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Pediatric Hypovitaminosis D: Molecular Perspectives and Clinical Implications
1Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group Al Takhassusi Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Vitamin D deficiency is common in children and linked to serious health issues like bone disease, infections, and autoimmune conditions. Understanding its molecular basis is key to addressing these widespread pediatric health concerns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Vitamin D is crucial for bone health in children and adults.
- Low 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-(OH)-D) levels are prevalent globally in pediatric populations.
- Hypovitaminosis D is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular aspects of vitamin D deficiency in children.
- To summarize the potential adverse health outcomes linked to vitamin D deficiency in pediatric age groups.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on molecular mechanisms.
- Synthesis of data on health outcomes associated with vitamin D deficiency.
Main Results:
- Vitamin D deficiency is linked to rickets, osteomalacia, growth retardation, and neurological issues like autism.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis).
- Identified risk factors include dark skin, low sun exposure, obesity, and certain medical conditions.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D deficiency poses significant health risks to children worldwide.
- Understanding the molecular pathways is essential for addressing deficiency-related pediatric diseases.
- Further research into molecular perspectives can guide future interventions.
Abstract:
Vitamin D, a secosteroid, is essential for the development and maintenance of healthy bone in both the adult and pediatric populations. Low level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-(OH)-D) is highly prevalent in children worldwide and has been linked to various adverse health outcomes including rickets, osteomalacia, osteomalacic myopathy, sarcopenia, and weakness, growth retardation, hypocalcemia, seizure and tetany, autism, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, cancers (prostate, colon, breast), infectious diseases (viral, tuberculosis), and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Risk factors for hypovitaminosis D are people with darker skin pigmentation, use of sunscreen, insufficient ultraviolet B exposure, prematurity, living in northern latitudes, malnutrition, obesity, exclusive breastfeeding, low maternal vitamin D level, certain medications, drinking unfortified cow's milk, liver failure, chronic renal insufficiency, cystic fibrosis, asthma, and sickle cell hemoglobinopathy. This review highlights and summarizes the molecular perspectives of vitamin D deficiency and its potential adverse health outcomes in pediatric age groups. The recommended treatment regimen is beyond the scope of this review.
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