• J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. · May 2014

    Seasonal vitamin D status of healthy schoolchildren and predictors of low vitamin D status.

    • Gülay Karagüzel, Beril Dilber, Gamze Çan, Ayşenur Ökten, Orhan Değer, and Michael F Holick.
    • *Department of Pediatric Endocrinology †Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine ‡Department of Public Health §Department of Biochemistry, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey ||Vitamin D, Skin and Bone Research Laboratory, Section of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA.
    • J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. 2014 May 1; 58 (5): 654-60.

    ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess seasonal prevalence of vitamin D deficiency according to sex and to determine the relations between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and parathyroid hormone (PTH) and sociodemographic characteristics in otherwise healthy schoolchildren during spring and autumn.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 746 healthy students aged between 11 and 18 years were recruited during spring (n = 375) and autumn (n = 371). Sociodemographic data were collected by a questionnaire. Serum 25(OH)D, PTH, calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase were measured. Serum 25(OH)D levels were categorized as <50 nmol/L (vitamin D deficiency) and <25 nmol/L (severe deficiency).ResultsMean ± standard deviation 25(OH)D levels were 22.3 ± 10.5 nmol/L in girls and 28.5 ± 17.0 nmol/L in boys during spring (P < 0.001) and 36.5 ± 20.3 nmol/L in girls and 45.0 ± 18.5 nmol/L in boys during autumn (P < 0.001). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 93% during spring and 71% during autumn. There was a negative correlation between 25(OH)D and PTH levels (P < 0.01). We determined a cutoff point of serum 25(OH)D in which the mean serum PTH concentration began to increase as 35.8 nmol/L (P < 0.0001). The age, sex, and calcium level were found to be independent predictors for vitamin D deficiency.ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency is prevalent among healthy schoolchildren. It is noteworthy that 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in girls and during autumn. We recommend vitamin D supplementation for children in addition to more time spent for outdoor activities for sensible sunlight exposure.

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