Vitamin D deficiency among preschool children and its correlation with nutritional habits and sun exposure

Abstract

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is now being recognized as an epidemic worldwide. Recent accumulating data on the vitamin D status of Egyptians indicate a resurgence of its deficiency among otherwise healthy members.

Methods: a cross sectional study including 300 children of preschool age, with no rachitic manifestations, recruited from Aboulrich Children Hospital, Cairo University. 25 hydroxyvitamin D was measured by ELISA based technique, levels < 10ng/ml were considered deficient, levels of 10- 19.9ng/ml were considered insufficient and levels ≥ 20 ng/ml were considered sufficient.

Results:15% of children had sufficient levels of vitamin D, 27.3% had insufficient levels and 57.7% had deficient levels. The mean level of 25 hydroxyvitamin D in our study was 11.9 ng/ml ± 10.19 SD, ranging from 4.6 - 75.5 ng/ml.Vitamin D levels were significantly higher in children coming from rural areas (P < 0.001), levels were also much higher in children living in sunny areas (P = 0.005). Vitamin D deficiency was more common in the children who didn’t receive vitamin D supplementation (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem in Egyptian preschool children. Adequate sun exposure and vitamin D supplement are necessary in our community.