SERUM LEVELS OF VITAMIN D, RETINOL AND ZINC IN RELATION TO STUNTING AMONG TODDLERS: FINDINGS FROM A NATIONAL STUDY IN IRAN

Background and Aim: Some studies have examined the association between micronutrients deficiency and stunting in children, but data in this regard are conflicting. This study was done to investigate the association between serum levels of vitamin D, retinol and zinc with stunting in a large sample size of Iranian toddlers aged 15-23 monthsMethods: A total of 4393 children aged 15- 23 months who had Iranian birth certificate and attended primary health care system, were included in this cross-sectional study. Weight and height were measured by experts based on standard protocols.. stunting was defined as height for age- z-score (HAZ) of -1 SD or below based on WHO criteria. Serum levels of vitamin D, retinol and zinc was examined based on standard methodsResults: Mean age of study participants was 19.2 ± 8.4 months. After controlling for potential confounders, children in the highest quartile of serum vitamin A levels had lower odds of stunting compared with those in the lowest quartile (OR: 0.71, 95%CI: 0.53-0.97). Furthermore, a significant inverse association was found between serum levels of vitamin A and stunting among girls (OR: 0.57, 95%CI: 0.34-0.94). In addition a significant inverse association was found between serum levels of vitamin A and stunting among urban toddlers (OR: 0.66, 95%CI: 0.44-0.99. No other significant association was seen between serum levels of vitamin D and zinc and stunting either before or after controlling for covariatesConclusion: In conclusion, we found a significant inverse association between serum levels of vitamin A and stunting among toddlers

Keywords:

Micronutrient deficiency , cholecalciferol , retinol , BMI , stunting