Assessment of Vitamin D Deficiency and its Association with Musculoskeletal Pain in Children.

Background: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in skeletal growth, bone mineralization, and musculoskeletal health. A rising trend in vitamin D deficiency among children has raised concerns, particularly with complaints of chronic musculoskeletal pain that may be attributable to suboptimal vitamin D levels. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 12 months in a tertiary pediatric hospital. A total of 300 children presenting with nonspecific musculoskeletal pain were enrolled. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] levels were measured, and musculoskeletal pain was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and physical examination. Children were categorized into vitamin D sufficient (>30 ng/mL), insufficient (20-30 ng/mL), and deficient (<20 ng/mL) groups. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and chi-square tests. Results: Among 300 children, 180 (60%) were vitamin D deficient, 72 (24%) insufficient, and 48 (16%) sufficient. Mean serum 25(OH) D levels were 16.2 ± 4.3 ng/mL in the deficient group and 31.7 ± 3.5 ng/mL in the sufficient group. Children with deficiency reported higher VAS scores (mean: 6.8 ± 1.5) compared to those with sufficient levels (mean: 3.1 ± 1.1, Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with increased severity and widespread distribution of musculoskeletal pain in children. Early screening and supplementation may reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life.