Low Vitamin D Levels: Are Associated with Both Iron Deficiency and Anemia in Children and Adolescents?

Abstract

We have read, with great interest, the recent article by Lee. In this excellent study, the authors investigated the association between vitamin D deficiency and anemia in a nationally representative sample of Korean children and adolescents. They concluded that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of anemia, especially iron deficiency anemia, in healthy female children and adolescents. We appreciate and congratulate the authors for having addressed such an important issue. However, we have some concerns regarding this report, which we would like to share with you. As a result, further studies are needed for the association between vitamin D deficiency and anemia. Factors affecting Vitamin D status and anemia such as measurement method, nutrition, medications, and infections should be considered to conclude an association between vitamin D and anemia. Therefore, we think that considering these confounders would add value to this well-written article.

Keywords  :

• anemia
• HPLC
• iron deficiency
• LC-MS
• vitamin D