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Vitamin D supplementation during the first two years of life in Izmir, Turkey

F Koc1, O Halicioglu, S Sutcuoglu

  • 1Department of Social Pediatrics Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey - feyzaumaykoc@yahoo.com.

Minerva Pediatrica
|May 20, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D supplementation rates in Izmir infants are suboptimal. Maternal education is key to improving vitamin D supplement use and preventing deficiency.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Vitamin D is crucial for infant bone health and immune function.
  • Vitamin D deficiency is a global concern, particularly in infants.
  • Understanding supplementation patterns and risk factors is vital for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of vitamin D supplementation among infants in Izmir, Turkey.
  • To identify risk factors associated with non-supplementation in infants.
  • To inform public health strategies for improving infant vitamin D status.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study conducted in Izmir, Turkey Well-Child Care Clinics.
  • Questionnaire administered to parents covering socio-demographic data and vitamin D use.
  • Statistical analysis including logistic regression to identify significant factors.

Main Results:

  • 1002 infants (1-24 months) participated; vitamin D supplementation rates were 77% (0-3 months) and 57% (10-12 months).
  • Factors associated with vitamin D use included family economic status, parental education, maternal occupation, and parity.
  • Maternal education emerged as a significant independent predictor for reduced non-supplementation/irregular supplementation.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D supplementation rates in Izmir infants are not satisfactory.
  • Consistent emphasis on vitamin D supplementation importance during well-child visits is recommended.
  • Targeted educational interventions focusing on maternal education may improve infant vitamin D status.
Abstract

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