Vitamin D levels in malnourished children under 5 years in a tertiary care center at Muhimbili National hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania—a cross-sectional study

Authors

• Nahida Z. Walli, Aga Khan University, Tanzania
• Emmanuel K. Munubhi, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania
• Said Aboud, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania
• Karim P. Manji, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania

Document Type

Article

Department

Paediatrics and Child Health (East Africa)

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate vitamin D levels/deficiency among malnourished children < 5 years admitted at a tertiary care center, the Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Children with malnutrition may have co-existing vitamin D deficiency (VDD), which may be severe.

Methods: Serum vitamin D and alkaline phosphatase were evaluated, and X-ray of the wrist was carried out on 134 children.

Results: VDD was found in 41 of 134 children (30.6%). The mean vitamin D level was 74.8 nmol/l. The mean alkaline phosphatase level was 176.6 U/l. Sixty-four (48%) children were found to have severe stunting, of whom 20 (31.2%) were vitamin D deficient. Marasmic children had higher odds of VDD compared with other forms of malnutrition.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of VDD in malnourished children underlines the need for active surveillance and aggressive management.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1093/tropej/fmw081

Recommended Citation

Walli, N. Z., Munubhi, E. K., Aboud, S., Manji, K. P. (2016). Vitamin D levels in malnourished children under 5 years in a tertiary care center at Muhimbili National hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania—a cross-sectional study. Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, 203(209), 63-3.
Available at: https://ecommons.aku.edu/eastafrica_fhs_mc_paediatr_child_health/625