Korean J Pediatr.  2013 May;56(5):205-210. 10.3345/kjp.2013.56.5.205.

Vitamin D deficiency in infants aged 1 to 6 months

• Choi YJ
• Kim MK
• Jeong SJ

• KMID: 2284837
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2013.56.5.205

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to recognize the state of vitamin D among healthy infants aged 1 to 6 months in South Korea, and also to identify the risk factors affecting the level of vitamin D.
METHODS
A total of 117 infants were enrolled in this study for 12 months, from March 1, 2011 to February 29, 2012. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase were measured and data including birth weight, body weight, sex, feeding pattern, delivery mode, siblings and maternal age and occupation were collected. Data was mainly analyzed with independent t-test model.
RESULTS
We determined that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25[OH]D<20 ng/mL [50 mmol/L]) was 48.7% in the population investigated. Particularly in breastfed infants, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was strikingly high (90.4%). The mean serum level of 25(OH)D in breastfed infants was lower than that of formula fed infants (9.35 ng/mL vs. 28.79 ng/mL). Also female infants showed lower mean serum level of 25(OH)D than male. Mean serum values of calcium and phosphorus had positive correlation with vitamin D state (P<0.001).
CONCLUSION
Vitamin D deficiency was found to be very common in infants aged 1 to 6 months in South Korea, and breast feeding was the most critical risk factor of vitamin D deficiency. Therefore we suggest to start vitamin D supplementation in South Korea, as soon as possible, to all infants, including breastfed and female infants.

Keyword

Breastfeeding; Female infant; Healthy infant; Risk factor; Vitamin D

MeSH Terms

Aged
Alkaline Phosphatase
Birth Weight
Body Weight
Breast Feeding
Calcium
Feeding Behavior
Female
Humans
Infant
Male
Maternal Age
Occupations
Phosphorus
Prevalence
Republic of Korea
Risk Factors
Siblings
Vitamin D
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamins
Alkaline Phosphatase
Calcium
Phosphorus
Vitamin D
Vitamins