Abstract
Background: Vitamin D is important for calcium and phosphorus metabolism. There are not many natural food items that contain vitamin D, therefore the amount of time in sunlight is the important source of vitamin D. Hence; we planned the present study to assess the vitamin D status in children of Churu region.
Materials & Methods: The present study included assessment of vitamin D status of children of Churu region. A total of 200 paediatric subjects were included in the present study. Complete demographic and clinical details of all the subjects were obtained from their parents or guardians. Capillary blood was collected by a certified nurse after pricking the fingertip with a single-use safety lancet. Vitamin D status was classified as severely deficient, moderately deficient, mildly deficient and sufficient. All the results were recorded and analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: Mean serum 25 (OH)D levels among subjects less than 24 months and more than 36 months was 38.4 and 29.1 (nmol/l) respectively. Significant difference was obtained while comparing the mean serum 25(OH)D levels in subjects divided on the basis of age group. Majority of the subjects had mildly deficient status of vitamin D.
Conclusion: Mild form of vitamin deficiency does exist in children of Churu region. Therefore adequate measures and screening programmes should be carried out for controlling it.
Keywords: Children, Status, Vitamin D.
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Corresponding Author
Ikram Hussain
Junior specialist (MD, Paediatrics),
D.B. Hospital, Churu, Rajasthan
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i3.103
