Children with low levels of Vitamin D may experience slower healing of fractures

Research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2024 National Conference & Exhibition highlights the significance of vitamin D in pediatric fracture recovery. The study, conducted by Michael Guyot, a medical student from the University of Florida, analyzed 186 cases of extremity fractures in children treated between 2015 and 2022. The findings revealed a consistent correlation between low levels of vitamin D and delayed bone healing.

The study indicated that children with nonsurgical leg fractures and low levels of vitamin D took an additional 20 days for clinical healing. Moreover, radiographic evidence of healing was delayed by nearly two months in the same group. For fractures requiring surgery, recovery took a month longer clinically and close to four additional months for healing indicators to show.

This research shifts the focus on vitamin D from merely preventing fractures to underscoring its vital role in the healing process. Previous recommendations emphasized the role of vitamin D in strengthening bones and reducing fracture risk. However, this new study highlights potential complications when a child’s vitamin D levels are inadequate during the recovery phase.

Dr. Jessica McQuerry, the senior author of the study, stressed the importance of a well-balanced diet rich in vitamin D for children. The study suggests that healthcare providers should evaluate a child’s vitamin D levels if their fracture is not healing within the usual timeframe.

The implications of this research go beyond clinical settings, emphasizing the importance of diet and lifestyle in bone injury recovery. McQuerry advocates for outdoor activities to promote health through exercise and enhance vitamin D production from sunlight.

The researchers suggest that monitoring a child’s vitamin D levels is essential if the fracture does not heal within the expected time frame. Dr. Vishal Sarwahi, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, emphasized the critical role of vitamin D in promoting bone health in children to prevent fractures.

He explained that vitamin D deficiency can lead to various health issues, underscoring the importance for parents to ensure their children receive sufficient amounts of this essential nutrient through diet and sunlight exposure. Research shows that children with adequate vitamin D are less likely to experience bone-related problems like rickets, characterized by soft and weak bones.

According to Sarwahi, maintaining proper vitamin D levels can help promote overall skeletal health in children and prevent a range of conditions, including rickets. Rickets is most common in infants, young children, and adolescents but can also affect adult bones.

Sarwahi highlighted that adults with low vitamin D can develop osteomalacia, a condition characterized by weak bones, bone pain, deformities, and an increased risk of fractures. Adequate vitamin D levels can combat conditions like cardiovascular disease, infections, pain and weakness, irritability, depression, anxiety, and multiple sclerosis.

Daily Recommended Intake of Vitamin D

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a daily intake of 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D for children aged 1 to 18 years. Monitoring vitamin D levels, especially in regions with limited sunlight exposure, is crucial. Sarwahi advises parents to consult healthcare providers if they have concerns about their child’s vitamin D status.

Sarwahi emphasized the importance of sunlight exposure for vitamin D production in the skin and recommended outdoor activities for children to keep their bones strong. However, he noted that getting enough vitamin D from diet alone is challenging, leading to the recommendation of vitamin D supplements for children.