According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), low levels of vitamin D can impact the healing of fractures in children.
The study titled Low Vitamin D Levels Are Associated With Longer Healing Times in Pediatric Fracture Patients examined 186 extremity fracture cases in children from 2015-2022 and found low levels of vitamin D correlated with longer healing times. The result was found in fractures that did and did not require surgery as well as comparing clinical healing times to radiographic healing times, the association said.
According to the association, leg fractures in children with low vitamin D levels that did not require surgery took an extra 20 days to heal clinically and two months longer to show signs of disappearing in x-rays. For cases when surgery was needed, healing took an extra month to health and almost four months for fractures to fade on x-rays.
“Previous studies have focuses on how vitamin D can help prevent fractures but now we are seeing a link between low vitamin D levels and longer fracture healing times,” said Jessica McQuerry, MD, senior study author. “Children need to be given well-balanced diets that include vitamin D for overall health and to make sure when accidents do happen, they can heal appropriately.”
Vitamin D is primarily found in dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt but can also be found in fish and other foods fortified with vitamin D, such as breakfast cereal, the association said. Moderate exposure to sunlight can also help the body absorb vitamin D. The study authors recommend checking vitamin D levels if children have a fracture that is taking longer than usual to heal.
“Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air can do wonders for your health while also upping vitamin D absorption,” McQuerry said. “What a great excuse to get outside and explore nature!”
For more information, visit www.aap.org.
