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Abstract

Objectives: To determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in children under12 years of age in the absence of significant clinical signs and symptoms in an ambulatory caresettings. Study Design: Descriptive study. Settings and duration: This study was conductedin Pediatric Out Patient Department of KAUH from June 2013 to June 2014. Materials andmethods: Patients attending the pediatric clinic in KAUH Riyadh, KSA, from June2013 to June2014, in which 287 healthy children under 12 years were enrolled. Serum calcium, phosphorus,alkaline phosphatase and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] were measured .X ray wrists weretaken for radiological evidence of rickets. 25(OH) D levels <50 ng/mL and <25 ng/mL weredefined as insufficiency and severe vitamin D deficiency, respectively. Results: A high prevalenceof vitamin D deficiency is observed in healthy children even in absence of clinical signs andsymptoms. The problem should be highlighted and there is a need to create awareness amongpeople about the etiology of vitamin D deficiency and its prevention.There is a strong need forlong term planning including populationscreening, dietary supplementation with vitamin D andfood fortification.