Quantifying vitamin D intake among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia

Abstract Background/Objective Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration < 50 nmol/L) is prevalent among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. Alternative to sun exposure (the primary source of vitamin D), vitamin D can also be obtained from food (e.g. fish, eggs, and meat) and supplements. However, the vitamin D intake of this population group is unknown. We aimed to provide the first quantification of vitamin D intake using nationally representative data from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Methods We used food consumption data collected in the 2012–2013 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n = 4109) and vitamin D food composition data to quantify vitamin D intake by sex, age group, and remoteness of location. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to assess the difference in vitamin D intake between sexes and remoteness of location. Results The median (25th, 75th percentile) vitamin D intake among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged ≥ 2 years was 80 (45, 145) IU/day. Vitamin D intake was statistically significantly different between males and females (p = < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between vitamin D intake in non-remote and remote areas (p = 0.292). Conclusions Vitamin D intake among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is low. Food-based public health strategies guided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and communities could be developed to promote higher vitamin D intake among this population.