At Child Medical Center, we see children with various health issues every day. One story that has particularly touched us is that of Lisa (age 10, not her real name). Her journey shows how big of an impact something as simple as a vitamin D deficiency can have and how a holistic approach can completely change a child’s life.
A Tired and Listless Child
Lisa came to our practice with her parents with complaints she had been having for months:
- Extreme fatigue.
- Muscle pain in her legs and back.
- A withdrawn and somber mood.
Lisa’s parents were very concerned. They noticed that Lisa could no longer enjoy daily activities. She could not sustain a full school day, increasingly withdrew and complained of pain after a short walk. Her mood had also changed: She was irritable and seemed to have little self-confidence.
In addition, Lisa was morbidly obese, a situation that presumably exacerbated her symptoms. What saddened her parents most was that Lisa was no longer the happy, energetic child they once knew.
The Diagnosis: Vitamin D Deficiency
We decided to test Lisa’s blood, including her 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. Indeed, vitamin D deficiency is often an underlying factor in obese children. This is because vitamin D is largely stored in fatty tissue and is therefore less available in the blood.
The results confirmed our suspicions: Lisa had a severe vitamin D deficiency. This deficiency could not only explain her muscle pain and fatigue, but also possibly contribute to her gloomy mood. In fact, vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone, muscle and even immune system health. Moreover, there is evidence that deficiency is linked to depressive symptoms.
The Treatment: Small Steps, Big Effect
Lisa’s treatment focused on correcting her vitamin D deficiency through supplemental vitamin D. At the same time, we guided Lisa and her family to make small, achievable lifestyle changes.
-
Vitamin D supplementation
: We corrected Lisa’s deficiency with a daily vitamin D supplement.
- More Movement: Lisa began with light activities she enjoyed, such as dancing and short walks. The goal was to slowly become more active, without pressure or high expectations.
- Healthier Eating: Together with a dietician, the family established a nutritious diet. They added more vitamin D-rich foods, such as fatty fish, fortified dairy and eggs.
- Mental Support: Lisa’s gloomy mood was taken seriously. We encouraged her parents to discuss her feelings and worked to strengthen her self-esteem.
The Results: A Happy Lisa
After six months, we saw Lisa back in practice, and the difference was amazing. Her muscle pain was virtually gone and she felt much more energetic. Her parents told us she was enjoying things like drawing and playing with friends again. Even her teachers had noticed that she had become more active and confident.
What touched us most was her smile. Lisa proudly said, “I finally feel like myself again.”
Blood tests confirmed that her vitamin D levels were back to healthy levels. But the most important result was that Lisa felt much better physically and mentally. Through small changes and a focused approach, she had made huge strides toward a healthier future.
What This Story Teaches Us
Lisa’s story highlights the importance of taking symptoms such as muscle pain, fatigue and gloom seriously. A vitamin D deficiency can have a major impact on children’s health, especially in high-risk groups such as obese children. By correcting the deficiency early and making lifestyle changes, you can not only reduce physical symptoms but also improve mental health.
A Call to Parents
Is your child uncomfortable in his or her own skin? Do you feel like something isn’t right? Don’t wait too long. Small steps, such as improving nutrition, playing more outside and screening for vitamin D deficiency, can make a big difference.
Feel free to contact us at Child Medical Center. Together, we will ensure a healthy, happy future for your child.
References
1. Hess, A. F., & Unger, L. J. (1917). The prevention of rickets in children. American Journal of Public Health, 7(5), 481-487.
2. Martineau, A. R., et al. (2017). Vitamin D supplementation and acute respiratory tract infection: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMJ, 356, i6583.
3. Lau, K. H., et al. (2011). Vitamin D deficiency in children with obesity: A review of the evidence. Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism, 24(5-6), 343-350.
4. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2024). Vitamin D for the Prevention of Disease: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. 109, 1907-1947.
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At Child Medical Center, we see children with various health issues every day. One story that has particularly touched us is that of Lisa (age 10, not her real name). Her journey shows how big of an impact something as simple as a vitamin D deficiency can have and how a holistic approach can completely change a child’s life.
A Tired and Listless Child
Lisa came to our practice with her parents with complaints she had been having for months:
- Extreme fatigue.
- Muscle pain in her legs and back.
- A withdrawn and somber mood.
Lisa’s parents were very concerned. They noticed that Lisa could no longer enjoy daily activities. She could not sustain a full school day, increasingly withdrew and complained of pain after a short walk. Her mood had also changed: She was irritable and seemed to have little self-confidence.
In addition, Lisa was morbidly obese, a situation that presumably exacerbated her symptoms. What saddened her parents most was that Lisa was no longer the happy, energetic child they once knew.
The Diagnosis: Vitamin D Deficiency
We decided to test Lisa’s blood, including her 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. Indeed, vitamin D deficiency is often an underlying factor in obese children. This is because vitamin D is largely stored in fatty tissue and is therefore less available in the blood.
The results confirmed our suspicions: Lisa had a severe vitamin D deficiency. This deficiency could not only explain her muscle pain and fatigue, but also possibly contribute to her gloomy mood. In fact, vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone, muscle and even immune system health. Moreover, there is evidence that deficiency is linked to depressive symptoms.
The Treatment: Small Steps, Big Effect
Lisa’s treatment focused on correcting her vitamin D deficiency through supplemental vitamin D. At the same time, we guided Lisa and her family to make small, achievable lifestyle changes.
-
Vitamin D supplementation
: We corrected Lisa’s deficiency with a daily vitamin D supplement.
- More Movement: Lisa began with light activities she enjoyed, such as dancing and short walks. The goal was to slowly become more active, without pressure or high expectations.
- Healthier Eating: Together with a dietician, the family established a nutritious diet. They added more vitamin D-rich foods, such as fatty fish, fortified dairy and eggs.
- Mental Support: Lisa’s gloomy mood was taken seriously. We encouraged her parents to discuss her feelings and worked to strengthen her self-esteem.
The Results: A Happy Lisa
After six months, we saw Lisa back in practice, and the difference was amazing. Her muscle pain was virtually gone and she felt much more energetic. Her parents told us she was enjoying things like drawing and playing with friends again. Even her teachers had noticed that she had become more active and confident.
What touched us most was her smile. Lisa proudly said, “I finally feel like myself again.”
Blood tests confirmed that her vitamin D levels were back to healthy levels. But the most important result was that Lisa felt much better physically and mentally. Through small changes and a focused approach, she had made huge strides toward a healthier future.
What This Story Teaches Us
Lisa’s story highlights the importance of taking symptoms such as muscle pain, fatigue and gloom seriously. A vitamin D deficiency can have a major impact on children’s health, especially in high-risk groups such as obese children. By correcting the deficiency early and making lifestyle changes, you can not only reduce physical symptoms but also improve mental health.
A Call to Parents
Is your child uncomfortable in his or her own skin? Do you feel like something isn’t right? Don’t wait too long. Small steps, such as improving nutrition, playing more outside and screening for vitamin D deficiency, can make a big difference.
Feel free to contact us at Child Medical Center. Together, we will ensure a healthy, happy future for your child.
References
1. Hess, A. F., & Unger, L. J. (1917). The prevention of rickets in children. American Journal of Public Health, 7(5), 481-487.
2. Martineau, A. R., et al. (2017). Vitamin D supplementation and acute respiratory tract infection: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMJ, 356, i6583.
3. Lau, K. H., et al. (2011). Vitamin D deficiency in children with obesity: A review of the evidence. Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism, 24(5-6), 343-350.
4. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2024). Vitamin D for the Prevention of Disease: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. 109, 1907-1947.
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Hi, I am Dr. Sultan Duyar
I am doctor Sultan Duyar, an experienced board-certified multilingual intercultural pediatrician and a lifestyle medicine doctor.
And most important I’m a proud mom of two great kids!
As a pediatrician and a lifestyle medicine doctor, I will not only focus on your disease and treatment but, with my team, will take a 360-degree approach to health and focus on the root cause of the underlying disease.
Life is beautiful with love!