VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN PEDIATRICS: IMPLICATIONS FOR GROWTH, IMMUNITY, AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is a critical pediatric health concern that extends well beyond the classical manifestations of rickets. It is increasingly recognized as a global problem affecting millions of children across diverse geographic and socioeconomic contexts. This condition arises from inadequate sun exposure, insufficient dietary intake, limited supplementation, and cultural or environmental factors that reduce ultraviolet B radiation absorption. In children, vitamin D deficiency has profound implications for bone mineralization, growth, immune regulation, and neurocognitive development. Clinical consequences include skeletal deformities, muscle weakness, delayed motor milestones, and a heightened risk of infections. Recent research further highlights associations with chronic diseases such as asthma, type 1 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, suggesting long-term health risks that persist into adulthood.Keywords
pediatrics, vitamin D deficiency, rickets, child health, prevention
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