Context

Low bone mineral density has been identified as a risk factor for osteoporotic fracture1 and fracture in childhood.2 Vitamin D supplementation in childhood may be a clinical strategy to maximise peak bone mass in children and, in turn, improve bone mineral density and reduce fracture risk in adulthood. However, the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation for improving bone density in children is unclear. Therefore, Winzenberg and colleagues performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation for improving paediatric bone mineral density, including how supplement dose and baseline vitamin D status may impact the outcome.