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Ethnicity, gender and seasonal variations all play a role in vitamin D deficiency
1Department of Paediatrics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Insights
Adherence to vitamin D supplementation guidelines for young children is very low. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in children, especially immigrants, highlighting a significant public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Vitamin D is crucial for bone health and immune function in children.
- Vitamin D deficiency is a global health issue, particularly in diverse populations.
- Understanding supplementation adherence and deficiency prevalence is vital for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess adherence to vitamin D supplementation recommendations for children aged 0-4 years.
- To compare serum vitamin D levels in children (0-17 years) globally.
- To investigate vitamin D level variations based on sex, geographic origin, and season.
Main Methods:
- A review of vitamin D levels in children with parents from diverse global regions.
- Inclusion of 2502 children aged 0-17 years.
- Data collected between January 2004 and May 2021.
Main Results:
- Only 59 of 363 children (0-4 years) received recommended vitamin D supplementation.
- Children globally had lower serum 25(OH)D levels than Swedish children; girls from South Asia, Middle East, and Africa had the lowest.
- Vitamin D deficiency (≤25 nmol/L) affected 42% of non-supplemented children; 7 cases of rickets were reported.
Conclusions:
- Adherence to vitamin D supplementation for young children is alarmingly low.
- Vitamin D deficiency is common among immigrant children of all ages in Sweden.
- Targeted interventions are needed to improve vitamin D status in vulnerable pediatric populations.
Aim:
(1) To explore the adherence of recommendations of vitamin D supplementation to children aged 0-4 years. (2) To compare serum levels of vitamin D in children and adolescents aged 0-17 years originating from different parts of the world. (3) To compare levels between boys and girls and (4) To determine seasonal variation.
Methods:
A review of vitamin D levels in children with parents from different parts of the world was conducted. 2502 children aged 0-17 years were included between 22 January 2004 and 17 May 2021.
Results:
Fifty-nine of 363 children aged 0-4 years received the recommended vitamin D supplementation. Children from all parts of the world had lower levels of serum 25(OH)D than Swedish children. Girls from the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and Africa had the lowest levels of s-25(OH)D. Seasonal variation with higher levels during the summer was seen in children from Sweden, the rest of Europe, Russia and Latin America. Overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (≤25 nmol/L) was 928/2198 (42%) in children not receiving supplementation. Seven children had clinical rickets.
Conclusion:
Adherence of giving children aged 0-4 years the recommended vitamin D supplementation was very low. Vitamin D deficiency is common in immigrant children of all ages in Sweden.
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