Vitamin D Status of Children in a University Hospital in West Turkey

Objectives: An optimal vitamin D status is important for the growth and development of bones in children and adolescents. We aimed to determine the frequencies of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency and insufficiency in children and adolescents. Patients: A total of 556 children aged 0 to 18 years were included in the study. Serum 25(OH)D, calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase levels were measured. Results: Prevalence of low vitamin D status (<30.0 ng/mL) was 63.5% for children aged 0 to 18 years; 219 children (39.3%) had vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL), while 134 of them (24.10%) had vitamin D insufficiency (20 ng/mL insufficient <30 ng/mL). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was higher among girls compared with boys, in adolescents compared with childhood stages and in autumn compared with other seasons. Conclusions: 25(OH)D deficiency/insufficiency was found to be very common in the studied population. Routine screening and supplementation to prevent vitamin D deficiency in at risk groups during winter and autumn months when vitamin D synthesis is scarce, may be required.