Vitamin D Status and Multisystem Health Outcomes at 5-6 Years in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Preterm and Term-Born Children: A Cross-Sectional Secondary Analysis of Two Prospective Cohorts
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is common in children, but its associations with growth and organ function remain unclear. This cross-sectional secondary analysis of two prospective cohort studies evaluated vitamin D status and multisystem health outcomes in very-low-birth-weight preterm and term children aged 5-6 years. Methods: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was categorized as deficiency (30 ng/mL). Assessments included anthropometry, blood pressure, body composition and bone mineral density, pulmonary function, cardiac indices, kidney and metabolic biomarkers, and cognitive function (preterm children only). Results: Overall, 213 children (144 preterm, 69 term) were included; only 17.8% achieved sufficient vitamin D levels. No statistically significant associations were detected between serum 25(OH)D and any of these outcomes. In contrast, 25(OH)D levels were positively correlated with physical activity, sun exposure, and vitamin D supplementation (all p Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency was common, but no statistically significant associations with multisystem health measures were detected; several features of this analysis limit the strength of these null findings. Sun exposure, physical activity, and vitamin D supplementation were associated with higher 25(OH)D concentrations. These exploratory cross-sectional findings require confirmation in prospectively designed studies.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a secondary / pooled analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 213 participants or records.
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