Vitamin D deficiency in children living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective:Vitamin D deficiency is an unrecognized epidemic and a common health problem worldwide. This study was conducted to evaluate the vitamin D status in children living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and to study its relation to various variables.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in the pediatric clinic in Jeddah Clinic Hospital-Kandarah, Jeddah, KSA, from October through December 2010, in which 510 healthy children aged 4–15 years were enrolled. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured. Dietary vitamin D intake and duration of daily sunlight exposure were determined. 25(OH)D levels <20 ng/mL and <7 ng/mL were defined as relative and severe vitamin D deficiency, respectively.Results:The mean concentration of 25(OH)D was 13.07 ± 7.81 ng/mL. Seventy subjects (13.72%) had normal 25(OH)D level ranging 20–70 ng/mL. Three hundred (58.82%) had relative 25(OH)D deficiency and 140 (27.45%) had severe deficiency (P=0.000). 220 (43.14%) subjects were males and 290 (56.86%) were females having a statistically significant higher incidence of 25(OH)D deficiency (P=0.019). 54.9% were Saudis, 27.45% were Yemenis and 11.76% were Egyptians. Saudis and Yemenis were more subjected to 25(OH)D deficiency in comparison to Egyptians and other nationalities (P=0.01). There were significant inverse correlations between 25(OH)D levels and bony aches (P=0.000). 56.25% of asymptomatic children had vitamin D deficiency (P=0.000). Duration of sunlight exposure and daily intake of vitamin D had significant effects on serum level of vitamin D (P=0.000).Conclusions:A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children living in Jeddah was observed in this study. Vitamin D supplementation of food products can prevent vitamin D deficiency in these children.

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in Africa and the Middle East, despite year-round sunny days

“…[14] In Nigeria, 83% of Fulani women were reported to by deficient [15] and in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) a study reported 50% of pregnant women being deficient. [16] In Saudi Arabia, a study found 59% of healthy 4 -15-year-old schoolchildren to be deficient and 28% insufficient in vitamin D. [17] Studies in every country in this region reveal significant numbers of individuals with vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency.…”

Vitamin D status and its relationship with metabolic syndrome risk factors among adolescent girls in Boukan, Iran

“…Vitamin D deficiency is a major public health problem and an unrecognizable condition of epidemic proportions in both developed and developing countries, with widespread reports of 30-93 % prevalence in children and adults (1)(2)(3) . Determination of vitamin D status in different age groups in a community and in different climates of a country is necessary and has important implications for general health.…”

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Type 1 Dm a Control Cross Sectional Study Held in Middle and West Regions of Saudi Arabia.

“…Overall, 84% of the T1DM children, and 59% of the healthy children were Vitamin D deficient (9). Prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency was 60.5% in a Swiss study (11), 43% in an Australian study (12), approximately 25% in an Italian study (13). In a cross-sectional study performed in Jeddah on 510 child ranged between 4-15 years,13.7% had a normal Vitamin D level,58.8% had relative deficiency,27.4% had severedeficiency.…”