Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in exclusively breastfed infants

Authors

  • Prabu Velusamy Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Kavitha Devarajulu Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20190072

Keywords:

Breast feeding mothers, Infants, Vitamin D deficiency

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency in exclusively breast fed infants was increasing in young infants. Many studies were done previously but still the data on vitamin D status of healthy term infants are scanty. Hence the present study was done to determine the prevalence of subclinical vitamin D deficiency among exclusively breast fed babies by estimating the serum levels of relevant parameters.

Methods: The present descriptive study included 40 babies that are exclusively breast fed healthy term babies with birth weight >2.5kg. After collection of complete demographic and antenatal data, serum was collected from all the babies to estimate serum levels of vitamin D (25OH-D3) and calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase.

Results: Out of 40 babies, vitamin D deficiency was found in 33 (83%) babies. Of them, hypocalcaemia was seen in 13 (39.3%) infants. Raised ALP was noticed in all babies with a mean value of 464.97 IU/L. Phosphorus levels were normal in all babies with a mean value of 6.12 mg/ml.  Serum 25 OH vitamin D3 levels were low (mean-10.02 ng/ml) and mean calcium was 8.81 mg/dl.

Conclusions: Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was found to be high in exclusively breastfed babies with hypocalcemia in 39% of babies and associated seizure in one baby in this study.

References

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Published

2019-02-23

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Original Research Articles