Vitamin D status in preschool children: should vitamin D supplementation, preventing vitamin D deficiency be continued in children over 2 years?

J Public Health (Oxf). 2019 Sep 30;41(3):575-582. doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdy147.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among preschool children in rural and urban areas of Northern Iran and need for continuing vitamin D supplementation after 2 years of age.

Method: A sample of 406 children aged 30-72 months was selected from health centres. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), demographic data, anthropometric characteristics and total body surface area, were evaluated.

Results: Subnormal vitamin D levels were found in 68.94% (269) of children. In multiple logistic regression models, season (P = 0.001) and residency (P = 0.006) were significantly correlated with vitamin D deficiency. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age (β = -0.18, P < 0.001), body mass index (β = -1.1, P < 0.001) and sun exposure (β = 0.4, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with 25OHD level.

Conclusion: Owing to the high prevalence of subnormal vitamin D levels in preschool children, it is recommended that vitamin D deficiency prevention programs are continued in this age group.

Keywords: 25-hydroxyvitamin D; child; deficiency; prevalence; vitamin D.

MeSH terms

  • Body Mass Index
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iran / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Rural Population
  • Seasons
  • Sunlight
  • Urban Population
  • Vitamin D / analogs & derivatives
  • Vitamin D / blood
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / blood
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / drug therapy*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / epidemiology*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / prevention & control

Substances

  • Vitamin D
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D