ESPE Abstracts

Background: An optimal vitamin D status is important for the growth and development of bones in children and adolescents. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is still high, even in low-latitude and industrialized countries, and vitamin D deficiency in childhood is reemerging as major public health issue.

Objectives: To determine the frequencies of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency and insufficiency in children and adolescents.

Methods: A total of 556 children aged 0 to 18 years who visited tertiary medical center for health and growth status check-ups were included in the study. Serum 25(OH)D, calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase levels were measured. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25(OH)D levels less than <50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL); vitamin D insufficiency, as 50–75 nmol/L (20–30 ng/mL).

Results: Prevalence of low vitamin D status was 63.5% for children aged 0 to 18 years; 219 children (39.3%) had vitamin D deficiency, while 134 of them (24.10%)had vitamin D insufficiency. Clinical vitamin D deficiency was not found in any children. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was higher among girls compared with boys, in adolescents compared with childhood stages and in autumn compared with seasons.

Conclusions: 25(OH)D deficiency/insufficiency was found to be very common in the studied population. Routine screening and supplementation to prevent vitamin D deficiency in at-risk groups during winter and autumn months when vitamin D synthesis is scarce, may be required.