Vitamin D Deficiency in Children Studied

VITAMIN D deficiency was widespread in children, with higher BMI linked to lower levels in overweight groups.

Vitamin D Deficiency Seen Across All Study Groups

Researchers evaluated serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in 364 children aged 6 to 17 years from the Middle East and North Africa region who were living in Qatar. Participants were categorized according to asthma status and body mass index (BMI), creating four groups: normal weight with asthma, overweight or obesity with asthma, overweight or obesity without asthma, and normal weight without asthma.

Vitamin D deficiency, defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D below 50 nmol/L, was common regardless of asthma or weight status. Deficiency was identified in 81.1% of children with overweight or obesity and no asthma, 73.9% of those with overweight or obesity and asthma, 68.3% of normal weight children without asthma, and 66.3% of normal weight children with asthma.

Despite the numerical variation, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency did not differ significantly among the groups. Vitamin D sufficiency was uncommon, ranging from only 1.1% to 6.5% across the cohort.

Higher BMI Associated with Lower Vitamin D

A clearer relationship emerged when researchers examined BMI and vitamin D levels among children with overweight or obesity. Higher BMI correlated significantly with lower serum vitamin D concentrations both among those with asthma and those without asthma.

No significant relationship between BMI and vitamin D was observed in normal weight children. Children with overweight or obesity but no asthma also recorded the lowest vitamin D concentrations overall.

Multivariable analysis adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and atopy found no significant independent association between asthma status and vitamin D status. Researchers also found no evidence that asthma and overweight or obesity interacted to produce a combined effect on vitamin D.

Findings Highlight a Widespread Pediatric Burden

The findings suggest that excess body weight may be more closely associated with vitamin D concentrations than asthma itself in this population. However, the cross-sectional design means the study cannot establish causation or determine whether changes in BMI would alter vitamin D levels.

Interpretation is also limited by the absence of data on vitamin D supplementation, sunlight exposure, season, dietary intake, and physical activity, along with recruitment from pediatric clinics rather than the general community. The authors therefore cautioned that the results may not be directly generalizable beyond the population studied.

Still, with the majority of children in every group classified as vitamin D deficient, the study supports consideration of screening, nutritional and lifestyle measures, and vitamin D supplementation when clinically indicated, pending confirmation in longitudinal and interventional research.

Reference
Ahmed LHM et al. Vitamin D Deficiency in Children with Asthma and Overweight/Obesity in Qatar. J Asthma Allergy. 2026;19:594510.

Featured Image: Nexa on Adobe Stock.