Summary
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, and vitamin D deficiency is a major global health issue. We present here the case of an 11-year-old boy with coexistent iron and vitamin D deficiency manifested as tiredness, leg cramps and a lack of visible weight gain over the last year. Laboratory tests revealed iron deficiency anaemia. Treatment for three months with oral iron tablets showed improvement in serum iron and vitamin D levels, although hemoglobin levels were still unchanged.
Background
Deficiency of iron and vitamin D in children may have long-lasting effects, even if the child is clinically asymptomatic. Documentary evidence is available of vitamin D deficiency in sickle cell anaemia. However, our patient had a normal hemoglobin HPLC report, thus excluding abnormal hemoglobins.
Case Presentation
An 11-year-old boy was brought to the pediatrician with complaints of tiredness, frequent leg cramps, white marks on nails and a lack of visible weight gain. On examination, the boy weighed 37 kg, and he was alert and jovial. The child was the only child of his parents and ...
Log in or register for free to continue reading
Register Now For Free
Already Registered? Log In
indicates a Peer-Reviewed Article
Case Study: Coexistent Vitamin D and Iron Deficiency in a Child
Summary
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, and vitamin D deficiency is a major global health issue. We present here the case of an 11-year-old boy with coexistent iron and vitamin D deficiency manifested as tiredness, leg cramps and a lack of visible weight gain over the last year. Laboratory tests revealed iron deficiency anaemia. Treatment for three months with oral iron tablets showed improvement in serum iron and vitamin D levels, although hemoglobin levels were still unchanged.
Background
Deficiency of iron and vitamin D in children may have long-lasting effects, even if the child is clinically asymptomatic. Documentary evidence is available of vitamin D deficiency in sickle cell anaemia. However, our patient had a normal hemoglobin HPLC report, thus excluding abnormal hemoglobins.
Case Presentation
An 11-year-old boy was brought to the pediatrician with complaints of tiredness, frequent leg cramps, white marks on nails and a lack of visible weight gain. On examination, the boy weighed 37 kg, and he was alert and jovial. The child was the only child of his parents and ...