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Vitamin D and Its Affect on Growth Rates and Bone Mineral Density Until Age 5

Not Applicable
Conditions
Vitamin D Deficiency
Interventions
Other: Placebo (for Vitamin D)
Registration Number
NCT01419821
Lead Sponsor
Meir Medical Center
Brief Summary

Abstract Background: Vitamin D affects a wide variety of functions in the body including regulation of calcium, phosphorus, and bone metabolism. Israeli studies have documented a high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in Israeli infants in general, which was more severe in infants from Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families. Modest dress requirements in this population drastically reduce sun exposure, known to encourage production of Vitamin D. Countless research has analyzed preterm as well as term neonates born to mothers with vitamin D deficiency, with regard to weight, height, and bone mineral density at birth. However, there is a paucity of information about healthy infants' vitamin D levels and its' correlation to these parameters during the first few years of life. Objectives: The purpose of the proposed study is to measure and correlate levels of 25(OH)D and bone mineral density towards the end of the first year of life with growth rates and bone mineral density in the same children at the ages of 2, 3 and 5 years. Patients and Methods: The study will be performed in the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community of Beitar Illit. 25(OH)D levels will be taken between 9-12 months of age (when routine blood tests are normally drawn for these infants) and bone mineral density will be measured using Quantitative Ultrasound. Infants will be divided into 2 groups: those with those with normal 25(OH)D levels (\>15ng/ml), and those with 25(OH)D deficiency (\<15ng/ml). Group 1- normal levels will receive no intervention. Infants with 25(OH)D below 15ng/ml will be randomly assigned into one of two groups; Group 2-those receiving continued vitamin D supplementation of 800 international units(IU) (4gtt/d) for one year, or Group 3- those receiving the placebo. Height, weight, and head circumference growth curves will be recorded every two months until 2 years of age. Quantitative ultrasound, growth charts and blood tests including 25(OH)D, serum calcium and phosphate levels, Parathyroid hormone (PTH), and alkaline phosphatase, taken at approximately 9-12 months will be repeated at 2 years of age. At that time children from Group 1 (no supplementation) will be divided into three: Group 1a- normal 25(OH)D levels will continue with no intervention, Group 1b \<15ng/ml will begin receiving vitamin D 4gtt/d, Group 1c \<15ng/ml will receive a placebo until age three. Groups 2 and 3 will continue their previous treatment until age three. All aforementioned tests will be repeated at age 3, when treatment will stop, and the same tests will be repeated at age 5.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
200
Inclusion Criteria

Infants between 9-12 months old in Tipat Chalav and Kupat Holim Clalit in Beitar Illit undergoing a blood draw for CBC at one year of age.

Exclusion Criteria

Parents that refuse to participate in this study, infants with any diagnosed chronic disease, and preterm infants less than 34 weeks.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Placebo groupPlacebo (for Vitamin D)Group 3- Infants with 25(OH)D below 15ng/ml those receiving the placebo.
Vit D supplementationVitamin DGroup 2-Infants with 25(OH)D below 15ng/ml receiving continued vitamin D supplementation of 800IU (4gtt/d) for one year.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Height at the age of 3 years3 years after the recruitment begins
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Bone densitometry by ultrasound3 years after recruitment begins

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Clalit Health services

🇮🇱

Beitar Elit, Israel

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