Evaluation of Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Relationship with Body Mass Index in Children 1 To 16 Years

Introduction: Body weight gain in children and teenagers is one of the major challenges that cause undesirable health outcomes. Simultaneously with the prevalence of overweight and obesity, children and adolescents are diagnosed with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency in different sides of the world. The present study aimed to assess 25(OH)D status among Iranian volunteers aged 1-16 years and find the correlation between 25(OH)D status and body mass index (BMI) subjects.    Material and Methods: The total volunteers included 807 Iranian children aged 1 to 16 referred to the general and endocrinology clinics in Babol city, Mazandaran Province. A trained physician determined anthropometric characteristics. Serum levels of calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), creatinine (Cr), urea, thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and 25(OH)D were assessed in all children.      Results: 25.27% of the children were 25(OH)D deficient, and 59.1% were insufficient. There was no significant difference in serum 25(OH)D level between girls and boys (P=0.13). A significant negative correlation was found in serum 25(OH)D level with weight (P=0.000, r=-0.12), BMI (P=0.000, r=-0.13), and age (P=0.000, r=-0.13). Conclusion: These data displayed that 25(OH)D insufficiency is highly prevalent among children in the north of Iran. Serum 25(OH)D levels are affected by age and BMI value. Improving vitamin D deficiency helps to maintain the health of children and adolescents during this critical period.