Attention to Vitamin D Deficiency in Children

Dr. Mesut Arslan, a Pediatrician, emphasized that both the deficiency and excess of vitamin D can cause diseases. He stated that vitamin D is mostly found in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, liver, egg yolk, parsley, broccoli, milk, and dairy products.

Dr. Mesut Arslan, a Pediatrician at Medicana Bursa Hospital, emphasized the importance of vitamins for growth, development, and regulation of the immune system. He said, “Vitamin D is particularly essential for children. Vitamin D deficiency in children can lead to diseases such as rickets by negatively affecting bone density. Vitamin D deficiency in children can also cause growth retardation. We can generally meet vitamin D through sunlight. However, sunlight, which is one of the primary sources, may not always be sufficient. Nevertheless, the foods we consume are also important sources of vitamin D. Excess of vitamin D is harmful just as its deficiency. Vitamin D is most abundant in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, liver, egg yolk, parsley, broccoli, milk, and dairy products. The main source of vitamin D is the D3 form activated by sunlight on the skin. Under normal conditions, 90 to 95 percent of vitamin D in the human body is synthesized in the skin through the effect of sunlight.”

Arslan pointed out that vitamin D obtained through diet is not of great importance. He said, “Vitamin D deficiency affects all systems of the body and invites many diseases. Today’s living conditions, working indoors, spending little time outdoors, and inadequate nutrition increase vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is an effect that affects all age groups and leads to significant health problems. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include frequent infections, diarrhea, flaking of the scalp, slow healing of skin wounds, tooth decay, fatigue, weakness, headache, bone pain, behavioral disorders, swelling in the joints, dark circles under the eyes, excessive sweating, difficulty in losing weight, and constant feeling of cold. Vitamin D deficiency in individuals can lead to conditions such as cancer, chronic fatigue, diabetes, hypertension, depression, rheumatism, and heart diseases.”

Arslan also mentioned that vitamin D deficiency negatively affects bone density and may lead to a disease called rickets in children. He said, “Rickets means softening and weakening of bones due to vitamin D deficiency. This disease can cause permanent bone deformities such as curvature in the legs, thickening of the wrists and ankles, growth retardation, and deformation of the chest bone. High levels of vitamin D lead to accumulation of calcium in organs and soft tissues. Moreover, excessive vitamin D can cause an increase in calcium levels, kidney diseases, kidney stones, and vascular problems. Excessive vitamin D can lead to poisoning and this poisoning can result in kidney failure and heart failure, leading to death. Therefore, before starting vitamin D treatment, it is essential to consult a doctor and vitamin D deficiency treatment suitable for the individual should be administered in appropriate doses.”