Study overview
A 2020 Cochrane review of 4 randomized trials involving 286 children suggests that calcium or combined treatment may improve healing versus vitamin D alone, with low-certainty evidence.
- Research focus
- Childhood nutritional rickets
- Study design
- Systematic review of randomized trials
- Study population
- 4 trials; 286 children
- Publication / contributor
- Cochrane
Main findings
| Measure | Result | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Included trials | 4 randomized trials | Published in 2020 |
| Participants | 286 children | 6 months to 14 years |
Results and interpretation
This Cochrane review compared vitamin D alone, calcium alone and combined treatment for childhood nutritional rickets. Children were aged six months to 14 years, with follow-up lasting 12–24 weeks.
Calcium alone or combined with vitamin D may improve healing compared with vitamin D alone. The comparison of combined treatment with calcium alone, and effects on fractures and adverse events, remain uncertain.
Study notes
The review included four randomized trials involving 286 children. Certainty for the main outcomes was low or very low, reflecting study size, risk of bias and imprecision.
The evidence concerns children with diagnosed nutritional rickets. Dietary setting, vitamin D status and disease severity are relevant to its application.
References
Chibuzor MT et al. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2020;4:CD012581. DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD012581.pub2.
