Relationship between Vitamin D Deficiency and Lipopolysaccharides Porphyromonas gingivalis Bacteria in Stunting Children

Background: Stunting is a condition of growth and development disorders in children under 5 years of age who appear shorter than their age caused by nutritional deficiencies. The stunted growth and development of children can be influenced by deficiencies in the intake of macronutrients such as protein and micronutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin D. One nutrient that is relevant to current dental health research is vitamin D. Objective: This review article will further analyze the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and Porphyromonas gingivalis bacterial lipopolysaccharide in stunting children. Literature review: Vitamin D deficiency can cause various problems related to the oral cavity such as a decrease in salivary flow rate, buffer capacity, and salivary content such as protein. A decrease in salivary flow rate causes secretory Immunoglobulin A (IgA) to decrease, thus disrupting the colonization of normal microflora in the oral cavity. Reduced vitamin D levels can potentially increase the number of Porpyhromonas gingivalis bacteria and also lipopolysaccharides (LPS), thus inhibiting the proliferation and differentiation of alveolar bone cells. Conclusion: Therefore, lack of micronutrient intake such as vitamin D deficiency can trigger the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria and an increase in bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharides, especially in stunted children.