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Multicenter Study
. 2016 Dec 1;8(4):461-467.
doi: 10.4274/jcrpe.3301. Epub 2016 Jul 30.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Calcium Homeostasis in Saudi Children

Adnan M Al Shaikh  1 , Bahaa Abaalkhail, Ashraf Soliman, Ibrahim Kaddam, Khalid Aseri, Yousef Al Saleh, Ali Al Qarni, Ahmed Al Shuaibi, Waleed Al Tamimi, Abdel Moniem Mukhtar
Affiliations
Multicenter Study

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Calcium Homeostasis in Saudi Children

Adnan M Al Shaikh et al. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol. .

Abstract

Objective: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) are significant health problems all over the world. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of VDD and VDI in children and adolescents residing in 8 provinces in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to also investigate calcium homeostasis in these subjects.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2110 participants aged between 6 and 15 years. Information on socio-demographic status, anthropometric measurements, knowledge about vitamin D, color of the skin, dietary intake, sun exposure experience, smoking, and physical activity were collected through a questionnaire given to the parents of all subjects. The subjects were divided into three groups as vitamin D deficient, vitamin D insufficient, and vitamin sufficient according to their blood level of vitamin D [VDD ≤25 nmol/L (25 hydroxy vitamin D), VDI >25-50 nmol/L, and VDS >50 nmol/L].

Results: VDD was highly prevalent in this group of children. 95.3 of the subjects had either VDD (45.5%) or VDI (49.9%). The prevalence rate of VDD combined with VDI was higher in females (97.8%) compared to males (92.8%) (p<0.001). Only 1.6% had significant hypocalcaemia. Children with dark skin had lower concentrations of vitamin D and higher concentrations of parathormone. A positive correlation was observed between 25 hydroxy vitamin D level and serum calcium, inorganic phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations. onclusion: The results showed a high prevalence of VDD and VDI in Saudi children with significantly higher prevalence in girls. These findings necessitate the set-up of a national program for vitamin D supplementation and health education for this vulnerable group.

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Conflict of interest statement

Financial Disclosure: The authors declared that this study received no financial support.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Regression of Vitamin D level on calcium concentration in population
Figure 2
Figure 2. Regression of Vitamin D on parathyroid hormone level in population <15 years
Figure 3
Figure 3. Regression of parathyroid hormone on alkaline phosphatase concentrations in population <15 years
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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