Vitamin D deficiency in adolescents

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Severe vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is prevalent in adolescents, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
• Factors contributing to VDD include limited sun exposure (cultural practices, skin pigmentation, outdoor time) and low dietary intake.
• Subtle clinical presentations and adaptive physiological changes complicate VDD diagnosis and prevalence studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and treatment strategies for severe vitamin D deficiency in adolescents.
• To discuss the physiological adaptations to VDD and their impact on bone health.
• To present practical treatment regimens and preventive measures for VDD in adolescents.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on vitamin D deficiency in adolescents.
• Analysis of clinical, biochemical, and radiological findings associated with VDD.
• Evaluation of different treatment protocols and preventive strategies.

Main Results:

• Adolescents with severe VDD may exhibit vague symptoms like bone pain, muscle cramps, and difficulty with physical activities.
• Physiological adaptations include increased parathormone (PTH) and decreased insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) secretion, impacting calcium homeostasis and bone growth.
• Radiological findings can include osteopenia, osteoporosis, bone cysts, and in severe cases, pathological fractures and deformities.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D treatment effectively resolves clinical, biochemical, and radiological signs of VDD in adolescents.
• Comprehensive management involves adequate vitamin D and calcium supplementation, sensible sun exposure, and food fortification in high-prevalence areas.
• Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to prevent long-term skeletal complications.