Prescription prophylactique de la vitamine D en France : enquête épidémiologique multicentrique nationale chez 3240 enfants de moins de 6 ans

Nutritional rickets around the world: an update

Worldwide, nutritional rickets continues to be an evolving problem with several causes. This paper provides an updated literature review characterising the prevalence, aetiology, pathophysiology and treatment of nutritional rickets worldwide. A systematic review of articles on nutritional rickets from various geographical regions was undertaken. For each region, key information was extracted, including prevalence, cause of rickets specific to the region, methods of confirming the diagnosis and current treatment and preventive measures. Calcium deficiency continues to be a major cause of rickets in Africa and Asia. Vitamin D deficiency rickets is perhaps increasing in the Americas, Europe and parts of the Middle East. There continues to be a distinct presentation of calcium-predominant versus vitamin D predominant rickets, although there are overlapping features. More careful diagnosis of rickets and reporting of 25-OHD concentrations has improved accurate knowledge of rickets prevalence and better delineated the cause. Nutritional rickets continues to be an evolving and multi-factorial problem worldwide. It is on a spectrum, ranging from isolated vitamin D deficiency to isolated calcium deficiency. Specific areas which require emphasis include a consistent community approach to screening and diagnosis, vitamin D supplementation of infants and at-risk children, prevention of maternal vitamin D deficiency and the provision of calcium in areas with low calcium diets.

A Belgian consensus-statement on growing-up milks for children 12-36 months old

Growing-up milks (GUM) are milk-based drinks with low protein and added minerals and vitamins intended for children 12-36 months. Since the advantages of GUM are heavily debated, we reviewed the literature. A literature search was done using the classic databases (Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane) on the use of GUM in 12- to 36-month-old young children. Only limited data are available. GUM have a highly variable composition as their marketing is not regulated. Nevertheless, all papers conclude that GUM help to cover nutritional requirements of 12- to 36-month-old infants.

CONCLUSION

Appropriate intakes of macro- and micronutrients in 1- to 3-year-old children have long-term health benefits. Present diets offered to toddlers do in general not meet the requirements. Supplemented foods are therefore helpful, of which GUM is a possibility.