Vitamin D supplementation during the first two years of life in Izmir, Turkey

Aim. 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. Conclusion. 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.