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Vitamin D deficiency in mothers of rachitic infants
Insights
Nutritional deficiency rickets is prevalent in Riyadh infants, often linked to low maternal vitamin D and lack of sunlight exposure. Breastfeeding and unsupplemented formulas may contribute, necessitating preventative strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Nutritional deficiency rickets is a significant concern in pediatric populations.
- Infants in sunny regions like Riyadh are unexpectedly affected.
- Limited sunlight exposure and dietary factors are suspected contributors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the radiological evidence of nutritional deficiency rickets in infants in Riyadh.
- To investigate the role of maternal 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels in infant rickets.
- To identify contributing factors and propose preventive measures.
Main Methods:
- Radiological confirmation of rickets in affected infants.
- Assessment of infant feeding practices (breastfeeding, formula supplementation).
- Measurement of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels in mothers of rachitic infants.
Main Results:
- Radiological evidence confirmed nutritional deficiency rickets in infants.
- Most affected infants were breast-fed or received unsupplemented formulas.
- Low 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels were observed in mothers of rachitic infants.
- Mean age of onset was 10.5 months, with infants living in environments devoid of sunlight.
Conclusions:
- Maternal vitamin D deficiency is a significant factor in infant rickets pathogenesis.
- Lack of sunlight exposure exacerbates the risk.
- Public health strategies are needed to prevent widespread infant rickets.
Abstract:
The existence of nutritional deficiency rickets among infants in sunny Riyadh was confirmed radiologically. Most of the rachitic infants were breast-fed, some received unsupplemented infant feeding formulae, and all live in an environment that is devoid of sunlight. Their mean age at the time of onset was 10.5 months. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels were found to be low in mothers of the rachitic infants. This maternal deficiency as a factor in pathogenesis of rickets in the infant is discussed. Proposals are made to prevent the occurrence of rickets on this scale.