What is a normal vitamin D (Vitamin D) level for a 12-year-old male?

Normal Vitamin D Level for a 12-Year-Old Boy

A normal vitamin D level for a 12-year-old boy is ≥20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L), with optimal levels considered ≥30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) for maximal bone health and prevention of deficiency-related complications. 1, 2

Defining Vitamin D Status in Children

The classification of vitamin D status in pediatric populations follows these thresholds:

• Deficiency: <20 ng/mL (<50 nmol/L) 1, 2
• Insufficiency: 20-30 ng/mL (50-75 nmol/L) 1, 3
• Sufficiency: ≥30 ng/mL (≥75 nmol/L) 3, 2
• Severe deficiency: <10-12 ng/mL 4, 5

While 20 ng/mL represents the minimum threshold to prevent rickets and bone disease, many experts recommend targeting levels ≥30 ng/mL for optimal skeletal health and broader health benefits in growing children. 3, 2

Age-Specific Considerations for Adolescents

Adolescents, particularly those aged 12 years, represent a high-risk group for vitamin D deficiency. 4, 5

• The frequency of vitamin D deficiency increases significantly with age in pediatric populations, with adolescents showing the lowest vitamin D levels compared to younger children. 4, 5
• In one large study of healthy children, adolescent girls had the most severe and highest risk for vitamin D deficiency. 4
• Median 25(OH)D levels in adolescents (49.8 nmol/L or 20.0 ng/mL) were significantly lower than in younger children (55.6 nmol/L or 22.3 ng/mL). 5

Recommended Daily Intake for This Age Group

For a 12-year-old boy without deficiency, the recommended daily vitamin D intake is:

• Institute of Medicine: 600 IU/day for children aged 1-18 years 1
• Endocrine Society: 600-1000 IU/day for children aged 1-18 years to prevent and treat vitamin D deficiency 1

These recommendations assume minimal sun exposure and are designed to maintain adequate vitamin D status for skeletal health. 1

Risk Factors Requiring Attention in This Population

Several factors increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency in 12-year-old boys:

• Seasonal variation: Blood samples taken in winter, spring, and fall show significantly higher risk of deficiency compared to summer (winter OR 27.20, spring OR 26.44, fall OR 8.27). 5
• Geographic latitude: Living north of the 40th parallel increases deficiency risk. 4
• Obesity: Overweight (OR 5.02) and obese (OR 5.36) children have significantly increased risk. 5
• Limited sun exposure: Low sun exposure increases risk 8.64-fold compared to good exposure. 5
• Regular sunscreen use: Regular use increases risk 7.06-fold compared to non-regular use. 5
• Darker skin pigmentation: Non-white individuals show median levels in the deficiency range (28.2 nmol/L or 11.3 ng/mL). 5

Prevalence Data in Healthy Children

The burden of vitamin D deficiency in healthy pediatric populations is substantial:

• Overall prevalence of deficiency (<20 ng/mL) ranges from 18-46% in healthy children. 4, 5
• Prevalence of insufficiency (20-30 ng/mL) ranges from 25-34%. 4, 5
• Only 20.5% of Italian children and adolescents achieved sufficient levels (≥30 ng/mL) without supplementation. 5
• Severe deficiency (<10 ng/mL) affects approximately 9.5% of healthy children. 4, 5

Clinical Significance of Vitamin D Levels

Maintaining adequate vitamin D status during childhood and adolescence is critical for both immediate skeletal health and long-term disease prevention. 1, 3

• Vitamin D deficiency in children causes rickets, a mineralization defect of the skeleton. 1
• Levels below 20 ng/mL increase risk for secondary hyperparathyroidism, even in otherwise healthy children (9.7% prevalence in one study). 5
• There is an inverse relationship between 25(OH)D and PTH levels (r=-0.395). 5
• Vitamin D deficiency during childhood has been linked to increased risk of type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular disease later in life. 1, 3

Common Pitfalls in Assessment

• Failing to account for seasonal variation: Vitamin D levels are typically lowest after winter months, so timing of measurement affects interpretation. 5
• Not recognizing high-risk populations: Adolescents, particularly those with darker skin, limited sun exposure, or obesity, require closer monitoring despite appearing healthy. 4, 5
• Assuming fortified foods provide adequate intake: Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D, and fortified foods are often inadequate to meet requirements without supplementation. 2
• Overlooking the pandemic nature of deficiency: Even in healthy children without obvious risk factors, vitamin D deficiency remains highly prevalent (42.9% in one study). 4