Association Between Vitamin D Levels and Developmental Status in Short-Stature Children

Abstract

Background: The first two years of life are crucial for child growth and development, and short stature is a common issue influenced by nutritional deficiencies. This study aimed to determine the relationship between vitamin D levels and short stature in children under 2 years of age in Bandung. Methods: Conducted as part of the ALG Grant research entitled ‘The Role of Vitamin D in Reducing Maternal and Infant Mortality Rates Across Bandung Regency’, this case-control study included 221 children, of whom 46.1% were below average height. Results: Nutritional status played a significant role, with short stature being associated with underweight (21.6%), severely underweight (29.4%), wasted (12.7%), and severely wasted (10.8%) conditions. However, the analysis revealed no significant difference in vitamin D levels between children with short stature and those with normal stature (median 28.8 vs. 28.8, p = 0.555). Logistic regression showed that short stature increased the risk of developmental deviations by 5.46 times compared to normal stature. Conclusions: While short stature remains a concern in Bandung, vitamin D levels do not appear to influence the incidence of short stature or developmental deviations in this population.

Keywords

• children
• development
• short stature
• vitamin D