Eurasian Journal of Family Medicine, cilt.10, sa.1, ss.21-27, 2021 (Scopus, TRDizin)
© 2021, Eurasian Society of Family Medicine. All rights reserved.Aim: Vitamin D deficiency is an important public health problem, especially affecting children. The aim of our study is to evaluate the serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels of children during the summer and to determine some features such as exposure to the sun, oral vitamin D supplementation, and to examine the parameters that affect serum vitamin D levels. Methods: In our study, children aged between 12 and 83 months were included. A questionnaire was answered by families. In this cross-sectional study, serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels of children and biochemical parameters were examined. Results: The mean serum 25 (OH) vitamin D level was 27.0±12.4 ng/ml. Vitamin D deficiency was found 17%, and vitamin D insufficiency was 6%. The children that taking daycare indoors and body mass index <5th percentile had lower serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels. Children between the ages of 12-36 months and children with chronic diseases were found to have a shorter time to benefit from sunlight. Conclusion: The rate of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency (<20 ng/ml) in children were found at 23% in summer season. Families and caregivers should be informed about vitamin D and should be aware of safe sun exposure.