Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the pediatric populations: prevalence and clinical outcomes.

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is becoming increasingly common in the USA. In this review we provide estimates of the prevalence of deficiency, and review the risk factors and the evidence of clinical consequences of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency causes the pediatric disease rickets. In addition, there is some evidence that vitamin D deficiency may lead to other diseases including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, infections, asthma and dyslipidemia.