Description du projet:
Vitamins are essential to ensure adequate growth and development in early
life. However, limited information exists on the vitamin intake and status in the
European population of children and adolescents (CA). In addition, the population
reference values in Swiss CA to define vitamin status are undefined.
Objectives: The VITAKIDS project aims to 1) systematically review existing literature on
population reference values for blood vitamin levels in European CA (WP1); 2) define
the vitamin intake and status of Swiss CA (WP2-3); and 3) study CA at higher risk of
deficiencies or insufficiencies due to overweight, obesity, or plant-based diets,
examining their vitamin intake and status, use of vitamin supplements, and
cardiometabolic profile (WP4-5).
Data and methods: We will use the existing menuCH-Kids data on socio-demographics,
dietary intake, anthropometrics, and blood markers of cardiometabolic health of a
large population-based sample of CA aged between 6 and 17 years. Additionally, we
will measure plasma levels of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and E of 800 CA using one
aliquot stored in the -80°C biobank. We will then calculate the usual vitamin intake
from two 24-hour dietary recalls and food supplements, define the Swiss population
reference values for vitamin blood levels, and assess the prevalence of vitamin
deficiencies, insufficiencies, and excesses, by sex, age group, weight status, and types
of diets. Finally, we will disseminate our results using a participatory approach.
Collaboration: The team includes the main applicant (dietitian) and four project
partners: i.e., the PI of menuCH-Kids (medical doctor), a laboratory head (nutrient
biochemist), an expert in epidemiology and biostatistics (medical doctor), and a
qualitative researcher in health of CA (anthropologist). A postdoc, a PhD student, a
part-time pediatric endocrinologist, and a qualitative researcher will be hired to
organize fieldwork, analyze data, and prepare publications and health-promoting
material(s) to disseminate the results.
Relevance and impact: Our project will provide critical insights into vitamin status of
CA for health authorities, clinicians, and the public. It will serve for targeted nutritional
interventions, such as food fortification and supplementation, to mitigate vitamin
deficiencies and excesses and promote health and well-being of Swiss CA
Research team within HES-SO:
Hillesheim Elaine
, Chatelan Angéline
, Bertoni Maluf Valeria Andrea
, Prost Laetitia
, Bhering Martins Lais
Partenaires académiques: Santé
Durée du projet:
01.04.2025 - 31.03.2028
Montant global du projet: 873'391 CHF
State: Ongoing
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