Severe vitamin D deficiency in children from Punta Arenas, Chile: Influence of nutritional status on the response to supplementation Deficiencia severa de vitamina D en niños de Punta Arenas, Chile: Influencia de estado nutricional en la respuesta a suple

Abstract

© 2015 Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría. There is a high risk of vitamin D (VD) deficiency in the population of southern Chile that can be treated with VD supplements. Weight excess (WE) can influence the response to supplements. Objectives: To study the prevalence of VD deficiency and the effect of cholecalciferol (VD3) supplements in healthy children from Punta Arenas, Chile, and evaluate a possible association with nutritional status. Methodology: Demographic and anthropometric data, as well as laboratory assessment of serum 25-hidroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and other bone metabolism parameters were evaluated. After baseline evaluation, children were supplemented with VD3 1600 IU/day for one month, after which 25OHD was retested. Results: Of the 108 children studied, 50% were boys, and had a mean age of 9.6 ± 0.5 years. Nutritional assessment showed that 39% had normal weight, 46% were overweight, and 15% were obese. Median 25OHD was 10.9 ng/ml: 96.3% had deficiency (< 20 ng/ml) and 3.7% ins