Vitamin D deficiency and prevention: Turkish experience

Acta Paediatr. 2011 Sep;100(9):1195-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2011.02383.x. Epub 2011 Jul 4.

Abstract

A nationwide 'vitamin D prophylaxis augmentation programme' initiated in 2005 in Turkey reduced the prevalence of rickets from 6% in 1998 to 0.1% in 2008 in children under 3 years of age. The programme included free distribution of vitamin D drops to all newborns and infants (0-12 months) visiting primary health stations throughout the country. Free disposal of vitamin D to infants is an effective strategy for preventing vitamin D-deficient rickets.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cholecalciferol / deficiency
  • Cholecalciferol / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Prevalence
  • Rickets / epidemiology
  • Rickets / etiology
  • Rickets / prevention & control*
  • Turkey / epidemiology
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / pathology
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Cholecalciferol