To investigate how serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) affects height growth velocity and the risk of low bone mineral density (BMD) in children.
A population-based prospective cohort study.
A total of 10 450 participants with complete follow-up records from a cohort were included in the current study. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured at baseline and 2-year follow-up, and the average of 2-time measurements was used for analysis. Low BMD was defined as calcaneus speed of sound Z-score ≤ −1. The associations of vitamin D with height growth velocity and the risks of incident low BMD were evaluated using adjusted β and risk ratio (
After multivariable adjustment, an inverse L-shaped association between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and height growth velocity was observed, leveling off up to 40–60 nmol/L. Overall, each 10 nmol/L higher serum 25(OH)D concentration was associated with a 0.15 cm/year higher height growth velocity (
These findings highlight the importance of maintenance of sufficient 25(OH)D concentrations and healthy body weight during childhood in height growth and bone health promotion.