J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol. 2024; 16(3): 334-339 | DOI: 10.4274/jcrpe.galenos.2024.2023-11-16

Vitamin D Status in an Italian Pediatric Cohort: Is There a Role for Tobacco Smoking Exposure?

Maria Grazia Clemente¹, Dario Argiolas¹, Stefania Bassu¹, Angela Bitti¹, Cristian Locci¹, Mauro Argiolas¹, Lino Argiolas¹, Laura Saderi², Mariangela V. Puci², Giovanni Sotgiu², Mary E. Blue³, Roberto Antonucci^1
1University of Sassari, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, Clinic of Pediatric, Sassari, Italy
²University of Sassari, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Sassari, Italy
³Johns Hopkins University Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Baltimore, USA

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency is a common public health issue worldwide. The purpose of this study was to investigate the vitamin D status and its potential determinants in children residing in Sardinia (40°N), Italy.
METHODS: Children were enrolled over a 12-month period. Serum 25(OH)D was measured by an immunochemiluminescence assay. A questionnaire was used to gather information on other variables, including passive smoke exposure.
RESULTS: A total of 182 children (males: 51.7%; median age: 9 years) were included. Mean±standard deviation serum 25(OH)D was 25.2±8.3 ng/mL for the whole group. The majority (n=123, 67.6%) had vitamin D sufficient values >20 ng/mL, while 32.4% (n=59) had vitamin D insufficient/deficient values (≤20 ng/mL). Among the variables investigated, passive smoke exposure was significantly associated with insufficient 25(OH)D levels (p<0.0001).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that hypovitaminosis D is common in Italian children. Furthermore, passive smoke exposure was identified as a significant risk factor for hypovitaminosis D.

Keywords: Vitamin D deficiency, hypovitaminosis D, passive smoke exposure, lifestyle habits

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