Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among children in Riyadh City, and to investigate the relationship between vitamin D level and age and sex.Method: Conducted between January and November 2024, this cross-sectional study included 1000 children aged 2–14 years who were ordered for vitamin D level testing for different reasons.Data on age and sex were recorded, and vitamin D level was measured as serum 25(OH) vitamin D. Vitamin D levels were categorized into three groups: sufficiency (>50 nmol/mL), insufficiency (30–50 nmol/mL), and deficiency (<30 nmol/mL).Results: Of 1000, 50.9% were boys, and 12.6% showed vitamin D deficiency, 43.6% insufficiency, and 43.8% sufficiency. Children aged 2–8 years were less likely to be vitamin deficient compared to those aged > 8 years. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in girls than in boys. (graph)Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are common among children in Riyadh City. However, girls are more affected than boys, and age is negatively correlated with vitamin D levels. It is highly recommended to supplement the population with vitamin D, with its fortification in widespread accessible food and improvements in the lifestyles of these children.
