Lack of vitamin D causes fragile bones

The new study, conducted by US physicians, is the first to investigate vitamin D insufficiency in paediatric patients with low bone density.

Most patients with vitamin D deficiency were found to have a history of fragile bones that exposed them to the risk of osteopororis, according to a study.

The bone disease not only affected adults, but also children. Vitamin D insufficiency may also contribute to low bone mass or even aggravate underlying metabolic bone disease.

Vitamin D is essential in bone growth and mineralisation in children and adults. A mild deficiency causes rickets in children and can be overcome with increased amount of nutritional vitamin D intake as well as sun exposure.

The new study, conducted by US physicians, is the first to investigate vitamin D insufficiency in paediatric patients with low bone density.

Sasigarn Bowden, the study's co-author, explained: "We need to check vitamin D levels in all patients with history of multiple fractures or low bone density and treat the vitamin D problem if the levels are low.

"The supplementation of vitamin D should be a priority in the management of paediatric patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia in order to optimise their bone health and potentially prevent fractures."

Four studies in Europe found that 80 percent of healthy children and adolescents had insufficient vitamin D levels in the winter.

The study has been published in the latest issue of the journal Paediatrics.