1. [Is there vitamin D deficiency in children in a sunny Mediterranean city?].
- Author
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Togo A, Espadas Maciá D, Blanes Segura S, Sivó Díaz N, and Villalba Martínez C
- Subjects
- Climate, Cross-Sectional Studies, Humans, Infant, Prospective Studies, Spain epidemiology, Sunlight, Vitamin D blood, Vitamin D Deficiency epidemiology
- Abstract
Introduction: Despite the increasing interest in vitamin D functions, new cases of deficiency have been reported in sunny regions where optimal levels are expected. The aim of this study was to analyze 25-hydroxivitamin D levels in children younger than 2 years admitted for acute mild diseases in a tertiary hospital in Valencia and its relationship with factors that can be associated with its deficiency., Methods: This one year prospective and observational study was conducted on 169 children admitted for acute mild diseases. 25-hydroxivitamin D levels were analyzed. A standardized physical examination and structured interviews to the parents were performed. Children were classified into two groups, according to 25-hydroxivitamin D levels (cut-off 30 ng/mL)., Results: A total of 169 children were included, with a median age of 9 months, being more prevalent Caucasians (75.7%) and youger than one year old (79.3%). Almost one quarter (24.3%) of the children had 25-hydroxivitamin D levels <30 ng/mL, more frequently in winter/spring, and in children with higher skin phototypes (P<.01). Levels >30 ng/mL were associated with vitamin D prophylaxis during the first year, in children of a Caucasian mother, and those who did not wear a hijab. No statistical differences were found in diet characteristics (P=.65). Prophylaxis was given to 47% of the breastfed children younger than one year., Conclusions: In Valencia, Spain, 25-hydroxivitamin D levels lower than 30 ng/mL were found in a quarter of the children younger than two years. Our results emphasize the importance of vitamin D prophylaxis during the first year of life, even in sunny Mediterranean regions., (Copyright © 2015 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2016
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