Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab.  2016 Sep;21(3):149-154. 10.6065/apem.2016.21.3.149.

Vitamin D deficiency in children aged 6 to 12 years: single center's experience in Busan

• Roh YE
• Kim BR
• Choi WB
• Kim YM
• Cho MJ
• Kim HY
• Park KH
• Kim KH
• Chun P
• Kim SY
• Kwak MJ

• KMID: 2366790
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.6065/apem.2016.21.3.149

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with vitamin D deficiency in children.
METHODS
We analyzed the medical records of 330 patients from the age of 6 to 12, who visited the endocrinology clinic of the Department of Pediatrics at Pusan National University Hospital, from September, 2013 to May, 2014. According to their serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, the patients were grouped into either the deficiency group (25(OH)D<20 ng/mL), or the sufficiency group (25(OH)D≥20 ng/mL). The differences between the 2 groups were compared.
RESULTS
There were 195 patients (59.1%) who had vitamin D deficiency. Their mean serum 25(OH)D level was 14.86±3.20 ng/mL. The differences in sex, age, and pubertal status between the 2 groups were not statistically significant. Weight standard deviation score (SDS), and body mass index SDS, were significantly higher in the vitamin D deficiency group (P=0.002 for each), compared to the sufficiency group. Compared with Autumn, both Spring (odds ratio [OR], 9.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.3-22.0), and Winter (OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 3.5-10.0), were risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. In multiple logistic regression analysis, only seasonal differences have been confirmed to have an effect on vitamin D deficiency.
CONCLUSION
Vitamin D deficiency in children aged 6 to 12 years is very common. Spring and Winter are the most important risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. We suggest that it is necessary to supplement the guideline for the vitamin D intake according to our situation.

Keyword

Child; Prevalence; Risk factors; Vitamin D deficiency

MeSH Terms

Body Mass Index
Busan*
Child*
Endocrinology
Humans
Logistic Models
Medical Records
Pediatrics
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Seasons
Vitamin D Deficiency*
Vitamin D*
Vitamins*
Vitamin D
Vitamins

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