Vitamin A and D deficiencies in Tibetan vs. non-Tibetan children: roles of altitude, gender, and season in Sichuan Province
Abstract Background Vitamin deficiencies significantly impact children’s growth and development, particularly in high-altitude regions. This study investigated the prevalence and patterns of vitamin A and D deficiencies among children in Tibetan versus non-Tibetan regions of Sichuan Province, China,...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | BMC Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23256-4 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background Vitamin deficiencies significantly impact children’s growth and development, particularly in high-altitude regions. This study investigated the prevalence and patterns of vitamin A and D deficiencies among children in Tibetan versus non-Tibetan regions of Sichuan Province, China, considering the influences of altitude, gender, and seasonal variations. Methods A case-control study was conducted comparing 995 Tibetan children from Garze Prefecture (altitude > 2000 m) with 995 age- and sex-matched non-Tibetan children from Luzhou City during 2017–2019. Vitamin A deficiency was defined as serum retinol < 0.70 µmol/L, and vitamin D deficiency as 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 50 nmol/L. Results Tibetan children showed significantly higher rates of vitamin A (47.7% vs. 21.0%) and D (19.8% vs. 10.7%) deficiency compared to non-Tibetan children. Vitamin A and Vitamin D deficiency were more frequent in higher altitudes, with vitamin A (OR 5.2, 95% CI 2.44–11.09) and D deficiency (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.28–4.77). Female Tibetan children demonstrated higher vitamin D deficiency risk, while summer and autumn were associated with lower vitamin D deficiency risk (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.29–0.65). Conclusions This study reveals substantial disparities in vitamin A and D status between Tibetan and non-Tibetan children, with altitude, gender, and seasonal factors playing crucial roles. These findings emphasize the need for targeted nutritional interventions considering multiple environmental and demographic factors in high-altitude regions. |
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| ISSN: | 1471-2458 |