Vitamin D and Nutritional Rickets

Keywords: RICKETS, NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY - Vitamin D

Reference: "Early and severe presentation of vitamin D deficiency and nutritional rickets among hospitalized infants and the effective factors," Tezer H, Siklar Z, et al, Turk J Pediatr, 2009; 51(2): 110-5. (Address: Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey).

Summary: In a study involving 305 hospitalized children (between 0 and 3 years of age), out of which 6.8% (n=21) were found to have nutritional vitamin D deficiency and rickets, lower vitamin D intake was found among the children with rickets as compared to controls. In addition, the frequency of malnutrition and anemia were higher among children with rickets, as compared to the controls. Out of the 21 children with rickets, 14 were admitted to the hospital for infectious conditions, mostly respiratory tract infections. These results show that rickets due to vitamin D deficiency is still quite common, particularly in infancy. The authors conclude, "To address this problem, a specific attention should be given to women of reproductive age and in the early infancy period. Initiation of vitamin D supplementation could be offered very early (perhaps after the birth) in children with risk factors."

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Provided by:
C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Energy Medicine
President Emeritus
Holos University Graduate Seminary
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