The ambiguity of ethnicity as risk factor of vitamin D deficiency – A case study of Danish vitamin D policy documents

ObjectivesTo explore how ethnic minorities at risk of vitamin D deficiency are constructed in Danish policy documents (current as of April 2009), regarding vitamin D supplementation.MethodsTen policy documents were analysed through content analysis, focusing on definitions and explanations of ethnic minorities being at risk of vitamin D deficiency. This formed the basis for an analysis of constructions of ethnic minorities at risk which was undertaken using the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) theory as an organising framework.ResultsThe analysis showed a high degree of interpretative flexibility regarding how ethnic minorities are constructed as a risk group for vitamin D deficiency. The ten documents analysed revealed eight different constructions of the ethnic minorities groups at risk. A low degree of interpretative flexibility was found regarding the importance of skin colour and skin covering. Major disagreements were found regarding the importance attributed to the Islamic religion, other traditions, immigration, gender and age, and use of an evolutionary explanation for the increased risk.ConclusionsEthnic minorities at risk of vitamin D deficiency are constructed very differently in Danish policies current as of April 2009. A more precise definition of ethnic minorities in policies and research may be helpful in seeking to identify which ethnic minorities are and are not at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

► Analysis of 10 Danish policies on vitamin D supplementation, current as of 2009.
► 8 different constructions of ethnicity as risk factor of vitamin D deficiency.
► Most policies included skin colour and skin covering as risk factors.
► Large disagreements regarding other reasons for ethnic minorities’ increased risk.
► More precise definitions of ethnic minorities are needed in policies and research.