Evaluation of the Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and itsâ Correlation with Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference in Children

Abstract

Introduction: Recent studies have suggested a link between vitamin D deficiency and an increase in body mass index and waist circumference. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vitamin D status and its’ correlation with body mass index and waist circumference in children aged 2-14 referred to the clinic of Imam Ali Hospital in Karaj in 2019-2020. Methods: Three Hundred seventy-nine (379) children aged 2-14 years referred to Clinic were enrolled in the study. Patients' height, weight (BMI calculated accordingly), waist circumference and serum vitamin D levels were measured. Chi-Square, Krystal-Wallis and Fishers exact tests were used, and the Bivariate Correlation test was used to determine the relationship between two variables. Results: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency and adequate levels were reported 40.6%, 11.9%and 47.5%, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency was more common in girls. Vitamin D had a significant and weak relationship with BMI, but no association with waist circumference. Conclusion: The results of this study showed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were higher in girls. The highest levels of vitamin D were found in patients with normal weight. Vitamin D deficiency was most common in obese patients. Serum vitamin D were significantly associated with obesity, but had no significant association with waist circumference. A study with a larger sample size in this area, is recommended.