Pediatric Vitamin D Deficiency in a Southwestern Luminous Climate
Pediatric Vitamin D Deficiency in a Southwestern Luminous Climate
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DOI:
10.1097/bpo.0b013e31821e10c5
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发表时间:
2011-06-01
影响因子:
1.7
通讯作者:
Whisler, Sandra L.
中科院分区:
文献类型:
--
作者:
Szalay, Elizabeth Ann;Tryon, Elyce B.;Whisler, Sandra L.
Background: Few studies look at vitamin D levels in children living in sunny climates as it is assumed that they receive adequate vitamin D from sun exposure. In light of changing lifestyles of children and studies documenting vitamin D deficiency among children in extreme climates, a study to examine vitamin D levels in healthy children living in a luminous climate was conducted.Methods: A retrospective chart review of vitamin D levels in healthy children with vague musculoskeletal pain (such as "growing pains") was done. Healthy children, specifically without musculoskeletal pain, were prospectively recruited as controls.Results: Eighty-eight children, 42 children with "pain" and 46 controls were studied. No statistical difference in vitamin D levels was found between the "pain" group (mean vitamin D level 29.1 ng/mL) and the control group (mean vitamin D level 32.4 ng/mL, P < 0.52). Overall, 14% of the entire group had levels < 20 ng/mL, 49% had levels < 30 ng/mL, and 15% had levels > 40 ng/mL.Conclusions: A consensus has yet to be established as to what an "optimal" vitamin D level is for growing children to develop strong bones for a lifetime. This study demonstrated that 14% of children living in a sunny climate had vitamin D levels below 20 ng/mL, a level universally accepted as insufficient, and 49% were below 30 ng/mL, arguably a "desired" level. A sunny climate does not assure vitamin D sufficiency. Virtually all children should be supplemented, with laboratory follow-up for those at high risk for low bone density/those with insufficiency fractures.