The prevalence of low serum levels of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, folate and ferritin in adolescents: Single center experience

Sci Prog. 2021 Apr-Jun;104(2):368504211007667. doi: 10.1177/00368504211007667.

Abstract

Background: In this study, the aim was to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D, vitamin B12, ferritin, and folate deficiencies in adolescence to clarify the need for early diagnosis and therapy.

Methods: The medical records of adolescents between 10 and 18 years of age between 01 September 2018 and 28 February 2019 as healthy with non-specific complaints, or due to well-child care visits, were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: A total of 1847/2507 (73.6%) adolescents were included in the study. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 25.7% (n: 178/691). Vitamin B12 deficiency prevalence was 69.2% (n: 753/1088). The prevalence of anemia and ferritin deficiency was 4.8% and 13.26%. The prevalence of folate deficiency was 37.9% (n: 413/1088). VDD prevalence was statistically significantly higher in females than males (F/M:116/62). VB12D prevalence, the number and mean age of females with hemoglobin deficiency, and low ferritin levels was found to be statistically significantly higher in females than males.

Conclusions: The prevalence of vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate deficiency and low ferritin levels was found to be high among adolescents. In particular, adolescents admitting with non-specific complaints and for control purposes in big cities must be considered to be at risk for the deficiency of these vitamins and low level of ferritin.

Keywords: Adolescent; ferritin; folate; vitamin B12; vitamin D.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Female
  • Ferritins* / blood
  • Folic Acid Deficiency / epidemiology
  • Folic Acid* / blood
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Vitamin B 12* / blood
  • Vitamin D* / blood
  • Vitamins

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D
  • Ferritins
  • Folic Acid
  • Vitamin B 12