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Association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D with Hb and lead in children: a Chinese population-based study

Li Chang1, Xiaojuan Liu1, Hua Shi1

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, Section 3, Ren Min Nan Lu, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China.

Public Health Nutrition
|July 30, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D deficiency is common in Chinese children, exceeding rates of anemia and elevated blood lead levels. Higher child age and blood lead levels predict vitamin D deficiency.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition and Environmental Health
  • Biochemistry and Clinical Pathology

Background:

  • Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are significant global health concerns, particularly in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding the prevalence of vitamin D status and its relationship with other health indicators like hemoglobin and blood lead levels is crucial for public health interventions in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among children in south-west China.
  • To investigate the association between vitamin D status, hemoglobin levels, and elevated blood lead levels (BLL) in this pediatric cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study combined with a 1-year retrospective analysis was conducted.
  • The study included 1218 children aged 6 months to 14 years undergoing physical examinations in south-west China (2011).
  • Measurements included 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration, hemoglobin (Hb), and blood lead levels (BLL).

Main Results:

  • Vitamin D deficiency (21.6%) and insufficiency (27.4%) were prevalent, exceeding rates of anemia (8.5%) and elevated BLL (≥ 10 μg/dl, 1.8%).
  • A significant negative correlation was observed between 25(OH)D concentration and BLL (r = -0.216, P < 0.001), but not with Hb (r = -0.012, P > 0.05).
  • Increasing child age (8-14 years) and higher BLL were significant predictors of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency.

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in south-west Chinese children is substantially higher than anemia or elevated BLL.
  • Vitamin D status is inversely associated with blood lead levels and positively associated with increasing age in children.
  • These findings highlight the need for targeted public health strategies addressing vitamin D status in pediatric populations in this region.
Abstract

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