Recreational screen time and vitamin D deficiency among children and adolescents in the US.

Abstract

Impact: This study identifies an association between increased recreational screen time and vitamin D deficiency among children and adolescents. Children and adolescents engaging in five or more hours of daily screen time exhibited more than double the risk of vitamin D deficiency compared to those with lower screen exposure. These findings underscore the importance of clinicians assessing screen habits in pediatric patients, as excessive screen time may reduce outdoor activity and sunlight exposure, leading to health risks. Monitoring and managing screen time, alongside considering vitamin D supplementation and outdoor activity, may help mitigate deficiency and associated conditions.