High Prevalence of Hypovitaminosis D among Schoolchildren of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh

Dr Jatinder Kumar Mokta,Dr Tripti Chauhan,- Dr Ramesh Dr Ramesh,Dr Balraj Singh,Dr Kiran Kumar Mokta

doi:10.7575/aiac.abcmed.v.9n.1p.25

Dr Jatinder Kumar Mokta, Dr Tripti Chauhan + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.abcmed.v.9n.1p.25

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Abstract

Title of the article: High prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among schoolchildren of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. Context: Acquisition of optimal bone mineral health in childhood and adolescence is essential for adequate bone mass during adulthood and old age, as 40-50% of total skeletal mass is accumulated so early in life. Aims: To estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the school children of Shimla Settings and Design: A total of 300 children and adolescents of class V1 to X11 of various schools in Shimla were enrolled during July 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015. Methods and Material: After written informed consent, blood samples for 25(OH) D were collected and measured by radioimmunoassay. Statistical analysis: Data analyzed the data using EpiInfo 7.0.9.7 for windows. Results: Among all enrolled cases, 151(50.33%) were girls and 149 (49.76%) boys. Serum 25(OH) D level was significantly lower in girls 11.70± 4.03ng/ml as compared to boys 13.57 ±7.06ng/dl (p=0.0000001). Hypovitaminosis D was present in 98.66% cases, out of which 93.33% had deficient and 5.33% had insufficient 25 (OH) D levels. A total of 34.33% children had severe deficiency, however 4 (1.33%) had sufficient levels and were boys. Conclusions: Prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in apparently healthy schoolchildren in India is high. Awareness needs to be generated about benefits accrued by direct sunlight exposure.

Highlights

Hypovitaminosis D has re-emerged as a major pediatric health issue with complications including hypocalcaemia seizure, rickets, limb pains and fracture.[1]
The development of vitamin D deficiency is associated with deteriorating bone health and in severe cases may lead to hypocalcaemic rickets and osteomalacia in children and adults.[1]
The high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D globally has been attributed to reduced synthesis of vitamin D and low dietary intake

Summary

Introduction

Hypovitaminosis D has re-emerged as a major pediatric health issue with complications including hypocalcaemia seizure, rickets, limb pains and fracture.[1]. Recently there has been piquing interest in vitamin D in pediatric patients due to the recent epidemiologic reports suggesting that vitamin D may protect against autoimmune diseases and plays a role in innate immunity.[2,3] many observational studies have shown adequate vitamin D concentrations in childhood plays an important role in protecting the body against wide range of diseases later in life including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, certain type of cancers, autoimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis, depression, schizophrenia and adverse pregnancy outcome.[4,5,6] The high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D globally has been attributed to reduced synthesis of vitamin D (skin pigmentation, sun avoiding behaviors and wearing clothes covering whole of the body) and low dietary intake

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