Effects of low vitamin D status in rickets and type 1 diabetes in children

Purpose – This paper aims to review the metabolism, epidemiology and treatment of vitamin D and calcium insufficiency as well as its relation to rickets and diabetes type 1 during childhood and adolescence. Design/methodology/approach – The most uptodate and pertinent studies within the literature are included in this narrative review. Findings – Vitamin D deficiency is common in developing countries and exists in both childhood and adult life. The great importance of vitamin D is the moderation of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) homeostasis as well as the absorption of Ca. While insufficiency of vitamin D is a significant contributing factor to the risk of rickets in childhood, it is possible that a more marginal deficiency of vitamin D during life span contributes to osteoporosis as well as potentially to the development of various other chronic diseases such as diabetes type 1. Originality/value – This paper gives a concise, uptodate overview to nutritionists and dietitians on how vitamin D deficiency may effect rickets and type 1 diabetes.