VITAMIN D STATUS AND DIETARY HABITS OF CHILDREN WITH ADOLESCENT IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS IN VARNA

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a very common condition amongst adolescents in Bulgaria, as well as in Europe. Few factors play a role in the etiopathogenesis, one of which is the lifestyle, specifically the levels of some nutrients, and anthropometrics. They can be described as aspects of the nutritional status of patients with AIS. Purpose: This ongoing study aims to access the vit. D3 and dietary habits of children with AIS in Varna. Methods: Data was collected from 77 participants so far, using anthropometric measurements, food questionnaires and biochemical testing for vit. D3 levels in blood serum of all children without contraindications or objections (34 out of the 77). Results: Out of 34, 3% are sufficient, while 47% are insufficient and 50% are with moderate to severe levels of deficiency. The level of consumption of fish amongst all the participants so far is below the recommendations. The level of consumption of eggs, despite the low amount of vit. D3 in the egg yolk also has a correlation to the levels of vit. D3. Participants supplementing with vit D3 or multivitamins containing it had similar average levels to the children not supplementing. Conclusions: The data so far shows that participants might be in need of more information about fish consumption recommendations and how to properly supplement with vit D3 .