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Abstract Introduction Previous studies suggest that under 15% of adolescents regularly consume vitamin- and mineral-rich foods such as leafy greens and legumes. In addition to experiencing poor dietary intake, this developmental group is also subject to high rates of insufficient sleep duration (~70%). Thus, adolescents may be especially susceptible to the influence on micronutrient deficiencies on poor sleep. This study seeks to generalize previous adult findings to an adolescent population who may especially benefit from multimodal therapies targeting poor sleep and diet in tandem. Methods Seventy-four adolescents (43 females) ages 14-18 submitted 2-3 dietary recalls on randomized weekends and weekdays. Additionally, participants completed a Dim-Light Melatonin Onset (DLMO) appointment, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents (ESS-CHAD), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Possible associations between vitamin (Folate, Folic Acid, Niacin, Retinol, Riboflavin, Thiamin, Vitamins A, B-6, B12, C, D, E, and K) and mineral (Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, and Zinc) intake and melatonin onset time (DLMO, threshold 4 pg/mL), daytime sleepiness (ESS-CHAD total), and self-reported sleep duration (PSQI Item 4) were evaluated using multiple bivariate regression models. Results Following correction for multiple comparisons, no vitamins or minerals were found to be significant predictors of sleep quality outcomes. B12 approached significance for predicting DLMO time (beta=.337, t(64)=2.367, p=.021; R2 = .073, F(3,61)=2.684, p=.054) and daytime sleepiness (beta=.334, t(72)=2.517, p=.014; R2 = .065, F(3,69)= 2.662, p=.055), as did Magnesium for daytime sleepiness (beta=-.284, t(73)=-2.349, p=.022; R2 = .057, F(3,70)=2.481,p=.068) and Zinc for DLMO time (beta=.369, t(65)=2.562, p=.013; R2 = .083, F(3,62)=2.961, p=.039). Conclusion Vitamin and mineral intake was not significantly related to self-reported sleep outcomes and DLMO in adolescents. Future studies can examine dietary intake in conjunction with more objective physiological measures of sleep health. Failure to meet RDA in this age group presents limitations when studying the effects of increased consumption. Other study designs could incorporate B12, magnesium, and zinc measurement given potential signal. Support (if any)
Broadbent et al. (Sat,) studied this question.