Hypovitaminosis D; in children in the absence of significant clinical symptoms and signs

Objectives: to determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in children under 12 years of age in the absence of significant clinical signs and symptoms in an ambulatory care settings

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Study Design: descriptive study

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Settings and duration: this study was conducted in Pediatric out Patient Department of KAUH from June 2013 to June 2014

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Materials and methods: patients attending the pediatric clinic in KAUH Riyadh, KSA, from June2013 to June 2014, in which 287 healthy children under 12 years were enrolled. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25[OH] D] were measured .X ray wrists were taken for radiological evidence of rickets. 25[OH] D levels <50 ng/mL and <25 ng/mL were defined as insufficiency and severe vitamin D deficiency, respectively

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Results: a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is observed in healthy children even in absence of clinical signs and symptoms. The problem should be highlighted and there is a need to create awareness among people about the etiology of vitamin D deficiency and its prevention.There is a strong need for long term planning including populationscreening, dietary supplementation with vitamin D and food fortification