Bone Abstracts

Objectives: To assess the vitamin D nutrition status of healthy children in the age group 2–5 years and to assess the daily dietary calcium intake of these children.

Methods: A total of 100 healthy children (age group 2–5 years) were studied in this cross sectional study. Dietary calcium and energy intake was estimated using 24 h dietary recall method. Average sun exposure over last 3 days was assessed by calculating u.v. score. Biochemical parameters assessed included serum calcium (total and ionic), inorganic phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), parathormone (PTH) and 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD).

Results: Diet of 32% children provided met the ICMR recommendation of daily dietary calcium intake ≥600 mg. 23% children had an adequate vitamin D nutrition status (serum 25OHD ≥20 ng/ml). Average sun exposure was 21.4±19.8 min/day (range 5–120 min). Only 9% children had adequate calcium intake (≥600 mg/day) as well as optimal vitamin D status. 54% children did not have either adequate calcium intake or optimal vitamin D status. Serum PTH was elevated in 5% and ALP in 10% cases. Serum ALP was significantly higher in subjects with 25OHD <10 ng/ml. No correlation was observed between serum 25OHD and PTH levels.

Conclusion: Bone health status of children 2–5 years of age is sub-optimal, with prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in 77% and low dietary calcium intake in 68% subjects.