Vitamin D in pediatric health and disease

• Published in: Pediatric allergy and immunology Vol. 31; no. S24; pp. 54 - 57
• Main Authors: Peroni, Diego G., Trambusti, Irene, Di Cicco, Maria Elisa, Nuzzi, Giulia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.02.2020
• Subjects: Ascorbic Acid Deficiency - immunology; Asthma - metabolism; Autoimmunity; Child; childhood disorders; Children; Dermatitis, Atopic - metabolism; health; Humans; Infants; Inflammation - metabolism; Respiratory Tract Infections - metabolism; Risk factors; Sexually transmitted diseases; STD; Supplements; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory - immunology; Vitamin D; Vitamin D - immunology; Vitamin D - metabolism; vitamin D3; health; childhood disorders; vitamin D3
• ISSN: 0905-6157; 1399-3038
• DOI: 10.1111/pai.13154

Several scientific societies established that vitamin D (VD), in its metabolized form 25(OH)D, levels higher than 20 ng/mL are sufficient to ensure optimal bone health, while 25(OH)D levels higher than 30 ng/mL are needed to favor VD extraskeletal actions. However, it has been estimated that approximately 30% of children and 60% of adults worldwide are VD deficient and insufficient, respectively. This is the reason why it is important to provide a practical approach to VD supplementation for infants, children, and adolescents. It is the pediatrician's role to evaluate the modifiable lifestyle risk factors for deficiency, particularly a reduced sun exposure, following an evidence‐based approach, and to suggest VD supplementation only when there is a rational reason to support its use.