Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Risk in Children

Chin Med J (Engl). 2017 Dec 5;130(23):2857-2862. doi: 10.4103/0366-6999.215500.

Abstract

Objective: Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble molecules that are structurally similar to steroids. Emerging data have led to the hypothesis that Vitamin D plays a role in the regulation of many physiological processes beyond calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. With this review, we aimed to summarize the changes in Vitamin D levels in children with cardiovascular diseases based on the literature. In addition, we also reviewed the potential mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases associated with Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency.

Data sources: The articles in English were searched from PubMed (1968-2016) and EMBASE (1991-2016), with the keywords of "Vitamin D AND cardiovascular diseases" and "Vitamin D AND children."

Study selection: Original articles and critical reviews about Vitamin D and cardiovascular risk in children were selected for review. Researches focused on adults were excluded.

Results: Studies have shown that several pediatric cardiovascular diseases may be associated with Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, including hypertension, orthostatic intolerance, and Kawasaki disease.

Conclusions: Vitamin D may play a role in the regulation of the cardiovascular system. Further investigation would hopefully disclose the usefulness of Vitamin D as a biomarker for cardiovascular diseases in children.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / blood*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / blood*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Vitamin D / blood*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Vitamin D