Associations Between Prenatal, Perinatal, and Early Childhood Vitamin D Status and Risk of Dental Caries at 6 Years
Navarro CLA, Grgic O, Trajanoska K, van der Tas JT, Rivadeneira F, Wolvius EB, et al.
Published in J Nutr, Vol. 151 (7), pp. 1993-2000
Methodology
Prospective Generation R cohort in Rotterdam: serum 25(OH)D measured prenatally, at birth and at age 6 years, with caries (dmft index) assessed at about age 6 in 5,257 children, plus a genetic risk score for vitamin D concentration in 3,385.
Key Findings
Severe deficiency (below 25 nmol/L) prenatally and in early childhood went with caries (odds ratios 1.56 and 1.58) compared with 75 nmol/L or more. Only the early-childhood concentration stayed associated after adjustment. Children genetically predisposed to lower 25(OH)D did not have more caries.
Conclusions
The authors found a weak association and did not recommend vitamin D supplementation to prevent caries in children.
Limitations
Observational; residual confounding is possible. The genetic score is an indirect test of cause.
Supplements Studied
we do not recommend vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of dental caries in children
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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