Vitamin D supplementation in the healthy pediatric population
Objective: To review the current scientific evidence on the efficacy of universal vitamin D supplementation in healthy children with no risk factors and to propose updated modifications to the recommendations provided in the main clinical practice guidelines. Methods: Scoping review through a litera...
| Authors: | , , , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | article |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Country: | España |
| Institution: | Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC) |
| Repository: | Minerva. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Santiago de Compostela |
| Language: | English |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:minerva.usc.gal:10347/45171 |
| Online Access: | https://hdl.handle.net/10347/45171 |
| Access Level: | Open access |
| Keyword: | Vitamin D Supplementation Healthy child 320613 Vitaminas |
| Summary: | Objective: To review the current scientific evidence on the efficacy of universal vitamin D supplementation in healthy children with no risk factors and to propose updated modifications to the recommendations provided in the main clinical practice guidelines. Methods: Scoping review through a literature search conducted in PubMed for articles published in English or Spanish in the past 15 years using the following MeSH search terms: (vitamin D) AND (supplementation). The search yielded 2133 articles, of which 22 were selected. Results: In infants aged less than 1 year without risk factors, administration of 400 IU/day improves serum levels of calcifediol, but most studies have not found an association with improved bone health assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. In children aged more than 1 year with calcifediol levels of less than 35 ng/mL, supplementation with 400 to 800 IU/day of vitamin D decreases the risk of respiratory infection. There is still no evidence in the pediatric population that vitamin D supplementation either decreases the risk or severity of other infections or offers any other clinically significant extraskeletal benefits. Conclusion: Based on the main clinical practice guidelines, supplementation with vitamin D at a dose of 400 IU/day is recommended for breastfed infants aged less than 1 year or infants who do not achieve the recommended daily intake through infant formula. In children aged more than 1 year, supplementation should be individualized. |
|---|