Vitamin D supplementation in the healthy pediatric population
SPANISH ASSOCIATION OF PAEDIATRICS https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anpedi.2025.503874
David Gonzalez Jiméneza,b, Juan Rodríguez Delgadoa,c, Cristina Campoya,d’e, Rafael Galera Martíneza,f, Mercedes Gil-Camposa’g, Susana Redecillas Ferreiroa,h, Miguel Sáenz de Pipaóna’i, Rosaura Leisa,j’k, en representación del Comité de Nutrición y Lactancia Materna de la AEP a Comité de Nutrición y Lactancia Materna de la AEP, Madrid, Spain
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 lU/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 35ng/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.
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Study looked only at bone DENSITY
Study did not consider that Strong bones need: Ca, Mag, Vitamin K2. Boron, Exercise
Study did not consider bone fractures
Related in VitaminDWiki
- Vitamin D and Calcium do not increase bone density (also need exercise, Mg, K2, protein etc.) – RCT Aug 2019
- Bone fractures in children requiring surgery were 55X more likely with low vitamin D – June 2015
- Bone fractures of children not reduced if given little vitamin D, no Calcium etc. – RCT May 2023
- Low-energy fractures in children with low vitamin D - many studies
- Bone fractures in children requiring surgery were 55X more likely with low vitamin D – June 2015
- Childhood Fractures – consensus report on vitamin D – Feb 2016