Impact of nutrient deficiencies on early childhood caries: A case-control study on Vitamin D, Calcium, and Ferritin serum levels

Abstract

Background: Early Childhood Caries, often prompts healthcare professionals to focus on local factors, often neglecting systemic contributors. Therefore, research was designed to examine the relationships between blood levels of vitamin D, calcium, ferritin and the occurrence of Early Childhood Caries. Materials and Methods: This case‒control study included a cohort of fifty Egyptian children aged 2 to 6 years who were segregated into two equal groups: the case group (Early Childhood Caries) and the control group (free from caries). Blood samples were taken from all participants to determine the levels of vitamin D, calcium, and ferritin. Results: In terms of vitamin D levels, 24% (n=6) of the control group had insufficient vitamin D levels (10 - 0.05). The mean ferritin level was significantly higher in the control group (79.91 ± 49.48) than in the case group (27.72 ± 7.90) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This research shows a link between vitamin D and ferritin levels and the occurrence of Early Childhood Caries. However, no such association was seen with calcium levels.

Keywords

• Childhood Caries
• Vitamin D
• Calcium
• Ferritin