Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Risk in Children

• Main Authors: Wen-Rui Xu, Hong-Fang Jin, Jun-Bao Du
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer 2017-01-01
• Series: Chinese Medical Journal
• Subjects: Cardiovascular Diseases; Children; Vitamin D
• Online Access: http://www.cmj.org/article.asp?issn=0366-6999;year=2017;volume=130;issue=23;spage=2857;epage=2862;aulast=Xu

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.