title: Vitamin D deficiency and acute lower respiratory infections in children younger than 5 years: identification and treatment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) is a leading cause of childhood mortality. Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency (VDD) puts children at risk for ALRI. The purpose of this review is to examine ALRI and VDD in children 5 years and younger. Common etiologies, diagnosis, prevention, treatment of ALRI, and recommendations for vitamin D supplementation are summarized.
  
  
  METHODS
  Databases were searched for studies investigating VDD and ALRI in children. Independent reviewers assessed the internal validity of the studies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 18 studies examined, VDD was found to be associated with increased risk or severity of ALRI in 13 studies; associations were not found in 4 studies. In one study it was found that high maternal vitamin D levels was associated with ALRI in infants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vitamin D supplementation is a low-cost, low-risk intervention that providers should consider for children, especially those at high risk for ALRI. Practitioners should follow current recommendations when prescribing vitamin D supplementation for infants and children.
authors.forename: Allison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Larkin
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lassetter
mesh_terms: D001988:Bronchiolitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D
keywords: Vitamin D; acute lower respiratory infection; bronchiolitis; pneumonia