A Cross-sectional Study on Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Other Markers of Mineral Metabolism in Healthy Children in India

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) plays a significant role in phosphate homeostasis but data on children are limited. We aimed to detect FGF23 levels in 107 healthy children aged 6-16 years and evaluate its correlation with markers of phosphate and calcium metabolism, and the dietary intake of calcium, phosphate, and proteins. Height, weight, and Tanner stages were measured, and dietary intake was calculated. Biochemical analyses of hemoglobin, serum calcium, phosphate, creatinine, Vitamin D, and plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) and FGF23 levels were performed, alongside their associations with FGF23. Of the children, 65.4% were males. Their mean body mass index was 15.79 ± 2.96 for males and 16.5 ± SD 2.72 for females. The mean Vitamin D and PTH levels were 29.7 ± 1.1 ng/mL and 29.2 ± 1.2 pg/mL, respectively. The mean FGF23 levels were 159 ± 15.2 reference units (RU)/mL. The mean FGF23 levels were significantly higher in females (209.3 ± 31 RU/mL) than in males (132.3 ± 15.1 RU/mL). All biochemical parameters were within the normal range. FGF23 correlated with age, weight, and height, but not Vitamin D, PTH, or dietary calcium and phosphate. FGF23 showed a negative correlation with hemoglobin levels (r = -0.23). Since most children had a nonvegetarian diet, the FGF23 levels were not assessed in vegetarians. These observations were attributed to the rural lifestyle favoring adequate exposure to sunlight and physical activity. The increased FGF23 levels in females, the trends in urban settings, and the levels in strictly vegetarian diets need further study.