Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) Gene Polymorphisms (FokI, BsmI) and their Relation to Vitamin D Status in Pediatrics βeta Thalassemia Major.

Vitamin D is critical for calcium, phosphate homeostasis and for mineralization of the skeleton, especially during periods of rapid growth. Vitamin D Deficiency leads to rickets (in children) and osteomalacia (in adults). Expression and activation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) are necessary for the effects of vitamin D, in which several single nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified especially (FokI, BsmI).