Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hypovitaminosis-D in Children with Cognitive and Movement Disorders

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Vitamin D deficiency (hypovitaminosis-D) is a growing concern globally.
• Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities may have unique risk factors for vitamin D deficiency.
• Understanding prevalence and risk factors is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis-D in children with intellectual and movement disorders.
• To identify potential risk factors associated with vitamin D deficiency in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
• Data collected included serum vitamin D levels, sun exposure, mobility, diet, skin color, and anti-epileptic medication use.
• Children were categorized into cognitive and movement disability groups.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (72.2%) was observed in the study cohort.
• Cognitive disability group showed 76.1% deficiency, while the movement disability group had 68.2%.
• 86% of children exhibited at least one sign of vitamin D deficiency; risk factors were more prevalent in deficient children.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D deficiency is widespread among children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
• The identified risk factors appear more common in vitamin D deficient children within this group.
• Further research and clinical attention are warranted to address vitamin D status in these vulnerable children.