Journal of Pediatric Care

The Effects of Physical Activity and Sun Exposure on Vitamin D Status among Children from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has increased among children and adults during the past decade. This study aimed to determine whether physical activity and sun exposure affected vitamin D status among healthy Saudi children.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 378 Saudi children (187 girls and 191 boys) who were 4-18 years old. Their levels of physical activity and sun exposure were estimated using a questionnaire, and blood samples were obtained to analyze their vitamin D levels.
Results: We found that 371 children (98.1%) had low vitamin D levels and 7 children (1.9%) had normal levels. Children who exercised >3 times/week had higher levels of vitamin D, compared to less active children. Children who exposed the greatest number of body parts had higher vitamin D levels, compared to children who only exposed their face, hand and arms, or face. There was no correlation between low vitamin D levels and sex (deficiency: 185 girls [48.9%] and 186 boys [49.2%]).
Conclusion: Otherwise healthy children exhibited a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, which may be related to reduced sun exposure and physical activity. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation may be appropriate for children who have a high risk of deficiency.

Author(s):

Almehmadi BM, Fallata EM, Alqahtani SZ and Al-Agha AE

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