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Vitamin D deficiency among healthy infants and toddlers: a prospective study from Irbid, Jordan

Khalid K Abdul-Razzak1, Mohammed-Jafar A Ajlony, Abeer M Khoursheed

  • 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. kkalani@just.edu.jo

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|April 22, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D deficiency is common in Jordanian infants and toddlers, with low sun exposure and exclusive breastfeeding being major risk factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve vitamin D levels in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Vitamin D deficiency is a growing concern in pediatric populations globally.
  • Assessing prevalence and risk factors is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in healthy infants and toddlers (6-36 months) in Irbid, Jordan.
  • To identify associated factors, including sociodemographic characteristics and feeding practices.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 275 infants and toddlers.
  • Data collection via questionnaires on sociodemographics and feeding patterns.
  • Biochemical analysis of plasma vitamin D, calcium, phosphorous, and alkaline phosphatase.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 28% (severe: 16.7%, deficiency: 11.3%), and insufficiency was 28.4%.
  • Significant associations were found between vitamin D status and sun exposure (P < 0.001) and infant feeding practices (P < 0.001).
  • Exclusive breastfeeding was linked to a higher risk of deficiency and insufficiency. Female sex, low sun exposure, and exclusive breastfeeding were key determinants.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among infants and toddlers in northern Jordan.
  • Inadequate sun exposure (<30 min daily) and exclusive breastfeeding are primary contributors to vitamin D deficiency.
Abstract

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