BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency has been documented as a frequent problem in almost every region of the world even in the tropical countries and its health consequences are enormous. Infancy and adolescence are age groups particularly at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency. However, there are no data on the Vitamin D status of Filipino adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in Filipino high school students in selected schools in Quezon City

METHODS: A cross-sectional study of Filipino high school students was undertaken. A total of 97 boys and girls aged 11- 18 years old, attending selected private and public secondary schools in Quezon City participated in the study after parents' consent and students' assent were taken. Serum 25(OH)D levels were determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) using Roche HITACHI Cobas e immunoassay analyzer.

RESULTS: The total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of the students ranged from 19.92 nmol/L to 88.63 nmol/L with a mean of 52.43 nmol/L. Among the 97 high school students, there was a prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (serum 25 (OH)D <50nmol/L) of 41.2% with 20.6% having deficient (

CONCLUSION: Hypovitaminosis D is highly prevalent among Filipino adolescents in secondary school despite abundance of sunlight. Appropriate interventions are needed to address the problem of poor vitamin D status in schoolchildren.

Human ; Filipino, Adolescents ; Vitamin D Deficiency ; Philippines

INTRODUCTION: In the past decades, the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has increased worldwide. Childhood obesity has been associated with wide range of serious health complications and increased risk of premature adult illnesses. Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) was of concern because of limited data among children. The study aims to determine the prevalence and demographic /clinical factors associated with NAFLD among overweight and obese children.

METHODOLOGY: The study was a cross-sectional study among overweight and obese participants aged 2-18 years old. A total of 96 subjects were included. Frequencies and percentages of clinical characteristics were determined. Chi-square, linear correlation and logistic regression analysis for different factors were performed.

RESULTS: Among the 92 subjects, 26 (28%) were overweight while 66 (72%) were obese. The M:F ratio was 1.8:1 and majority belonged to 6-10 years old (44%). As to socioeconomic class, the rity (59%) were from the low-income group. The overall prevalence of NAFLD among overweight and obese subjects was 29.3%. None of the clinical factors (age, gender, socioeconomic status, BMI, waist circumference, actual caloric intake, and dietary fat consumption) were significantly associated with NAFLD. Analysis of biochemical factors revealed that alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, serum triglycerides and total cholesterol were found to be associated with NAFLD. Among which AST and ALT were identified predictors of NAFLD.

CONCLUSION: There was high prevalence of NAFLD among overweight and obese children. Screening among the pediatric population may aid on early identification and prevent its progression. ALT, AST, serum triglycerides and total cholesterol were independently related wih NAFLD. AST and ALT were identified predictors of NAFLD.

Human ; Overweight ; Obesity ; Child Nutrition Disorders ; Philippines ; Cross-sectional Studies