LCP932 Power Consumption

Hi, I have a delay function that for some reason every time I included in my project it causes the micro controller to use extra power. With out the function I read 20 micro amps in total power down mode, but with the function I read 4.4 miliamps in the same mode. I use this delay function to energize a relay for about 50 miliseconds. Is there any other method I could use to replace this function with? Or even better, why is this function "I assume" causing the micro to concume so much power.
Thanks.

void delay (int x) small reentrant { //0 to 4,294,967,295
int i;

for (i = 0; i < x; i++) { ;
}
}