Although Turkey is in a geographical location with abundant sunlight, vitamin D deficiency affecting pregnant women, infants and adolescents continues to be a major problem. In recent years, the importance of establishing programs supporting bone health and vitamin D intake has been raised again and, as a result, daily vitamin D supplements (400 IU) have been recommended for all infants in many countries. Turkey has achieved important milestones with regards to the programs supporting vitamin D; however, the continuation of active rickets as a health problem, especially in rural areas, and in recent years, changes in the lifestyles of women living in urban shantytowns remain important issues. In addition, iatrogenic subclinical D hypervitaminosis has now become a health issue in urban areas. For these reasons, there is a need for health promotion programs for vitamin D in Turkey. Looking at the data retrieved from the literature and Turkish sources, this paper aims to draw attention to the problems of rickets and vitamin D deficiency.

Keywords: rikets, D vitamini yetersizliği, rickets, vitamin D deficiency