Evaluation of clinical symptoms and dietary habits in children aged 9-13 years with vitamin D deficiency

Introduction. Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to the occurrence of certain clinical symptoms and is related to the diet used by children. Objectives. Aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between reduced serum vitamin D levels and some lifestyle cues, including dietary habits and clinical symptoms from the skeletal system. Material and methods. The study included 125 children aged 9-13 years (68 boys and 57 girls) who were hospitalized in the Department of Propedeutics Paediatrics and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Medical University of Lodz in 20122015. For each child, the concentration of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD) in serum was measured with chemiluminiscent immunoassay technology. Three patient groups were identified based on serum 25OHD: group 1 – 25OHD concentration <20 ng/dl (vitamin D deficiency), group 2 – 25OHD concentration from 20 to 30 ng/dl (suboptimal vitamin D supply) and group 3 – concentration of 25OHD> 30 ng/dl (correct vitamin D level). Results. Vitamin D deficiency was diagnosed in 71 (56.8%) children, suboptimal supply was found in 37 (29.6%) and correct vitamin D level in 17 (13.6%) patients.The occurrence of bone and joint pains and fractures was observed more frequently in children with lower 25OHD concentration. Low physical activity and spending time inside are factors predisposing to vitamin D deficiency. Children have too little vitamin D and calcium intake, but sodium, phosphorus and protein intake have exceeded Słowa kluczowe witamina D, dzieci, objawy kliniczne, dieta