Impact Of Cord Blood Vitamin D Level On Early Childhood Caries In Infancy: A Pilot Study

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most frequent chronic diseases among infants and preschool-aged children.Objectives: Our objective was to determine an association between umbilical cord blood 25(OH) D level and early childhood caries.Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Near East University (NEU) Medical hospital in Cyprus during 2013-2016. All pregnant women followed by NEU gynecology and obstetrics clinic were invited to participate in the study. Cord blood serum samples were collected after birth and analyzed for 25(OH) D levels. Infants underwent dental examinations, and questionnaire information was gathered from parents of infants between 1 and 2 years of age.Results: Among 120 deliveries, 90 mothers accepted to participate and supply cord blood. 40 of them were excluded; therefore, 50 toddlers were recruited to participate (mean age 20.2 +/- 3.1 months, male/female: 23/27) and all of them attended the dental and questionnaire evaluations related to participants aged 1 - 2 years. Cord blood 25(OH) D level (mean: 25.6 +/- 11.6 ng/mL) was found to be seriously low in 12%, low in 20%, deficient in 28%, and optimal in 40%. 34% of the infants had ECC. Oral hygiene habits and low cord blood level of 25(OH) D were significantly associated with the development of ECC (P = 0.039 and P = 0.002, respectively). Logistic regression analysis revealed that lower cord blood 25(OH) D level was significantly associated with ECC (P = 0.007).Discussion: This study demonstrated the impact of low neonatal 25(OH) D level on the development of ECC. Based on these results, it can be suggested that measuring 25(OH) D levels of mothers during pregnancy can help maintain an optimal maternal and offspring vitamin D level, thereby protecting the infant's dental health.