Vitamin D plays a vital role in the growth and development of children, particularly in maintaining bone health and supporting the immune system. This article explores the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among school-aged children, a growing concern in pediatric healthcare. The study identifies contributing factors such as insufficient sun exposure, dietary habits, and lack of awareness among parents and caregivers. It also examines the potential long-term consequences of vitamin D deficiency, including bone deformities, growth retardation, and an increased susceptibility to infections. The article emphasizes the importance of early detection and preventive measures, such as promoting adequate sunlight exposure, vitamin D supplementation, and education to ensure optimal health outcomes for children.

Vitamin D deficiency, school-aged children, pediatric health, bone health, immune system, sun exposure, dietary habits, child growth and development, preventive measures, long-term consequences.

Holick, M. F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(3), 266–281.

Misra, M., Pacaud, D., Petryk, A., Collett-Solberg, P. F., & Kappy, M. (2008). Vitamin D deficiency in children and its management: Review of current knowledge and recommendations. Pediatrics, 122(2), 398–417.

Wagner, C. L., & Greer, F. R. (2008). Prevention of rickets and vitamin D deficiency in infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatrics, 122(5), 1142–1152.

Cashman, K. D. (2007). Vitamin D in childhood and adolescence. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 83(978), 230–235.

Gordon, C. M., DePeter, K. C., Feldman, H. A., Grace, E., & Emans, S. J. (2004). Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among healthy infants and toddlers. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 158(6), 531–537.

Basatemur, E., & Sutcliffe, A. (2015). Incidence of vitamin D deficiency rickets among children in England. BMJ, 350, h3180.

Palacios, C., & Gonzalez, L. (2014). Is vitamin D deficiency a major global public health problem? The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 144, 138–145.

Munns, C. F., Shaw, N., Kiely, M., et al. (2016). Global consensus recommendations on prevention and management of nutritional rickets. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 101(2), 394–415.

Dabas, A., Seth, A., & Sharma, B. (2017). Vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents: A review. Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 84(11), 895–902.

Wacker, M., & Holick, M. F. (2013). Sunlight and vitamin D: A global perspective for health. Dermato-Endocrinology, 5(1), 51–108.

DeLuca, H. F. (2004). Overview of general physiologic features and functions of vitamin D. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 80(6 Suppl), 1689S–1696S.

Christodoulou, S., Goula, T., Ververidis, A., & Drosos, G. (2013). Vitamin D and bone disease. Biomedical Research International, 2013, 396541.