Vitamin D Deficiency is a Common Risk Factor in Iron Deficiency in Anemia Children

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is common among children in South Asia, affecting 50-90% due to limited sunlight and inadequate diet.Besides bone health, vitamin D plays a role in immunity and blood formation.Emerging evidence links VDD to anemia, especially iron deficiency anemia (IDA), a significant pediatric health issue in the region.Objective: To assess the association between vitamin D deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in children.Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute (BSH&I), Dhaka, from January to November 2024.One hundred children aged 1 year to 5 years with diagnosed iron deficiency anemia (IDA) were enrolled.Data on demographics, birth history, feeding practices, supplementation, immunization, and medical history were collected via a structured questionnaire.Feeding was classified as breast milk, cow's milk, or formula.Pediatricians performed clinical examinations.Laboratory tests included complete blood count, reticulocyte count, serum ferritin, iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), alkaline phosphatase, phosphate, and calcium.Wrist radiographs were done to evaluate bone health.Results: Among 100 children with IDA, no significant associations were found between vitamin D status and age, gender, or gestational age.However, urban residence showed a borderline association with vitamin D deficiency (OR=2.36;p=0.049).Anemia (OR=2.29;p=0.047) and iron deficiency anemia (OR=4.41;p=0.011) were significantly more common in the vitamin D-deficient group, indicating a strong link between low vitamin D levels and impaired hematologic status.Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was common among children with iron deficiency anemia and showed a significant association with both anemia and IDA.These findings suggest that low vitamin D levels may be an important contributing factor to impaired hematologic health in children, highlighting the need for integrated nutritional assessment and management.