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Background: Adipose tissue is significantly involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Vitamin D can affect both adipogenesis and inflammation. The aim of this study was to compare the production of selected adipokines, potentially involved in the pathogenesis of IBD - adiponectin, resistin, retinol binding protein 4 (RBP-4), adipocyte fatty acid binding protein and nesfatin-1 in children with IBD according to the presence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency. Methods: The study was conducted as a case-control study in pediatric patients with IBD and healthy children of the same sex and age. In addition to adipokines and 25(OH)D, anthropometric parameters, markers of inflammation and disease activity were assessed in all participants. Results: Children with IBD had significantly higher resistin levels regardless of 25(OH)D levels. IBD patients with 25(OH)D deficiency only had significantly lower RBP-4 compared to healthy controls and also compared to IBD patients without 25(OH)D deficiency. No other significant differences in adipokines were found in children with IBD with or without 25(OH)D deficiency. 25(OH)D levels in IBD patients corelated with RBP-4 only, and did not correlate with other adipokines. Conclusions: Whether the lower RBP-4 levels in the 25(OH)D-deficient group of IBD patients directly reflect vitamin D deficiency remains uncertain. The production of other adipokines does not appear to be directly related to vitamin D deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aim The relationship between vitamin D status and Kawasaki Disease (KD), as well as coronary artery lesion (CAL), has yet to be established. Methods A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the correlation between vitamin D status and KD, as well as the impact of vitamin D status on the progression of KD into CAL. Results The meta-analysis revealed a consistent and significant association between serum 25(OH)D level and the occurrence KD (studies N = 22; z = -3.51, P

Aim: The relationship between vitamin D status and Kawasaki Disease (KD), as well as coronary artery lesion (CAL), has yet to be established. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the correlation between vitamin D status and KD, as well as the impact of vitamin D status on the progression of KD into CAL. Results: The meta-analysis revealed a consistent and significant association between serum 25(OH)D level and the occurrence KD (studies N = 22; z = -3.51, P < 0.001). Patients with KD had markedly lower levels of vitamin D than healthy controls (SMD: -1.30 ng/mL, 95%CI: -2.05 to -0.55 ng/mL). Conclusion: The study provided evidence supporting a significant association between lower serum vitamin D levels and the occurrence of KD, particularly within the Chinese population. However, the findings did not suggest a direct impact of vitamin D on the development of CAL in KD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a public health problem. The variation in vitamin D status across regions and populations remains unclear, and there is a lack of consensus regarding the screening for VDD in individuals. Methods Children who visited the hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were included in this study. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The cutoffs for serum 25(OH)D concentrations to define deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency were

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a public health problem. The variation in vitamin D status across regions and populations remains unclear, and there is a lack of consensus regarding the screening for VDD in individuals. Methods: Children who visited the hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were included in this study. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The cutoffs for serum 25(OH)D concentrations to define deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency were < 20 ng/mL, 20–30 ng/mL, and ≥ 30 ng/mL, respectively. Results: A total of 7285 children aged 0–11 years were assessed; the mean 25(OH)D level was 31.4 ng/mL, and the median 25(OH)D level was 30.7 (interquartile range 24.4, 37.5) ng/mL. The 25(OH)D level declined with age in clinical visiting children aged 0–11 years, but maintained a consistently high level in health examination children aged 4–11 years. The percentages of 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL and 25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL were 10.0% and 43.8%, respectively. Higher percentages of VDD were found in clinical visiting children than in health examination children within the 6–11-year group (53.3% vs. 14.7%) and winter (44.3% vs. 15.4%). Conclusion: Low vitamin D status (deficiency and insufficiency) was more common in clinic-visiting children than in health examinations, especially in schoolchildren and in the winter. The study implies the positive effects of vitamin D assessments included in child health checkups to optimize vitamin D status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background To investigate the correlation between N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH) D), high-mobility group box 1(HMGB1), endogenous activin A (ACTA), blood glucose level, electrolyte levels and developmental quotient (DQ) scores of Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Methods In this retrospective study, a total of 90 neonates diagnosed with HIE who were admitted to our hospital from January 2018 to June 2021 were retrospectively enrolled, and 40 healthy full-term neonates born in our hospital during the same period were randomly selected. Neonates with HIE and healthy conditions were set as the study group and control group, respectively. Neonates with HIE are divided into three subgroups, mild, moderate, and severe, based on the severity of HIE. The Gesell Developmental Scale (GDS) was used to assess neural development of neonates at 9 to 12 months postnatal. Biomarkers of peripheral venous blood were measured and collected in all neonates, including NT-proBNP, (25-(OH) D), HMGB1, ACTA, electrolyte levels and blood glucose levels. General demographic information and Apgar score were compared between the two groups. The differences between the two groups of biomarkers were compared and the correlation between these biomarkers and DQ scores was evaluated. Results There was no significant difference in gestational age, maternal age, gender, way of birth, birth weight, gestational age and whether the mother was a primipara between the two groups (P>0.05). The 10 min Apgar score of the study group (5.87±0.36) was lower than that of the control group (9.37±0.32) with significant difference (P

Background: To investigate the correlation between N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH) D), high-mobility group box 1(HMGB1), endogenous activin A (ACTA), blood glucose level, electrolyte levels and developmental quotient (DQ) scores of Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 90 neonates diagnosed with HIE who were admitted to our hospital from January 2018 to June 2021 were retrospectively enrolled, and 40 healthy full-term neonates born in our hospital during the same period were randomly selected. Neonates with HIE and healthy conditions were set as the study group and control group, respectively. Neonates with HIE are divided into three subgroups, mild, moderate, and severe, based on the severity of HIE. The Gesell Developmental Scale (GDS) was used to assess neural development of neonates at 9 to 12 months postnatal. Biomarkers of peripheral venous blood were measured and collected in all neonates, including NT-proBNP, (25-(OH) D), HMGB1, ACTA, electrolyte levels and blood glucose levels. General demographic information and Apgar score were compared between the two groups. The differences between the two groups of biomarkers were compared and the correlation between these biomarkers and DQ scores was evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference in gestational age, maternal age, gender, way of birth, birth weight, gestational age and whether the mother was a primipara between the two groups (P>0.05). The 10 min Apgar score of the study group (5.87±0.36) was lower than that of the control group (9.37±0.32) with significant difference (P<0.05). The levels of NT-proBNP, HMGB1, and ACTA in the study group were higher than that in the control group (243.87±21.29 pmol/L vs. 116.98±22.19 pmol/L; 8.92±1.87 μg/L vs. 3.28±1.08 μg/L; 23.78±0.89 ng/ml vs. 2.98±0.38 ng/ml), while the levels of 25-(OH) D and electrolyte levels were lower than that in the control group (24.28±1.87 vs. 31.29±1.93; K+: 4.49±0.23 mmol/L vs. 4.73±0.21 mmol/L; Na+: 118.76±13.02 mmol/L vs. 134.28±12.29 mmol/L; Ca2+: 1.77±0.23 mmol/L vs. 2.35±0.26 mmol/L; Mg2+: 0.61±0.17 mmol/L vs. 0.91±0.17 mmol/L), with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). The levels of NT-probNP, HMGB1, ACTA and the incidence of hypoglycemia were the highest in the severe group, which were significantly higher than those in the moderate group and mild group (P<0.05). The levels of NT-probNP, HMGB1, ACTA and the incidence of hypoglycemia were the lowest in the mild group. The 25-(OH) D level, the incidence of hyperglycemia and electrolyte levels were the lowest in the severe group, which were significantly lower than those in the moderate and mild groups (all P<0.05). Meanwhile, the 25-(OH) D level, the incidence of hyperglycemia and electrolyte levels in the moderate group were lower than those in the mild group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The incidence of hyperglycemia in severe group (16 cases) was the lowest, significantly lower than that in moderate group (17 cases) and mild group (22 cases), and the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.05). The DQ scores of HIE neonates were negatively correlated with NT-proBNP, HMGB1, and ACTA (r=-0.671, -0.421, -0.518, all P< 0.001). The DQ scores was positively correlated with levels of 25-(OH) D and blood glucose level (r =0.621, 0.802, all P< 0.001). The DQ scores was also positively correlated with levels of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium (0.367, 0.782, 0.218, 0.678, all P<0.001). Conclusion: The NT-proBNP, HMGB1, ACTA, 25-(OH) D, blood glucose levels and electrolyte levels are correlated with the severity of HIE, and developmental quotient scores in neonates with HIE. These biomarkers are suggestive for assessing the prognosis of neonate with HIE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The study aim was to obtain epidemiological data on vitamin D levels for the pediatric population in Japan. We assessed the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in 2-year-old Japanese children using data from a large ongoing birth cohort study. Methods Data for analysis was obtained from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) and a Sub-Cohort Study (SCS) of JECS. We evaluated the children’s serum 25(OH) D levels by 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles, and the rates of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. We also presented a weighted prevalence rate for vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency among all children in JECS. Results After excluding children with missing 25(OH)D2 or 25(OH)D3 data, we analyzed 4655 remaining children, of whom 24.7% (95% CI, 23.5–26.0%) had vitamin D deficiency (

Abstract Background Many international medical organizations recommend vitamin D supplementation for infants, especially exclusively breastfed infants. In Thailand, however, data regarding the vitamin D status in Thai infants are lacking. Such data would help to support physician decisions and guide medical practice. Methods Full-term, exclusively breastfed infants were randomized into two groups at 2 months of age to continue exclusive breastfeeding either without vitamin D supplementation (control group, n = 44) or with vitamin D3 supplementation at 400 IU/day (intervention group, n = 43) until 6 months of age. At 6 months, the serum vitamin D (25OHD) of the infants and their mothers, serum bone marker, and infants’ growth parameters were compared between the two groups. Results The infants’ serum 25OHD concentration was lower in the control group than intervention group (20.57 ± 12.66 vs. 46.01 ± 16.42 ng/mL, p 20 ng/mL) in the intervention group than control group (93.0% vs. 43.2%, p

Abstract We looked at existing recommendations and supporting evidence on the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in infancy for reducing vitamin D deficiency and for preventing rickets and infections. We also looked at optimal dose of vitamin D and the age until which vitamin D supplementation is beneficial. We conducted a literature search up to the 17th of July 2019 by using key terms and manual search in selected sources. We summarized the recommendations and the strength of the recommendation when and as reported by the authors. We summarized the main findings of systematic reviews with the certainty of the evidence as reported. A daily dose of 400 international units of vitamin D in infants has shown to be effective for improving bone health and preventing rickets. Evidence is more robust in groups of infants and children at risk. Vitamin D supplementation is well tolerated, and not associated with toxicity. Higher doses have not shown to add benefit while it could potentially cause toxic blood levels and hypercalcemia. Adequate levels of vitamin D might not be achieved with lower daily doses. Universal vitamin D supplementation starting shortly after birth, regardless of the mode of feeding and until 12 months of age, is strongly recommended. Beyond 12 months of age vitamin D supplementation is recommended only in groups of children at risk.

Abstract Background Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient for the overall health and well-being of individuals. For strong musculoskeletal and neurological development of human body, vitamin D levels during childhood and adolescence have key importance. This is the first national-level study that analyzes the deficiency and concentration of serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D)] among Indian children and adolescents with respect to various demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Methods Data of Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS, 2016–18) was utilized for the present study. Vitamin D levels were assessed based on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been shown for the three age groups: 0–4 years (n = 12,764), 5–9 years (n = 13,482), 10–19 years (n = 13,065). Vitamin D deficiency was defined as: serum 25(OH)D

Background: The study aim was to obtain epidemiological data on vitamin D levels for the pediatric population in Japan. We assessed the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in 2-year-old Japanese children using data from a large ongoing birth cohort study.Methods: Data for analysis was obtained from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) and a Sub-Cohort Study (SCS) of JECS. We evaluated the children's serum 25(OH) D levels by 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles, and the rates of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. We also presented a weighted prevalence rate for vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency among all children in JECS.Results: After excluding children with missing 25(OH)D2 or 25(OH)D3 data, we analyzed 4655 remaining children, of whom 24.7% (95% CI, 23.5-26.0%) had vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL), and 51.3% (95% CI, 49.8-52.7%) were at risk of vitamin D insufficiency (20-30 ng/mL). The estimated prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among all children in JECS were 25.4% (95% CI, 24.1-26.7%) and 50.9% (95% CI, 49.4-52.4%). Vitamin D deficiency was found in 22.9% of boys and 26.5% of girls. Median serum 25(OH) D concentrations were lower among participants measured during winter and spring than among those measured in summer and autumn. The highest rate of vitamin D deficiency was observed in Hokkaido, the northernmost prefecture of Japan.Conclusion: We analyzed data on serum 25(OH) D levels from a birth cohort study and found that vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are very common among 2-year-old Japanese children. Sex, season, and latitude affect serum 25(OH) D concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We looked at existing recommendations and supporting evidence on the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in infancy for reducing vitamin D deficiency and for preventing rickets and infections. We also looked at optimal dose of vitamin D and the age until which vitamin D supplementation is beneficial.We conducted a literature search up to the 17th of July 2019 by using key terms and manual search in selected sources. We summarized the recommendations and the strength of the recommendation when and as reported by the authors. We summarized the main findings of systematic reviews with the certainty of the evidence as reported.A daily dose of 400 international units of vitamin D in infants has shown to be effective for improving bone health and preventing rickets. Evidence is more robust in groups of infants and children at risk. Vitamin D supplementation is well tolerated, and not associated with toxicity. Higher doses have not shown to add benefit while it could potentially cause toxic blood levels and hypercalcemia. Adequate levels of vitamin D might not be achieved with lower daily doses. Universal vitamin D supplementation starting shortly after birth, regardless of the mode of feeding and until 12 months of age, is strongly recommended. Beyond 12 months of age vitamin D supplementation is recommended only in groups of children at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many international medical organizations recommend vitamin D supplementation for infants, especially exclusively breastfed infants. In Thailand, however, data regarding the vitamin D status in Thai infants are lacking. Such data would help to support physician decisions and guide medical practice.Methods: Full-term, exclusively breastfed infants were randomized into two groups at 2 months of age to continue exclusive breastfeeding either without vitamin D supplementation (control group, n = 44) or with vitamin D3 supplementation at 400 IU/day (intervention group, n = 43) until 6 months of age. At 6 months, the serum vitamin D (25OHD) of the infants and their mothers, serum bone marker, and infants' growth parameters were compared between the two groups.Results: The infants' serum 25OHD concentration was lower in the control group than intervention group (20.57 ± 12.66 vs. 46.01 ± 16.42 ng/mL, p < 0.01). More infants had vitamin D sufficiency (25OHD of > 20 ng/mL) in the intervention group than control group (93.0% vs. 43.2%, p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the maternal 25OHD concentrations between the control and intervention groups (25.08 ± 7.75 vs. 23.75 ± 7.64 ng/mL, p = 0.42). Serum calcium, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone, alkaline phosphatase, and infants' growth parameters were comparable between the two groups. After adjustment for the confounding factors, 25OHD concentration in the intervention group was 25.66 ng/mL higher than the control group (95% confidence interval, 19.07-32.25; p < 0.001). Vitamin D supplement contributed to an 88.7% decrease in the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency (relative risk, 0.11; 95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.35; p < 0.01).Conclusions: Most full-term, exclusively breastfed Thai infants have serum vitamin D concentration below sufficiency level at 6 months of age. However, vitamin D supplementation (400 IU/day) improves their vitamin D status and prevents vitamin D deficiency.Trial Registration: The study was pre-registered in the Thai Clinical Trials Registry ( TCTR20190622001 ) on 22/06/2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient for the overall health and well-being of individuals. For strong musculoskeletal and neurological development of human body, vitamin D levels during childhood and adolescence have key importance. This is the first national-level study that analyzes the deficiency and concentration of serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D)] among Indian children and adolescents with respect to various demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.Methods: Data of Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS, 2016-18) was utilized for the present study. Vitamin D levels were assessed based on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been shown for the three age groups: 0-4 years (n = 12,764), 5-9 years (n = 13,482), 10-19 years (n = 13,065). Vitamin D deficiency was defined as: serum 25(OH)D < 12 ng/mL; and insufficiency as: 12 ng/ml ≤ 25(OH) < 20 ng/ml. 25(OH) D level higher than 20 ng/mL was accepted as adequate. Random slope multilevel logistic regression models were employed to assess the demographic and socioeconomic correlates of vitamin D deficiency.Results: Mean serum 25(OH)D concentration level was found to be 19.51 ± 8.76, 17.73 ± 7.91, and 17.07 ± 8.16 ng/ml in age group 0-4 years, 5-9 years and 10-19 years respectively. 49.12% of the children aged 0-4 years were having insufficient level of vitamin D. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was comparatively higher among female adolescents (76.16%), adolescents living in rural region (67.48), Sikh individuals (0-4 years: 76.28%; 5-9 years: 90.26%; 10-19 years: 89.56%), and adolescents coming from rich households. North-Indian individuals were having substantially higher odds of vitamin D deficiency in all the three age groups.Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is considerably high among children and adolescents of India. The study highlights high-risk group which require prompt policy interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Recent studies have shown a relationship between vitamin D status and growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). The objective of this study was to assess vitamin D status in children with GH deficiency due to pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) and to investigate the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25 (OH) 2D) serum levels and patient characteristics. Methods A retrospective single-center study of 25OHD and 1,25(OH)2D serum concentrations in 50 children with PSIS at the initial evaluation before treatment. Results Mean concentrations of 33.2 ± 18.0 ng/mL for 25OHD and 74.5 ± 40.7 ng/L for 1,25(OH)2D were measured. Additionally, 25OHD concentrations were significantly higher in boys than in girls (p = 0.04) and lower in the cold season than in the sunny season (p = 0.03). Significant positive correlations were observed between the GH peak and serum 1,25 (OH) 2D concentrations (Rho = 0.35; p = 0.015) and the 1,25(OH)2D/25OHD ratio (Rho = 0.29; p

Background: Recent studies have shown a relationship between vitamin D status and growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). The objective of this study was to assess vitamin D status in children with GH deficiency due to pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) and to investigate the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25 (OH) 2D) serum levels and patient characteristics.Methods: A retrospective single-center study of 25OHD and 1,25(OH)2D serum concentrations in 50 children with PSIS at the initial evaluation before treatment.Results: Mean concentrations of 33.2 ± 18.0 ng/mL for 25OHD and 74.5 ± 40.7 ng/L for 1,25(OH)2D were measured. Additionally, 25OHD concentrations were significantly higher in boys than in girls (p = 0.04) and lower in the cold season than in the sunny season (p = 0.03). Significant positive correlations were observed between the GH peak and serum 1,25 (OH) 2D concentrations (Rho = 0.35; p = 0.015) and the 1,25(OH)2D/25OHD ratio (Rho = 0.29; p < 0.05). No correlation was found for other characteristics, including IGF1.Conclusions: Vitamin D status in children with hypothalamic-pituitary deficiency due to PSIS was similar to that reported in national and European studies in healthy children. The positive significant correlations between the GH peak and the 1,25 (OH)2D concentration as well as with the 1,25 (OH)2D/25OHD ratio suggest that even in these patients who had severely impaired GH secretion and low IGF1 levels, an interplay between the GH/IGF1 axis and the vitamin D system still exists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Calcium (Ca2+) and vitamin D (VitD) play an important role in child health. We evaluated the daily intake of Ca2+ and VitD in healthy children. Moreover, we demonstrate the efficacy of Ca2+ and VitD supplementation. Methods: Daily Ca2 + and VitD intake was evaluated in consecutive healthy children through a validated questionnaire. Subjects with <70% of dietary reference intakes (DRIs) of Ca2+ and VitD were invited to participate in a prospective randomized trial with 2 groups of nutritional intervention: Group 1, dietary counseling aiming to optimize daily Ca2+ and VitD intake plus administration of a commercially available Ca2 + and VitD supplementation product; Group 2, dietary counseling alone. At the enrollment (T0) and after 4 months (T1) serum 25(OH) Vitamin D levels were assessed. Results: We evaluated 150 healthy children (male 50%, mean age 10 years); at baseline a low VitD intake was observed in all subjects (median 0.79 μg/die, IQR 1.78; range 0.01-5.02); this condition was associated with Ca2+ intake <70% of the DRIs in 82 subjects (55%). At baseline serum 25(OH)D levels were low (<30 ng/ml) in all study subjects and after 4 months of nutritional intervention, a normalization of serum 25(OH)D levels (=30 ng/ml) was observed in all children in Group 1 and in only one subject in Group 2 [Group 1: T1 33.8 ng/ml (IQR 2.5) vs Group 2: T1 24.5 ng/ml (IQR 5.2), p <0.001]. Conclusions: Adequate Ca2+ and VitD intakes are difficult to obtain through dietary counseling alone in pediatric subjects. Oral supplementation with of Ca2+ and VitD is a reliable strategy to prevent this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with a multitude of disorders including diabetes, defective insulin secretion as well as rickets and poor bone health. Vitamin D is also a concern during childhood and adolescence and has been reported in girls from South Brazil. We determined the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in girls from South Brazil and investigated whether the genotypic distribution of the BsmI, ApaI and TaqI polymorphisms of the VDR gene and their haplotypes were associated with vitamin D levels. Methods: Cross-sectional study including 234 apparently healthy girls aged 7 to 18 years. Height and weight were measured for calculation of body mass index (BMI) percentiles for age. Plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were assessed. Participants were genotyped for ApaI (rs7975232), TaqI (rs731236), and BsmI (rs1544410) SNPs. Results: The median and interquartile range (25-75%) of BMI percentile was 62.0 (33.3 – 84.9). The frequency of overweight/obesity was 24.9%. Circulating levels of 25(OH)D (≥ 30 ng/mL) were adequate in 9.4%; insufficient in 54.3% (20–29 ng/mL); and deficient in 36.3% (< 20 ng/mL). Genotype frequencies were GG = 47.0%, GA = 41.5%, and AA = 11.5% for BsmI; GG = 16.7%, GT = 52.6%, and TT = 30.8% for ApaI; TT = 46.2%, TC = 44.9% and CC = 9.0% for TaqI. Genotypes with no gene variance (ancestral wild genotype) of BsmI (GG vs. GA + AA, two-tailed Student’s t-test p<0.001), ApaI (GG vs. GT + TT, two-tailed Student’s t-test p = 0.031) and TaqI (TT vs. TC + CC, two-tailed Student’s t-test p = 0.005) SNPs and the GGT haplotype (two-tailed Student’s t-test p = 0.036) were significantly associated with lower 25(OH)D levels. Conclusions: 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were highly prevalent in this sample. The BsmI, ApaI and TaqI wild variants of the VDR gene, as well as the GGT haplotype, were associated with lower vitamin D levels, suggesting that VDR gene polymorphisms could be linked to higher susceptibility to vitamin D deficiency in a sub-population of children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]