-2011). We included participants who completed 2 24-h dietary recalls and food propensity questionnaire (n = 13,340). Vitamin D sources included fish, eggs, dairy, plant-based milk alternatives, citrus juice, ready-to-eat cereals, organ meats, yogurt, margarine, cheese, and vitamin D supplements. Total usual nutrient intake of vitamin D from food and dietary supplements, as well as servings of vitamin D-contributing food sources, were estimated. RESULTS: Dietary supplement users (n = 3459) were more likely to have health insurance (56.7% compared with 48.8%, P < 0.001) and an annual household income of >$75,000 (9.3% compared with 4.9%, P < 0.001) than nonusers (n = 9881). Usual vitamin D intake from food alone was similar for dietary supplement users and nonusers (mean daily intake 5.14 μg compared with 5.06 μg). Dietary supplement users had a higher daily mean intake (17.41 μg compared with 5.06 μg) and a lower proportion being below the EAR (32.3% compared with 95.2%) than nonusers. Fish products (0.655 oz/d) and dairy milk (0.699 cup/d) were the most consumed vitamin D food sources. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of dietary supplement use, mean vitamin D intake from usual food consumption alone was insufficient to meet the EAR. Supplementation was associated with a greater likelihood of meeting the EAR. The information on vitamin D supplementation and variation in specific food sources can inform the development of tailored interventions for Hispanic/Latino populations at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency.