Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Children and the Relationship of Vitamin D Levels With Allergic and Rheumatological Diseases

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children and compare vitamin D levels between healthy children and children with various health problems, including allergic, rheumatic and infectious diseases. Method: Children who were admitted to our center for any reason between June 2022 and June 2023 and had a vitamin D level check were included in the study. Vitamin D levels were examined by age, sex, season, reason for admission and final diagnosis. Results: The mean 25-OH vitamin D level of 3,532 children was 23 +/- 12.5 ng/mL. It was insufficient in 28.4% of the cases and deficient in 18.2%. Factors associated with the highest risk of vitamin D deficiency were female sex, adolescent age, and spring season (p < .000). By diagnostic group, the mean vitamin D level in healthy children was 22.0 ng/mL. The groups with the lowest vitamin D levels were obesity (16.1 ng/mL) and rheumatic disease (18.1 ng/mL). Discussion: This study showed that vitamin D deficiency is quite common in children, and the most important risk factors are female gender, adolescent age group and winter-spring season. Although routine vitamin D screening is not recommended, testing may be performed in children with a history of allergies, rheumatic diseases, or frequent infections. It may be recommended to extend vitamin D prophylaxis to obese individuals and adolescents.