This chapter reviews data on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, risk factors that predispose children and adolescents to this problem, and current approaches to routine vitamin D supplementation and treatment of vitamin D deficiency. The increasing world-wide prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among otherwise healthy pediatric patients is explored. Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency have been identified and include, among others, northern geographical location, dark skin pigmentation, female gender, lack of supplementation, and diseases associated with malabsorption. While supplementation strategies to prevent vitamin D deficiency have not been standardized for infants, children, and adolescents, previous studies comparing different doses have been tested in both healthy youth, as well as those with chronic disease. There is even less consensus on the appropriate treatment doses for young patients identified to have this deficiency. Health outcomes data are critically needed to provide guidance regarding the most appropriate supplementation and treatment regimens for the pediatric age group.

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