Evaluation of correlation between vitamin D with vitamin B₁₂ and folate in children

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the association of vitamin D levels with vitamin B₁₂ and folate levels in children.

Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted with 7181 children whose vitamin D, vitamin B₁₂, and folate levels were measured simultaneously and analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 10.1 ± 5.2 y (median 10 y). Of the 7181 children in the study, 4047 (56.4%) were girls and 3134 (43.6%) were boys. The children were placed into one of four groups depending on their vitamin D level. Group 1's vitamin D level was <10 ng/mL (n = 2408; 33.5%), group 2: 10 to 19 ng/mL (n = 2504; 34.9%), group 3: 20 to 29 ng/mL (n = 1570; 21.9%), and group 4: ≥30 ng/mL (n = 699; 9.7%). The correlations of vitamin D levels with B₁₂ and folate were analyzed by Spearman's correlation test.

Results: We detected positive, weak but significant correlation between vitamin D and vitamin B12/folate (r = 0.240, P < 0.001 and r = 0.245, P = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion: The present study reported a positive correlation between vitamin D and vitamin B₁₂ and folate levels. Regular measurement of these two micronutrient levels in children with vitamin D deficiency is important for public health.