Vitamin D deficiency in children in Jerusalem: the need for updating the recommendation for supplementation

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Gerard Korchia1, Yona Amitai, Galit Moshe

  • 1Meuhedet Health Services, Jerusalem, Israel.

The Israel Medical Association Journal : IMAJ
|August 16, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in toddlers, especially older children during winter and autumn. Routine vitamin D supplementation is recommended for children over one year old to ensure adequate levels.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hypovitaminosis D (vitamin D deficiency) is a widespread global health concern.
  • This condition affects individuals even in regions with ample sunlight exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in toddlers.
  • To identify factors influencing vitamin D levels in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, cross-sectional study involved 247 healthy Jewish children aged 1.5-6 years.
  • Data collected included parental interviews on demographics and sun exposure, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-OHD] levels.
  • Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were defined as 25-OHD levels below 20 ng/ml and 30 ng/ml, respectively.

Main Results:

  • Nearly 28.3% of toddlers exhibited vitamin D deficiency, and 42.1% had insufficiency.
  • Lower vitamin D levels were observed in children aged 3-6 years compared to those aged 1.5-3 years.
  • Deficiency rates were higher during winter and autumn, and in children not attending long-day kindergartens.

Conclusions:

  • A significant proportion of toddlers in the study population suffer from vitamin D deficiency.
  • Older children and those experiencing winter/autumn seasons are particularly vulnerable.
  • Routine vitamin D supplementation is advised for children over one year of age.
Abstract

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