The role of vitamin D deficiency in the development of paediatric diseases

Abstract

Children’s Vitamin D (VitD) fortification and supplementation are diminishing due to less outdoor exercise and insufficient VitD intake (low exogenous intake and endogenous malabsorption induced by gastrointestinal disease). Consequently, children in many developed countries suffer from VitD deficiency, which may contribute to many paediatric disorders. Our review briefly introduced the metabolic process of VitD, summarized the role of VitD in paediatric diseases such as autism, obesity, rickets and asthma. We sought to identify the link between VitD deficiency and these diseases.

Vitamin D Determinants, Status, and Antioxidant/Anti-inflammatory-Related Effects in Cardiovascular Risk and Disease: Not the Last Word in the Controversy

“…In any case, according to these categories, a large percentage of the entire world population can show inadequate serum 25(OH)D levels, especially when considering obese subjects, people with dark skin, and those insufficiently exposed to sunlight, making it necessary to assess the significance of these findings in terms of disease risk [ 4 ]. In addition, it has been estimated that a considerable number of children and adolescents are at high risk for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency worldwide [ 5 ].…”

Vitamin D status in children in the South Marmara Region in Turkey

“…Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various diseases in children, including rickets, asthma, obesity, and autism. [10] Additionally, it has been associated with sepsis, Pediatric Risk of Mortality III score, prolonged hospitalization, and mechanical ventilator stay in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units. [11] Given the widespread prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this country and globally, it is paramount to identify at-risk groups and implement necessary preventive measures.…”

The Role of Vitamin C and Vitamin D in the Pathogenesis and Therapy of Periodontitis—Narrative Review

“…VitD is transported in the bloodstream as two main molecules: 25(OH)D3, created in the liver from VitD3 form, and a 1,25-(OH)2D3 form, created by 1α-hydroxylase, found mostly in kidneys, but also, for example, in the central nervous system (CNS) [ 48 , 49 , 50 ]. Its main function is calcium and phosphate homeostasis, although it also acts as an autocrine and paracrine agent.…”

“…All those factors make VitD a crucial agent in maintaining an organism’s homeostasis [ 17 , 53 , 54 , 55 ]. Nowadays, an increase in the need for VitD supplementation is seen, as more and more people tend to have less and less outdoor exercise and overall time spent exposed to sunrays [ 50 ]. This causes VitD deficiency, with the newest data showing that as much as 7% of the global population may be living with severe VitD deficiency, with a further 30% of the population having mild VitD deficiency [ 56 ].…”