Canadian researchers have found that the majority of HIV positive children have insufficient levels of vitamin D, according to a new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics.
Dr. Ari Bitnun and colleagues at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, found that vitamin D supplementation, regardless of dosage, doesn’t affect the children’s HIV status, and viral counts remained steady even after vitamin D levels improved.
“The key issue is being aware that vitamin D status is an issue and having a standard approach is important," Dr. Bitnun said. His paper notes that HIV patients are at particular risk for bone problems.
“We are recommending vitamin D for all of our children. Whether this is applicable to other setting is an open question. I would expect this would hold for other northern communities at least."
Researchers state that the maintenance of adequate vitamin D levels in HIV patients is "especially relevant in the context of HIV infection where, over time, bone health is recognized to be impaired with an increased risk of fracture."
They add, "We suggest that for children and adults with HIV infection, and perhaps other chronic medical conditions, higher doses may be warranted."
Researchers believe the deficiency is caused by a number of reasons, including too little sunlight exposure, sunscreen use, and low dietary intake, and antiretroviral medication.
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