20241028 Vitamin D

 

Prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in the Philippines

More than half of children in the Philippines are deficient (10.3%) and insufficient (50.3%) in vitamin D, according to an analysis of serum vitamin D data collected from six to 12 year old children. This study was based on the 2018 National Nutrition Survey data (NNS 2018), funded by the Government of the Philippines. (Angeles-Agdeppa & Tanda, 2021)

Vitamin D Status and Usual Nutrient Intake of Filipino Children Aged 6–12 Years in Selected Areas in the Philippines: A 2018 National Nutrition Survey

The study aimed to analyze vitamin D status, intake, and food sources among Filipino children aged 6–12 years based on the 2018 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by the DOST-FNRI, focusing on various geographic regions.

I. Introduction

Vitamin D, often referred to as the sunshine vitamin, is crucial for bone health as it aids in calcium absorption and regulates calcium and phosphorus storage in bones. The human body synthesizes vitamin D through exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight, converting it into various forms in the liver and kidneys. Deficiency in vitamin D can lead to serious skeletal issues in children, such as nutritional rickets and osteomalacia, and has also been linked to mental health disorders and adverse neurohormonal effects on brain development. Globally, vitamin D deficiency is a significant public health concern, affecting individuals across all age groups, even in regions with ample sunlight.

Given the importance of vitamin D in both bone growth and immune function, this study aims to assess the prevalence of vitamin D status, typical nutrient intake, and dietary sources of vitamin D among Filipino children aged 6 to 12 years, using data from the 2018 National Nutrition Survey. With limited natural food sources of vitamin D and the role of sunlight exposure in its synthesis, understanding vitamin D levels in this demographic is particularly relevant, especially in light of associations between low vitamin D levels and increased susceptibility to infections.

Methods

The study utilized a cross-sectional design based on data from the 2018 National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI). Participants included children aged 6–12 years from eight geographically diverse areas across the National Capital Region (NCR), Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Dietary intake was assessed through a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which recorded food consumption over the past month to identify vitamin D sources. Blood samples were collected to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, classifying them into deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency categories. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to evaluate vitamin D prevalence and dietary intake differences across regions and genders. This approach allowed for a comprehensive assessment of vitamin D status among Filipino children.

Results 

The findings indicated that rice, fish, vegetables, eggs, and pork were the top five commonly consumed foods among children, with fish being the highest contributor to vitamin D intake at 53%. The analysis showed significant variations in vitamin D sources by region, with fish contributing 62–64% of vitamin D intake in Visayas and Mindanao. However, the overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was high, particularly in NCR, where 30.1% of children were deficient.

Discussion

Despite the Philippines receiving ample sunlight, the study revealed a concerning rate of vitamin D deficiency (10.3%) and insufficiency (50.3%) among children. Urbanization in NCR, characterized by limited outdoor activities and increased indoor lifestyles, contributed significantly to lower vitamin D levels. The study suggests that gender differences exist, with females exhibiting higher rates of deficiency due to lifestyle factors and potential differences in subcutaneous fat that affect vitamin D metabolism. Additionally, the usual vitamin D intake among Filipino children was only 2.0 µg per day, well below the recommended 5 µg, underscoring the need for dietary improvements and increased outdoor activity.

Conclusion

The study concluded that vitamin D insufficiency is prevalent among Filipino children, particularly among females and those living in urban areas. The significantly low dietary intake and limited sun exposure highlight the urgency of promoting outdoor activities and increasing vitamin D-rich food consumption to combat issues like stunting and enhance overall immune health among children in the Philippines.

               Insights                   

The alarming prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in the Philippines needs urgent action. There is the fact that many Filipinos lack awareness of vitamin D's importance. While some traditionally go outside each morning to absorb sunlight, especially babies and the elderly, this practice is not widespread. To address this issue, the country should promote outdoor activities, as many young Filipinos now spend most of their time indoors due to gadgets.

Moreover, although various solutions are suggested in numerous articles, there are still lapses caused by major factors. While some areas in the Philippines have easy access to vitamin D-rich foods like fish (especially for those near of bodies of water), the country’s economic challenges limit many Filipinos to purchasing only what fits their budgets. As a result, vitamin D-rich foods can be prohibitively expensive, contributing to widespread insufficiency. In conclusion, while there are many potential solutions for obtaining adequate vitamin D, some individuals unfortunately lack the means to access these necessities.

References:

Angeles-Agdeppa, I., & Tanda, K. V. (2021). Vitamin D status and usual nutrient intake of Filipino children aged 6–12 years in selected areas in the Philippines: a 2018 National Nutrition survey. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2021, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8515607

nutraingredients-asia.com. (2021, March 3). Immunity concerns: More than half of Filipino children deficient or insufficient in vitamin D - new population data. https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/Article/2021/03/03/Immunity-concerns-More-than-half-of-Filipino-children-deficient-or-insufficient-in-vitamin-D-new-population-data#

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