Abstract

This study demonstrates that the vitamin D status of Surinamese in particular and the iron status of women of childbearing age in general are inadequate. Furthermore, attention is needed for moderate vitamin D status (< 50 nmol/L) of ethnic Dutch, moderate vitamin B12-status of the whole population and moderate zinc status of women from African Surinamese descent.
Research into the nutrient supply in the body (nutritional status assessment) provides insight into potential problems that may occur regarding the nutritional status and may give rise to targeted advice on how to improve the nutritional status to specific subgroups of the population. In general, little is known about the nutritional status of non-western immigrant populations in the Netherlands. Based on the scare information available, it is assumed that potential problems in nutritional status may differ between the ethnic Dutch population and non-western immigrant populations, which is why the latter group deserves special attention.
In the current study nutritional status was assessed in 35 to 60 year old participants of the SUNSET-study (SUrinamese in the Netherlands: Study of health and EThnicity). This study took place between 2001 and 2003 and was based on a sample of the Surinamese and ethnic Dutch population in Amsterdam. Nutritional status was assessed and evaluated by measurement of biochemical markers for vitamin D, iron, vitamin B12, zinc and magnesium.
Compared to the guidelines for adequate vitamin D status issued by the Dutch Health Council (>30 nmol/L, and for women >50 years >50 nmol/L), approximately 40% of the Surinamese has an inadequate vitamin D status. Among Surinamese women over 50 years of age, the percentage is even higher and lies around 80% (versus 40% of ethnic Dutch women over 50 years). Vitamin D status is moderate (< 50 nmol/L) in approximately 40% of the ethnic Dutch. The results of this study show that there are no differences between ethnic Dutch and Surinamese regarding the nutritional status of iron, vitamin B12 and magnesium. Iron deficiency is a point of concern for women of childbearing age in general. 10% of the population in this study has a moderate vitamin B12 status. This group has an increased risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency. The prevalence of low zinc status in this population does not indicate problems with zinc status. However, a relatively low zinc status is more prevalent among African Surinamese women. Magnesium status is adequate in both population groups.