Vitamin D deficiency in Malaysian adolescents aged 13 years: findings from the Malaysian Health and Adolescents Longitudinal Research Team study (MyHeARTs)

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<37.5 nmol/L) among young adolescents in Malaysia and its association with demographic characteristics, anthropometric measures and physical activity.DesignThis is a cross-sectional study among Form 1 (year 7) students from 15 schools selected using a stratified random sampling design. Information regarding sociodemographic characteristics, clinical data and environmental factors was collected and blood samples were taken for total vitamin D. Descriptive and multivariable logistic regression was performed on the data.SettingNational secondary schools in Peninsular Malaysia.Participants1361 students (mean age 12.9±0.3 years) (61.4% girls) completed the consent forms and participated in this study. Students with a chronic health condition and/or who could not understand the questionnaires due to lack of literacy were excluded.Main outcome measuresVitamin D status was determined through measurement of sera 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). Body mass index (BMI) was classified according to International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) criteria. Self-reported physical activity levels were assessed using the validated Malay version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C).ResultsDeficiency in vitamin D was seen in 78.9% of the participants. The deficiency was significantly higher in girls (92.6%, p<0.001), Indian adolescents (88.6%, p<0.001) and urban-living adolescents (88.8%, p<0.001). Females (OR=8.98; 95% CI 6.48 to 12.45), adolescents with wider waist circumference (OR=2.64; 95% CI 1.65 to 4.25) and in urban areas had higher risks (OR=3.57; 95% CI 2.54 to 5.02) of being vitamin D deficient.ConclusionsThe study shows a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among young adolescents. Main risk factors are gender, ethnicity, place of residence and obesity.

Vitamin D non-sufficiency is prevalent in children with chronic liver disease in a tropical country

“…21 However, Al-Sadat et al observed that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (defined as vitamin V < 37.5 nmol/L) in Malaysian adolescents was as high as 78.9%. 13 The present study shows that vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in children with CLD, despite vitamin D supplementation. Overall, 14% of the patients had a deficient serum vitamin D level (<30 nmol/L) while another 14% were insufficient in serum vitamin D (30e50 nmol/L).…”

“…Other studies conducted in tropical countries among healthy children with abundant sunlight year round have shown a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in healthy children, 11,12 including children in Malaysia. 13,30 In addition, dietary intake of vitamin D was also not available.…”

Assessment of Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude, and the Practice of Vitamin D among the General Public in Malaysia

“…Our findings are aligned to results of previous studies. 16,[29][30][31][32] It had shown that breast milk contains an insufficient amount of vitamin D for infants and thus, exclusively breastfed infants should be supplemented with vitamin D. 33 However, only 6% of the participants recognised that formula milk is the source of Vitamin D for infants instead of breast milk, regardless of gender. The possible reason for this might be due to the opinion of public that breast milk contains all required nutrients for infants.…”

Estimated vitamin D synthesis and dietary vitamin D intake among Asians in two distinct geographical locations (Kuala Lumpur, 3°N v. Aberdeen, 57°N) and climates

“…The climate in Kuala Lumpur (3°N), Malaysia, is fairly consistent throughout the year with relatively uniform temperature (averages from 20°C to 30°C) and high humidity and rainfall. Yet, low vitamin D status (defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) <50 nmol/L) has been reported in those living in urban areas in Malaysia (4)(5)(6) . Lifestyle behaviours which reduce sunlight exposure (e.g.…”