10: Vitamin D and Fracture Risk in Early Childhood: A Case-Control Study

L. Anderson, W. Heong, Yang Chen, K. Thorpe, K. Adeli, A. Howard, E. Sochett, C. Birken et al.

Paediatrics & Child Health, 2015

Abstract

Vitamin D is important for bone health and may be protective against fracture risk. Few studies have evaluated the association between vitamin D and fracture risk in children and none have evaluated this association in early childhood. To evaluate if vitamin D exposures, including serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentration, vitamin D fortified cow's milk intake and vitamin D supplementation, were associated with fracture risk in children 2 cups vs. 2 cups per day aOR=1.39 [95% CI 0.86 to 2.23]). A statistically significant association was observed between child vitamin D supplementation and decreased odds of fracture (yes vs. no: aOR=0.42 [95% CI 0.27 to 0.63]). Serum 25(OH)D concentration was not associated with fracture risk among young children yet children's use of supplements containing vitamin D was associated with a 58% reduction in odds of fracture risk. Future studies are needed to understand the relationship between vitamin D supplementation and fracture risk.

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Evidence Hub reads this as a case-control, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.

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