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Plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations in cords, newborns, infants, and children
Insights
Plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels are significantly elevated during the perinatal period, including in cord serum, newborns, and infants, compared to older children. This suggests a crucial role for vitamin D during early development.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Neonatal Health
Background:
- Vitamin D is essential for calcium homeostasis and bone health.
- Physiological changes in vitamin D metabolism occur during pregnancy and early life.
- Understanding vitamin D levels in infants is critical for developmental health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels across different pediatric age groups.
- To investigate potential increases in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D during the perinatal period.
- To establish reference ranges for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in newborns and infants.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected for plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D measurement.
- Participants included cord serum, newborns (0-1 week), infants (1 week-6 months), younger children (6 months-6 years), and older children (6-15 years).
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare mean levels between groups.
Main Results:
- Plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels were significantly higher in cord serum compared to older children.
- Newborns and infants exhibited significantly higher 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels than older children.
- Younger children also showed significantly higher levels than the older children group.
Conclusions:
- The perinatal period is characterized by a marked increase in plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.
- Elevated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D during early life may support crucial developmental processes.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific functions of increased 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in neonates and infants.
Abstract:
Plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2-D] was measured in cord serum, newborns, infants, and children. The mean for the values obtained from the six cords was significantly higher than the mean for the older children (6-15 years). The mean for the six newborns (0-1 week) was significantly higher than that for the older children. The mean for the nine infants (1 week-6 months) and the 14 younger children (6 months-6 years) was significantly higher than that for older children. The present study suggests that the perinatal period is associated with a marked increase in 1,25-(OH)2-D.