Vitamin D Levels in Malnourished Children under 5 Years in a Tertiary Care Center at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania-A Cross-sectional Study

Objective: To evaluate vitamin D levels/deficiency among malnourished children <5 years admitted at a tertiary care center, the Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Children with malnutrition may have co-existing vitamin D deficiency (VDD), which may be severe. Methods: Serum vitamin D and alkaline phosphatase were evaluated, and X-ray of the wrist was carried out on 134 children. Results: VDD was found in 41 of 134 children (30.6%). The mean vitamin D level was 74.8 nmol/l. The mean alkaline phosphatase level was 176.6U/l. Sixty-four (48%) children were found to have severe stunting, of whom 20 (31.2%) were vitamin D deficient. Marasmic children had higher odds of VDD compared with other forms of malnutrition. Conclusion: The high prevalence of VDD in malnourished children underlines the need for active surveillance and aggressive management.