Last update:
04-Jul-2026

"Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that plays a primary role in bone health. In addition to this well-known role in skeletal health, recent studies have shown that vitamin D directly or indirectly regulates many genes, contributing to a range of extra skeletal functions like immunomodulation. One of the main causes of hospitalization in young children is infectious diseases. Gastroenteritis is one of the most common infectious diseases affecting young children in developing countries and a significant cause of hospitalization. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased risk, severity and duration of diarrhea, possible due to a weakened immune response and reduced antimicrobial activity in the gut. However, findings are inconsistent and supplementation trials have not demonstrated preventive benefits. The aim of this review is to summarize recently published data investigating possible associations between vitamin D and gastrointestinal infections in childhood, combined with the possible health benefits from its supplementation.

Key words: Childhood, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal infections, Vitamin D.