Nutrient Status of Vitamin D among Chinese Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Vitamin D deficiency is a significant public health concern globally.
• The vitamin D nutritional status of children in China remains largely uncharacterized.
• This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding vitamin D levels in young individuals in southeast China.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among children under 18 years old in southeast China.
• To describe the overall vitamin D status in this pediatric population.
• To identify factors associated with vitamin D status in Chinese children.

Main Methods:

• A large cross-sectional study was conducted involving 13,997 children visiting Huzhou Maternal and Child Care Hospital from January 2012 to August 2015.
• Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.
• Statistical analysis included generalized estimating equations and multivariate regression to assess associations between variables and vitamin D status.

Main Results:

• A total of 13,997 children were analyzed, with 23.3% exhibiting low vitamin D status (deficiency or insufficiency).
• Prevalence of low vitamin D was higher in winter (29.7%) and spring (23.4%) compared to summer (21.4%) and autumn (19.9%).
• Children attending for clinical visits (32.1%) had a higher prevalence of low vitamin D compared to those for health examinations (17.6%). Age and season were significant independent factors associated with 25(OH)D levels.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are prevalent among newborns and children aged 1-17 years in southeast China.
• The findings underscore the need for increased public health initiatives promoting vitamin D adequacy.
• Recommendations include encouraging greater sun exposure and the consumption of vitamin D-fortified foods for Chinese children.