Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D Deficiency Care at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City: A Comprehensive Guide

Vitamin D deficiency is a common health concern that affects all age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. This vitamin plays a vital role in bone and muscle health as well as immune function, and deficiency can lead to serious health consequences.

At Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in Abu Dhabi, the General Paediatrics Department possesses the expertise and skills necessary to diagnose and treat Vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents. The department offers a wide range of healthcare services, including:

• Medical testing: To assess the body's Vitamin D levels
• Pharmacological treatments: Prescribing supplements that contain vitamin D at appropriate dosages
• Nutritional advice: Guiding parents on how to include vitamin D-rich foods in their child’s diet

Symptoms

Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency vary according to the severity of the deficiency and commonly include:

• Bone and muscle pain: Children and adolescents may experience pain in the bones and muscles, particularly in the legs and back
• Bone softening: Vitamin D deficiency leads to weakened bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures
• Growth delay: Children with Vitamin D deficiency may experience delayed growth
• Weakened immune system: Vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of infections

Prevention

Vitamin D deficiency can be prevented by following several simple measures, which include:

• Sun exposure: Regular exposure to sunlight is the natural source of Vitamin D
• Consuming Vitamin D-rich foods: Such foods include fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, Vitamin D-fortified dairy products, and egg yolks
• Taking Vitamin D supplements: A physician may recommend Vitamin D supplements if the child or adolescent does not obtain sufficient Vitamin D through diet and sun exposure

Importance of Treating Vitamin D Deficiency

Treating vitamin D deficiency is essential to maintain the health of the child or adolescent and to prevent serious complications. Treatment can help:

• Strengthen bones and muscles: Vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption, which is necessary for bone and muscle health
• Improve immune function: Vitamin D helps the body resist infections
• Support growth and development: Vitamin D contributes to normal growth and development in children and adolescents

Vitamin D Care at SSMC

The General Paediatrics Department at SSMC in Abu Dhabi provides comprehensive care for children and adolescents with Vitamin D deficiency. The department’s physicians have the expertise and skills required to diagnose and treat this condition, in addition to offering the necessary guidance and education to prevent Vitamin D deficiency in the future.