Does Vitamin D Deficiency Contribute to Growing Pains? A Case-Control Study

Growing pains (GPs) are non-inflammatory pain syndromes affecting children aged 4 to 14 years. This case-control study aims to investigate the role of vitamin D deficiency in GP development. The study was conducted for 6 months. Healthy children without a history of GP were recruited as control subjects. Serum concentrations of calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase were measured. Vitamin D3 supplementation was administered to those identified with deficient or insufficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD). A total of 95.6% of the GP group and 93.3% of the control group had insufficient or deficient 25-OHD levels. No significant correlations for serum calcium, serum phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase with 25-OHD level in either group. Children with sufficient 25-OHD also experienced similar reduction in pain as those who received supplementation. The study found no significant difference in vitamin D levels between children with GP and those without.