THE IMPACT OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY ON THE CLINICAL COURSE AND SEVERITY OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS IN CHILDREN

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that increasingly affects the pediatric population and is often associated with a more aggressive clinical course than in adults. In recent years, vitamin D deficiency has been recognized as a potential modifier of disease activity and severity in inflammatory bowel diseases. This article analyzes the role of vitamin D deficiency in the clinical course and severity of ulcerative colitis in children. Particular attention is given to the association between serum vitamin D levels, disease activity, frequency of relapses, and risk of complications. A review of current scientific evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased disease severity, reduced remission duration, and poorer clinical outcomes. These findings support the importance of monitoring and correcting vitamin D deficiency as part of comprehensive management strategies in pediatric ulcerative colitis.