Impact of Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation on Bone Mineral Content in Children Diagnosed with Thalassemia

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the effect of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on osteoprotection in children with thalassemia. Methods and Materials: Twenty-nine children aged 5-18 years were administered oral vitamin D (600 IU/day) and calcium (500 mg/day) for a duration of one year. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure bone mineral content at the beginning of the study and after 12 months. Additionally, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, Serum parathyroid hormone, calcium and phosphate levels were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Results: The mean (SD) bone mineral content increased significantly from the baseline value of 9.3 g to 11.7 g. Similarly, the mean (SD) vitamin D level increased from the initial value of 17.0 ng/mL to 24.7 ng/mL. Conclusions: Supplementing with oral vitamin D and calcium enhances bone mineral content in children diagnosed with thalassemia over a period of one year.