A clinician's guide to vitamin D and bone health in children

Vitamin D and calcium are key determinants of bone health; deficiency in either or both can cause nutritional rickets in children and osteomalacia in children and adults. Vitamin D is essential for absorption and supply of calcium and phosphate for bone mineralisation. Individuals at risk of deficiency in either nutrient can be broadly classed into 2 categories; healthy at-risk population and those with pre-disposition due to underlying chronic health conditions. In the former, vitamin D deficiency (VDD) predominantly results from restricted Ultraviolet B, either due to environmental (high latitude residence), biological (dark skin pigmentation) or behavioural (sun avoidance, covered clothing) factors.
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Occasional review Source Type: research