Attitude of pediatricians and family physicians regarding vitamin D supplementation for pediatric population: when, how much, and at what dose?

Background
The association of sub-optimal vitamin D level with many diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, cancer, autoimmunity, and infectious diseases, is demonstrated in the studies.

Objectives
We aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of physicians who worked in pediatric health on vitamin D supplementation.

Material and methods
The study was conducted between April and May 2015 with the participation of 574 pediatricians and family physicians. A 13-question form was completed during face-to-face interviews with the participants. The approval of the ethics board was granted.

Results
217 pediatricians (37.8%) and 357 family physicians (62.2%) participated in the study. In total, 85.2% (n = 185) of pediatricians and 92.4% (n = 330) of family physicians recommended vitamin D supplementation to infants and children regardless of their nutrition type. Vitamin D supplementation was recommended to children who had a disease that would cause metabolism disorders by 20.3% (n = 44) of pediatricians and 21.3% (n = 76) of family physicians. A 400 IU/day dose was recommended by 89.4% (n = 194) of pediatricians and 76.8% (n = 274) of family physicians. 70% of pediatricians (n = 152) and 62.7% (n = 224) of family physicians initiated the supplementation of vitamin D when infants were 15 days old. The rate of recommendation of vitamin D of family physicians (67.8%, n = 242) until the age of one year was higher than that of pediatricians (44.7%, n = 97). 9.7% (n = 21) of pediatricians and 10.4% (n = 37) of family physicians recommended vitamin D supplementation until fontanel closure.

Conclusions
This study suggests that the knowledge of physicians who work in pediatrics on the practice of vitamin D supplementation, starting time, and duration must be updated.