Vitamin D deficiency in young children with iron deficiency in Misan province, Iraq

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Public Health

Background:

• Iron deficiency and vitamin D deficiency are prevalent global health issues in children.
• Understanding the interplay between these micronutrient deficiencies is crucial for effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate vitamin D status in young Iraqi children with iron deficiency.
• To investigate the association between iron status and vitamin D levels in this population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 95 infants/toddlers with iron deficiency (ID/IDA) and 95 healthy controls (6-24 months).
• Data collected via questionnaire; iron status assessed by hemoglobin and ferritin.
• Vitamin D status determined by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, categorizing into insufficiency, deficiency, and sufficiency.

Main Results:

• Children with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) had significantly lower 25(OH)D levels compared to iron deficiency (ID) and control groups.
• Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency were more prevalent in IDA (70% deficiency) and ID (60% deficiency) groups than controls.
• A significant positive correlation was observed between serum ferritin and 25(OH)D levels.

Conclusions:

• Young children with severe iron deficiency, particularly IDA, exhibit a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency.
• The positive correlation suggests a potential link between iron stores and vitamin D status in young children.
• Findings highlight the importance of assessing both iron and vitamin D status concurrently in pediatric populations.