New research has found that children with low levels of Vitamin D may take longer to recover after breaking a bone. This important discovery was presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 National Conference & Exhibition, which took place in Orlando, Florida, from September 27 to October 1.
The study, titled Low Vitamin D Levels Are Associated with Longer Healing Times in Pediatric Fracture Patients, looked at 186 cases of broken bones in children between 2015 and 2022.
The researchers found that children with lower Vitamin D levels healed more slowly, regardless of whether they needed surgery or not. For example, children with low Vitamin D who had leg fractures that didn’t require surgery took about 20 extra days to heal.
Even more surprisingly, it took nearly two more months for their X-rays to show signs of recovery. In cases where surgery was needed, the healing process took an additional month, and it took almost four more months for the fracture to start fading on X-rays.
This study changes how we think about Vitamin D. While it’s often discussed for its role in preventing broken bones, this research shows that it also plays a key role in the healing process after an injury.
Dr. Jessica McQuerry, the senior author of the study, emphasized how important it is for children to get enough Vitamin D as part of their diet. “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,” she said.
Vitamin D is crucial for strong, healthy bones. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is needed to build and repair bone tissue. Foods rich in Vitamin D include dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, as well as fish like salmon and tuna.
Some breakfast cereals are also fortified with Vitamin D. In addition to food sources, sunlight is another important way to get Vitamin D. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it naturally produces Vitamin D, which is then absorbed by your body.
The authors of the study suggest that if a child’s fracture is taking longer than expected to heal, it might be worth checking their Vitamin D levels. Dr. McQuerry also pointed out that simply spending time outdoors can be a big help.
“Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air can do wonders for your health while also upping Vitamin D absorption,” she said. She also mentioned that outdoor activities are a great way for kids to get more Vitamin D naturally while staying active and healthy.
Ensuring that children get enough Vitamin D might be a simple but powerful way to help them heal faster if they ever break a bone.
This research highlights the importance of good nutrition and regular outdoor play—not just for preventing injuries but also for helping the body recover if an accident happens. A balanced diet, rich in Vitamin D and calcium, along with sunlight exposure, may be key to keeping children’s bones strong and healing quickly.
If you care about bone health, please read studies that plant-based diets can harm your bone health without these nutrients, and this bone problem may strongly increase COVID-19 death risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies that too much of this vitamin may increase your risk of bone fractures, and results showing this type of exercise may protect your bone health, slow down bone aging.
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