Vitamin D deficiency among children aged 10-18 years in Sri Lanka

Renuka Jayatissa,Amila G Perera,Sarath Lekamwasam,Samantha Ranasingha,Krishan H De Silva,Jayawardana M Ranbanda

doi:10.4038/cmj.v64i4.8991

Renuka Jayatissa, Amila G Perera + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4038/cmj.v64i4.8991

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Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and insufficiency (VDI) are public health problems in many countries, and limited data is available on the prevalence of VDD/VDI in Sri Lanka. To determine the prevalence and associated factors of VDD in children aged 10- 18 years. This was a cross-sectional study among school children aged 10-18 years at national level. A representative sample of 2525 children were recruited from July to November 2017. Serum 25(OH)D concentration and the patterns of vitamin D rich foods consumption were assessed. VDD and VDI cut offs were set at serum 25(OH)D concentrations of <12 ng/mL and 12-20 ng/mL, respectively as defined by global consensus in 2016. The mean serum 25(OH)D level was 19.3±7.4 ng/mL. The prevalence of VDD and VDI were 13.2% (95%CI: 11.9%-14.5%) and 45.6% (95%CI: 43.7%-47.5%), respectively. The prevalence of VDD was highest in the central province (32.2%) and highest prevalence of VDI was in the Inabaragamuwa province (58.9%). VDD and VDI were lowest in North Central province (0.7% and 34.7%, respectively). Significantly higher serum 25(OH)D levels were observed with male gender (p=0.000), BMI for age <-2SD (p=0.000), daily milk consumption (p=0.000) and residing in dry zone (p=0.0 Though Sri Lanka is a tropical country, VDD is prevalent among school children aged 10-18 years. It is important to develop a VDD preventive strategy, especially for high risk groups.

Highlights

During the past decade, interest in Vitamin D (VD) has increased due to the associations of VD with immune function, cardiovascular health, and even cancer occurrence as observed in multiple studies [1]
Though Sri Lanka is a tropical country, Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is prevalent among school children aged 10-18 years
The prevalence of VDD, VDI, VDS were 13.2%, 45.6% and 41.2%, respectively (Table 2)

Summary

Introduction

Interest in Vitamin D (VD) has increased due to the associations of VD with immune function, cardiovascular health, and even cancer occurrence as observed in multiple studies [1]. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) presents as a pyramid with its severe most presentations being rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults at the top of the pyramid These clinical presentations are rarely seen a days but subclinical VDD, as detected by low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25(OH)D), is prevalent, VDD in children is an obstacle for them reaching their genetically programmed height and peak bone mass [3]. There is a disagreement about the best threshold of 25(OH) D levels to define VDD and VDI as the association between clinical presentations such as rickets or osteomalacia and levels of 25(OH) D has been inconsistent This inconsistency is seen between 25(OH)D level and biochemical markers such as elevated alkaline phosphatase. D deficiency (VDD) and insufficiency (VDI) are public health problems in many countries, and limited data is available on the prevalence of VDD/VDI in Sri Lanka

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