[25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels in infants. Relation with breast-feeding]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Subclinical vitamin D deficiency poses a risk to infant health.
• Breast-feeding is associated with specific nutritional considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of subclinical vitamin D deficiency in infants in Valencia, Spain.
• To investigate the relationship between vitamin D status and breast-feeding.

Main Methods:

• Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured in 60 infants (1-6 months old).
• Infants were categorized as exclusively breast-fed (33) or bottle-fed (27).
• Data on vitamin D supplementation and sunlight exposure were collected.

Main Results:

• 8.3% of infants had low 25-OHD levels (<10 ng/ml), all of whom were exclusively breast-fed and had not received vitamin D supplementation.
• Breast-fed infants with deficiency showed slightly elevated alkaline phosphatase.
• Mean 25-OHD levels were significantly lower in breast-fed infants during winter compared to bottle-fed infants in summer (16.8 vs. 23.6 ng/ml).

Conclusions:

• Limited sunshine exposure and inadequate vitamin D supplementation increase the risk of subclinical vitamin D deficiency in breast-fed infants.
• This risk persists even in temperate regions like Valencia, Spain.
• Recommendations for vitamin D supplementation in breast-fed infants are crucial.