A recent study suggests that children with low Vitamin D levels may take longer to heal after breaking a bone.
This finding highlights the important role of Vitamin D in helping bones recover after an injury.
The study, conducted between 2015 and 2022, looked at 186 cases of broken bones in children.
Researchers found that children with lower Vitamin D levels needed more time to heal, regardless of whether they had surgery or not.
For example, children with leg fractures who didn’t require surgery took an additional 20 days to heal if their Vitamin D levels were low. When X-rays were used to check how the bone was recovering, it showed that healing took about two months longer for these children.
The delays were even more noticeable in cases where surgery was needed. Children with low Vitamin D took about a month longer to recover after surgery, and it took nearly four extra months for their X-rays to show signs of healing.
This research changes the way we think about Vitamin D. While it’s known for keeping bones strong and reducing the risk of fractures, this study shows that it also plays a crucial role in how quickly bones heal after being broken.
Dr. Jessica McQuerry, one of the lead researchers, explained that children need enough Vitamin D for their overall health and to recover well from injuries.
“A balanced diet that includes enough Vitamin D is essential. When accidents happen, we want kids to heal as quickly and properly as possible,” she said.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for strong and healthy bones. You can find Vitamin D in foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, and fish. Many breakfast cereals are also fortified with Vitamin D.
Additionally, spending time in sunlight helps the body produce this important nutrient. However, too much sun exposure can harm the skin, so moderation is key.
If your child breaks a bone and their healing seems slow, checking their Vitamin D levels might be a good idea. Dr. McQuerry also emphasized the benefits of spending time outdoors.
“Fresh air and sunlight are great for overall health and can boost Vitamin D levels,” she noted. “Encouraging kids to explore nature is a simple and healthy way to support their growth and recovery.”
Making sure your child gets enough Vitamin D can be as easy as providing a balanced diet and encouraging outdoor play.
While no one can predict accidents, being proactive about Vitamin D might help your child recover faster if they do break a bone. This simple step could make a big difference in their healing process.
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.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
