THE EFFECT OF VITAMIN D ON MORPHOFUNCTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM IN CHILDREN

Vitamin D is a crucial fat-soluble micronutrient that plays a significant role in the regulation of bone metabolism, muscle function, and immune system activity, particularly in children. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the broader biological effects of vitamin D beyond skeletal health. This study aims to analyze the impact of vitamin D on morphofunctional development and immune function in pediatric populations[1]. Vitamin D deficiency remains a widespread global health issue affecting both developed and developing countries. Insufficient levels during childhood are associated with impaired growth, skeletal deformities, reduced bone mineralization, and increased susceptibility to infections. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D is involved in immune modulation and may reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions. The metabolism of vitamin D involves its synthesis in the skin under ultraviolet B radiation, followed by activation in the liver and kidneys. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is considered the main indicator of vitamin D status[2]. Epidemiological data indicate a high prevalence of deficiency among children and adolescents, particularly in regions with limited sun exposure or inadequate dietary intake[3].维生素D（Vitamin D）是一类至关重要的脂溶性微量营养素，在骨代谢、肌肉功能及免疫系统活性的调控中发挥关键作用，对儿童群体尤为关键。近年来，学界对维生素D超出骨骼健康范畴的更广谱生物学效应的关注度与日俱增。本研究旨在分析维生素D对儿童群体形态功能发育与免疫功能的影响[1]。 维生素D缺乏仍是一项遍及全球的公共卫生问题，波及发达国家与发展中国家。儿童时期维生素D水平不足，与生长发育受损、骨骼畸形、骨矿化不足及感染易感性升高密切相关。此外，新兴研究证据表明，维生素D参与免疫调控，或可降低自身免疫性疾病与慢性炎症性疾病的发病风险。 维生素D的代谢过程包括：在紫外B辐射（ultraviolet B radiation）作用下于皮肤中合成，随后在肝脏与肾脏中完成活化。血清25-羟维生素D（25-hydroxyvitamin D）被认为是评估维生素D营养状况的核心指标[2]。流行病学数据显示，儿童与青少年群体中维生素D缺乏的患病率居高，尤其在日照不足或膳食摄入不足的地区[3]。