Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in apparently healthy children in north India

Background: The data on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in apparently healthy children from India is limited. Objective: To assess the prevalence of VDD in apparently healthy children. Design: Prospective study. Setting and subjects: Apparently healthy children from the age groups of 3 months-12 years, from the upper socioeconomical status (USES), attending the outpatient department (OPD) of a private pediatric hospital in Chandigarh, India, for minor ailments were enrolled over a period of 6 months (March-August 2013). Methods: Plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured by competitive electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: In total, 338 children (188 boys, 150 girls) with mean age of 3.31 years were enrolled. The percentages of children with deficient, insufficient, and sufficient levels of 25(OH)D were 40.24%, 25.44%, and 34.32%, respectively. Clinical signs of VDD were seen in only 8.53% of the children. The mean (+/-SD) levels of 25(OH)D were 27.48 (15.99) ng/mL. On univariate analysis, deficient levels of 25-(OH)D were associated with relatively younger age group, female sex, failure to thrive, exclusive breast-feeding, inadequate sun exposure, and no vitamin D supplements. Conclusion: A high prevalence of clinical and biochemical VDD was noted in apparently healthy children belonging to the USES.