Vitamin D Deficiency: Diagnosis and Treatment

How is Vitamin D Deficiency Diagnosed?

Doctors can diagnose vitamin D deficiency through a blood test. Doctors can diagnose rickets through an X-ray of the wrists and/or knees.

How is Vitamin D Deficiency Treated?

Vitamin D deficiency can be treated with vitamin D supplements. The 2 forms of vitamin D supplements are ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol. Both work well to treat vitamin D deficiency. They help vitamin D build back up to normal levels in the body. Your child’s care team will help you figure out how much vitamin D supplement your child should take every day and whether your child should also take calcium supplements.

After your child receives treatment for vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D levels are back to the normal range, the care team might recommend continuing a vitamin D supplement daily. This will help keep vitamin D levels in the normal range.

Rev. 3/2020/ Mass General for Children and Massachusetts General Hospital do not endorse any of the brands listed on this handout. This handout is intended to provide health information so that you can be better informed. It is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to treatment of any medical conditions.