Vitamin D supplementation during the first two years of life in Izmir, Turkey.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D supplementation and risk factors for non-supplemented infants in Izmir, Turkey.


METHODS
This cross-sectional study was carried out in Well-Child Care Clinics in Izmir, Turkey. Parents filled a questionnaire about socio-demographic characteristics and the use of vitamin D. SPSS version 16.0 was used for statistical analysis.


RESULTS
A total of 1002 children (aged 1 to 24 months) were enrolled in the study. The supplementation rates of vitamin D were 77% in the first 3 months of life, 57% at 10 to 12 months. Economic status of family, education of parents, occupational status of mothers and parity were associated factors with the use of vitamin D supplements in infants (P<0.05). However, when the data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis, only education of mother seems to be statistically significant independent variable in decreasing non-supplementation/ irregular supplementation.


CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin D supplementation rates seem to be not satisfactory in Izmir. Therefore, the importance of vitamin D supplementation in infants should be emphasized in every well-child care visit to prevent vitamin D deficiency.
Department of Social Pediatrics Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey - feyzaumaykoc@yahoo.com.
F
F
Koc
O
O
Halicioglu
S
S
Sutcuoglu
S
S
Asik Akman
S
S
Aksit
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002762:Cholecalciferol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014421:Turkey; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000517:prevention & control*
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D002762:Cholecalciferol