Vitamin D status and its association with serum parathyroid hormone in preschool children in a Sri Lankan Community

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Despite increased awareness of the adverse health effects of low vitamin D status, data on serum vitamin D status of Sri Lankan preschool children is scarce. AIMS: To investigate the vitamin D status and its association with serum parathyroid hormone in preschool children in a community in the Ragama MOH area. METHODS: In a cross sectional study a total of 340 children (172 girls and 168 boys) aged 2-5 years were selected by random sampling. Fasting levels of serum vitamin D [as 25(OH)DJ and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were determined. The anthropometric characteristics of the children were measured using calibrated equipment. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 16.0. RESULTS: The mean fasting 25(OH)D and PTH concentrations were 23.47+8.9 ng/ml and 28.2±17.6 pg/ml respectively. 5.6% and 32.4% of the children had 25(OH)D concentrations indicative of vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/ml) and insufficiency (10 - 20 ng/ml) respectively. 6% of the children were stunted and prevalence of wasting and" underweight were 17% and 14% respectively. Prevalence of stunting was significantly higher in girls (p<0.05J. Linear regression analysis showed a.significant inverse association between serum levels of 25(OH)D and PTH (r = -0.226, p<0.02). Intake of milk and diary foods had a positive association with 25(OH)D levels although statistically insignificant (r = 0.224, p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the presence of sub-optimal vitamin D status in preschool children in a tropical country. Inverse changes in PTH may deleteriously affect skeletal development and growth. The need for appropriate interventions to optimise vitamin D status is emphasized.