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Vitamin D Supplementation in Childhood – A Review of Guidelines

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A Correction to this article was published on 25 May 2018

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Abstract

Vitamin D, a unique vitamin with endocrine function is required in the human body primarily for calcium homeostasis and possibly several other functions. Deficiency of the vitamin is extremely frequent world-wide. Studies on Indian population place the prevalence of deficiency at 70 to 100% in healthy individuals. There are several guidelines available on definition of vitamin D deficiency and supplementation in healthy children and adults. Sufficiency or deficiency of the vitamin depend upon the levels of 25OHD and various cut-offs are suggested by different groups formulating the guidelines. Although the vitamin is synthesized in the skin with the help of sunlight, it is mostly agreed by various groups that oral supplementation must be done in infants and in certain high risk groups. No such formal guidelines currently exist for Indian children though there is a need to develop one.

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Change history

  • 25 May 2018

    There was mistake on the published online version. A reader has brought to our notice a typographical error in an article entitled "Vitamin D Supplementation in Childhood - A Review of Guidelines" published in Indian J Pediatr. March 2018;85(3):194-201

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Randev, S., Kumar, P. & Guglani, V. Vitamin D Supplementation in Childhood – A Review of Guidelines. Indian J Pediatr 85, 194–201 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-017-2476-0

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