Vitamin D: an overview of its role in skeletal muscle physiology in children and adolescents

Abstract

Many children may have insufficient serum concentrations of vitamin D, which could prevent optimal muscle development and function. Vitamin D deficiency in animal models results in negative effects on muscle fiber structure and calcium/phosphorus handling, suggesting an integral role of vitamin D in skeletal muscle function. While there is a dearth of data in humans, the available evidence demonstrates a positive association between vitamin D status and muscle function. This review focuses on the important role of vitamin D in muscle function in children and adolescents who live in North American regions where exposure to ultraviolet B radiation is limited and who are thus at increased risk for vitamin D insufficiency. The effects of vitamin D on muscle cell proliferation and differentiation, muscle fiber structure, and calcium and phosphorus handling are discussed. Moreover, the roles of vitamin D and the vitamin D receptor and their genomic and nongenomic actions in muscle function are explored in depth. Future research should aim to establish a vitamin D status consistent with optimal musculoskeletal development and function in young children.

Effect of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on bone density in youth with osteogenesis imperfecta: A randomized controlled trial

“…Human studies assessing vitamin D deficiencies in youth have shown impaired motor function and development [135]. For example, in type I vitamin D resistant rickets distinct muscle weakness and delayed growth are present [135]. These patients are unable to convert vitamin D into its metabolically active form because of a mutation in the renal enzyme 25OHD-1-α-hydroxylase [135].…”

“…For example, in type I vitamin D resistant rickets distinct muscle weakness and delayed growth are present [135]. These patients are unable to convert vitamin D into its metabolically active form because of a mutation in the renal enzyme 25OHD-1-α-hydroxylase [135]. In these children, muscle weakness is readily reversed following supplementation with 1,25(OH) 2 D, proving that this form of vitamin D is essential to adequate muscle function and development [135].…”

“…These patients are unable to convert vitamin D into its metabolically active form because of a mutation in the renal enzyme 25OHD-1-α-hydroxylase [135]. In these children, muscle weakness is readily reversed following supplementation with 1,25(OH) 2 D, proving that this form of vitamin D is essential to adequate muscle function and development [135]. Moreover, a 1 year randomized controlled trial with vitamin D supplements showed a significant impact (p≤0.05) on lean body mass, obtained through DXA, in a group of 168 girls [34].…”

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Indian women

“…Chronic vitamin D deficiency in adults results in osteomalacia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Recent researches had also linked vitamin D deficiency with the increased risk of developing tuberculosis, otitis media, upper respiratory tract infections and influenza and many other infections. [8][9][10][11][12] Its deficiency has also linked with the increased risk of developing hypertension, diabetes, obesity and high triglyceride level ultimately leading to increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.…”

Persistent Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Musculoskeletal Parameters in Adolescents One Year After Trial Completion

“…(5) Therefore, an adequate intake of vitamin D during childhood and adolescence is necessary to enhance intestinal calcium absorption and ensure normal bone mineralization. (5) Several trials have investigated means to maximize peak bone mass through lifestyle measures, by increasing physical activity or emphasizing on dairy products consumption or supplementation of calcium and vitamin D. (1,(6)(7)(8)(9) Two randomized trials using calcium-fortified milk demonstrated increments in bone mass in adolescent Chinese girls and Gambian boys, but could not demonstrate residual effect after trial completion. (10,11) Our group had previously reported on the beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation in adolescent girls, (12) but not boys, (13) on bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and lean mass, in a 1-year trial that compared two doses of vitamin D (low dose ¼ 200 IU/day; high dose ¼ 2000 IU/day) to placebo.…”