VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN: PHARMACOLOGICAL CORRECTION AND OUTCOMES

Vitamin D deficiency is a prevalent nutritional and metabolic disorder in pediatric populations, contributing to impaired bone mineralization, delayed growth, and increased susceptibility to infections. Beyond its classical role in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, vitamin D plays a critical role in modulating immune function, reducing systemic inflammation, and supporting overall cellular metabolism. Pharmacological correction through supplementation has demonstrated efficacy in restoring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, improving skeletal outcomes, and mitigating extra-skeletal complications. Various supplementation regimens, including daily low-dose, intermittent high-dose, and weight-adjusted strategies, have been evaluated in clinical studies, with outcomes influenced by baseline vitamin D status, age, comorbidities, and adherence. Evidence from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses indicates that timely and individualized pharmacological intervention effectively normalizes vitamin D levels, enhances bone health, and may reduce the incidence of respiratory infections and other immune-mediated conditions in children. Monitoring for safety, including serum calcium levels, remains essential to prevent hypervitaminosis D and optimize therapeutic benefits. This review synthesizes current knowledge on pediatric vitamin D deficiency, outlines pharmacological correction strategies, and evaluates clinical outcomes to inform evidence-based management in pediatric practice.