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Journal of Tropical Pediatrics Advance Access published online on September 5, 2008
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, doi:10.1093/tropej/fmn078
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© The Author [2008]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org

Vitamin D Insufficiency among Children and Adolescents Living in Tehran, Iran

Ali Rabbania, Seyed-Moayed Alavianb, Mohammad Esmaeil Motlaghc, Mohammad T. H Ashtianid, Gelayol Ardalane, Ali Salavatia, Bahareh Rabbania, Ahmad Rabbania, Sedigheh Shamsd and Nima Parvaneha

aGrowth and Development Research Center, Tehran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
bLiver and Gastrointestinal Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
cBureau of Family Health, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
dDepartment of Pathology, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
eYouth & School Health Office, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran

Correspondence: Ali Rabani, Growth and Development Research Center, Children's Medical Center, 62 Gharib St, 14155-6386 Tehran, Iran. Tel.: +98 21 66428998; Fax: +98 21 66923054; E-mail <rabania{at}sina.tums.ac.ir>.


  Abstract

Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption and skeletal growth. Vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) is a prevalent health problem in children. A study was performed to determine the prevalence of VDI in healthy children living in Tehran, Iran. In a cross-sectional study, 963 students (424 boys and 539 girls) aged 7–18 years were selected by random sampling. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), calcium, alkaline phosphatase and phosphorus were measured. VDI was defined as serum 25-OHD <20 ng/ml. Prevalence of VDI was 53.6% in girls and 11.3% in boys. VDI in female students was about five times more common than males (p < 0.000001). VDI in children and adolescent girls is a health problem not only for these age-groups but also for the next generation to come. Encouraging girls to have more sun exposure, fortification of foods and prescription of supplemental vitamin D are recommended.

Key Words: vitamin D • insufficiency • children


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