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Abstract
Vitamin D plays a significant role in infant health. Current guidance in the U.S. recommends 10 mcg/day of vitamin D for infants younger than 1 year of age, yet currently <1/3rd of all U.S. infants are meeting this recommendation. This study examined the possible factors influencing infant vitamin D status and the vitamin D intake and 25-hydroxy vitamin D level relationship from a high-risk sample, aged six months old or younger, attending a pediatric clinic in Athens, GA (34°N). Of the predominantly Hispanic/Latino (80%) population, the majority had tan to dark skin (44%), measured with a spectrophotometer, and received federal or state aid, such as Medicaid and WIC (44%). The findings revealed that newborns and exclusively breast-fed infants had the highest risk of vitamin D inadequacy. Vitamin D recommendation education for parents and providers beginning at the hospital discharge may be warranted to improve adherence and promote optimal infant health.