Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among Children Aged 10–16 Years in the Western Ukraine

• Main Author: N.B. Haliiash
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Publishing House Zaslavsky 2015-09-01
• Series: Zdorovʹe Rebenka
• Online Access: http://childshealth.zaslavsky.com.ua/article/view/74951

Introduction. Nowadays, vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency is generally recognized public health problem in the world. Recently, recommendations on preventive doses of vitamin D for children and adults were revised in terms of their increase. However, the need to study vitamin D among children of Ukraine remains relevant, because there are certain differences in the level of insolation and consumption of foods containing vitamin D in groups living in different territories. Objective: to establish the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among children aged 10–16 years living in Ternopil region (Western Ukraine). Materials and methods. There were examined 118 pupils from one of the secondary schools of Ternopil region. Besides general clinical examination and questioning, the level of 25(OH)D was determined using electrochemiluminescent method on Elecsys 2010 analyzer, as well as calcium (Ca) content. Results. Vitamin D deficiency was detected in 107 (90.7 %) children, insufficiency — in 9 (7.6 %). The average content of 25(OH)D in boys aged 10–13 years was 34.7 ± 11.4 nmol/l, 14–16 years — 30.3 ± 10.0 nmol/l; in girls aged 10–13 years — 31.1 ± 11.1 nmol/l, 14–16 years — 28.3 ± 9.8 nmol/l. Serum Ca level was within normal limits in all age groups. Conclusions. Bearing in mind the large percentage of children with vitamin D deficiency in Ukraine, longitudinal observations are needed to determine the effectiveness of the administration of this vitamin in recommended doses based on correction of nutrition and insolation level in these patients.