New research suggests that children with low Vitamin D levels may experience slower healing times after breaking a bone.
This important finding was presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 National Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, held 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 from 2015 to 2022.
The researchers found that children with lower levels of Vitamin D took longer to heal, whether they needed surgery or not.
For example, children with low Vitamin D levels who had leg fractures that didn’t require surgery took an extra 20 days to heal.
Even more surprising, it took two additional months for their X-rays to show that the bone was healing.
In cases where surgery was necessary, the healing process took an extra month, and it took nearly four more months for the fracture to start fading on X-rays.
This study shifts the focus from Vitamin D’s role in preventing fractures to its impact on the healing process after an injury. Dr. Jessica McQuerry, the senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of ensuring that children receive enough Vitamin D as part of a balanced 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 essential for bone health and can be found in dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, as well as in fish and foods fortified with Vitamin D, such as some breakfast cereals. Additionally, moderate exposure to sunlight can help the body produce and absorb Vitamin D.
The study’s authors recommend checking your child’s Vitamin D levels if they have a fracture that seems to be taking longer than usual to heal. Dr. McQuerry also pointed out the benefits of spending time outdoors.
“Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air can do wonders for your health while also upping Vitamin D absorption,” she said. “It’s a great excuse to get outside and explore nature.”
Ensuring your child gets enough Vitamin D might just help them heal faster if they ever suffer a broken bone.
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 information about wellness, 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.
