An Update on Vitamin D Deficiency in the twenty-first century: nature and nurture

Purpose of review Here, we review the most up-to-date understanding of the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficient rickets in children. This will include recent advances in the genetic determinants of abnormal vitamin D metabolism, with the intention of aiding clinicians with establishing the diagnosis and implementing treatment plans for children presenting with vitamin D deficiency rickets. Recent findings Vitamin D deficiency rickets is a frequently encountered, but entirely preventable, disorder of bone mineral metabolism. Risk factors for developing vitamin D deficiency rickets include inadequate exposure to sunlight, exclusive breast feeding without vitamin D supplementation and inadequate intake of vitamin D, calcium or phosphorus. Other factors that may influence the development of vitamin D deficiency and/or rickets include genetic alterations or medications that alter vitamin D metabolism. Vitamin D levels in individuals are influenced by environmental factors, as well as genetic factors. A thorough understanding of these factors is critical for the evaluation and treatment of a child presenting with rickets. There remains a great need for additional research to determine ideal vitamin D status across diverse populations, and to better understand how vitamin D status affects overall health.

Automated summary

This review provides the most up-to-date understanding of the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of vitamin D deficient rickets in children. Risk factors for developing this disorder include inadequate sunlight exposure, exclusive breast feeding without vitamin D supplementation, and inadequate intake of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus. It is critical to have a thorough understanding of the individual's vitamin D levels, which are influenced by both environmental and genetic factors, for the evaluation and treatment of children with rickets. Further research is needed to determine the ideal vitamin D status across diverse populations and the impact of vitamin D status on overall health.