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Association Between Vitamin D Levels and Developmental Status in Short-Stature Children
Mia Milanti Dewi1, Akhmad Imron2, Nelly Amalia Risan1
1Departement of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung 40161, Indonesia.
Insights
Short stature in children under two is linked to poor nutrition, not vitamin D levels. This study found no significant vitamin D difference between short and normally-statured children in Bandung.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Early childhood (0-2 years) is critical for growth and development.
- Short stature is a prevalent issue in young children, often linked to nutritional deficiencies.
- Understanding factors influencing child growth is vital for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between vitamin D levels and short stature in children under two years old.
- To explore the role of nutritional status in the development of short stature.
- To assess the impact of short stature on developmental outcomes in young children.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted in Bandung, Indonesia.
- The study included 221 children under two years of age.
- Nutritional status and vitamin D levels were assessed in relation to stature.
Main Results:
- 46.1% of the children studied were below average height.
- Short stature was significantly associated with underweight and wasted nutritional conditions.
- No significant difference in vitamin D levels was found between children with short stature and those with normal stature.
Conclusions:
- Short stature is a concern in Bandung, primarily linked to nutritional status.
- Vitamin D levels do not appear to be a significant factor in short stature or developmental deviations in this population.
- Further research into nutritional interventions is recommended for addressing short stature in young children.
Abstract:
Background: The first two years of life are crucial for child growth and development, and short stature is a common issue influenced by nutritional deficiencies. This study aimed to determine the relationship between vitamin D levels and short stature in children under 2 years of age in Bandung. Methods: Conducted as part of the ALG Grant research entitled 'The Role of Vitamin D in Reducing Maternal and Infant Mortality Rates Across Bandung Regency', this case-control study included 221 children, of whom 46.1% were below average height. Results: Nutritional status played a significant role, with short stature being associated with underweight (21.6%), severely underweight (29.4%), wasted (12.7%), and severely wasted (10.8%) conditions. However, the analysis revealed no significant difference in vitamin D levels between children with short stature and those with normal stature (median 28.8 vs. 28.8, p = 0.555). Logistic regression showed that short stature increased the risk of developmental deviations by 5.46 times compared to normal stature. Conclusions: While short stature remains a concern in Bandung, vitamin D levels do not appear to influence the incidence of short stature or developmental deviations in this population.
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