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Review
. 2013 Oct;18(4):277-91.
doi: 10.5863/1551-6776-18.4.277.

A review on vitamin d deficiency treatment in pediatric patients

Ji Yeon Lee  1 , Tsz-Yin So  2 , Jennifer Thackray  3
Affiliations
Review

A review on vitamin d deficiency treatment in pediatric patients

Ji Yeon Lee et al. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther. 2013 Oct.

Abstract

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and for maintaining bone health in the pediatric population. Vitamin D deficiency may develop from nutritional deficiencies, malabsorption, enzyme-inducing medications, and many other etiologies. It may present as hypocalcemia before bone demineralization at periods of increased growth velocity (infancy and adolescence) because the increased calcium demand of the body cannot be met. In children, inadequate concentrations of vitamin D may cause rickets and/or symptomatic hypocalcemia, such as seizures or tetany. In this review, we will discuss the pharmacology behind vitamin D supplementation, laboratory assessments of vitamin D status, current literature concerning vitamin D supplementation, and various supplementation options for the treatment of vitamin D deficiency in the pediatric population.

Keywords: cholecalciferol; ergocalciferol; pediatric; vitamin D deficiency.

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Figures

Figure.
Figure.
Vitamin D metabolism.
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