Sunny Smiles & Strong Bones

Vitamin D, affectionately known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is vital for more than just enjoying sunny days. For growing children, it’s indispensable for developing strong bones, bolstering the immune system, and promoting overall health. In this article, we’ll explore the many ways Vitamin D supports your child’s development and well-being. You’ll gain valuable insights into the benefits of this essential nutrient and practical advice on how to ensure your child is getting their daily dose.

Is Vitamin D Important?

Yes! It is very important. Especially for their immune system and overall development.

• Bone health and muscle health: This helps your child’s body absorb calcium and phosphate from food.
• Boost the immune system
• Overall growth: For proper muscle function and overall growth

How can children get enough Vitamin D?

Only a limited number of foods, such as certain types of fish, naturally contain Vitamin D, making it challenging to obtain sufficient Vitamin D solely from dietary sources. Although margarine, baby formula, and some varieties of milk are fortified with Vitamin D, most people receive only about 25% or less of their vitamin requirements from food alone. The majority of Vitamin D is produced in the skin through exposure to sunlight.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Children younger than 12 months old need 400 IU of vitamin D each day.
• Children 12-24 months old need 600 IU of vitamin D each day.

For babies who are fed only breast milk or who are fed both breast milk and formula milk:

• Breast milk typically does not supply sufficient Vitamin D for a baby’s needs, so breastfed infants will require a daily supplement of 400 IU of Vitamin D starting soon after birth.

For babies that are only fed with infant formula milk:

• Infant formulas are fortified with Vitamin D, so
• Vitamin D supplement is not needed

For children who have started eating solid foods:

• Parents need to make sure that their child’s diet includes foods with vitamin D.

Consult your child’s pediatrician for guidance for children with an increased risk of deficiency.

 

 

Signs of Vitamin D deficiency 

Many people with low Vitamin D don’t have any symptoms, but some children with Vitamin D deficiency get bone and muscle pain.

And if Vitamin D level is too low, that might lead to soft bones, causing rickets in children and a condition called osteomalacia.

A deficiency in vitamin D can result in low calcium levels, which may cause muscle cramps in children. In young infants, low calcium can also lead to seizures (convulsions or fits).

 

Children at risk

• Children with very dark skin as their skin have extra melanin that acts as natural sunscreen.
• Children who rarely exposed to the sun
• Babies that are born prematurely
• Breastfeed babies who have one or more of the above risk factors.
• Children with conditions that impact the body’s ability to absorb or regulate vitamin D, such as liver or kidney disease, issues with nutrient absorption (e.g., cystic fibrosis, coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease), and certain medications (like some epilepsy treatments), may be affected.

When to see a doctor?

If your child shows any signs of low vitamin D or calcium, consult your pediatrician.

Children at risk of vitamin D deficiency should have a blood test three months after starting supplements to monitor their vitamin D levels.

In case your child has a seizure lasting less than five minutes, take them to the nearest emergency department once the seizure ends. For seizures lasting more than five minutes, call an ambulance immediately.

 

 

In conclusion, vitamin D plays a crucial role in a child’s growth and overall health, particularly in maintaining strong bones, proper calcium levels, and muscle function. A deficiency can lead to serious health issues, including muscle cramps, seizures, and weakened bones. Ensuring that children get adequate vitamin D through sunlight, diet, or supplements—especially those at higher risk—can prevent these complications and promote healthy development. Regular check-ups and early intervention are key to maintaining optimal vitamin D levels and supporting a child’s well-being.

References

Kids Health Information : Vitamin D. (n.d.). Www.rch.org.au. https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Vitamin_D/#:~:text=Vitamin%20D%20is%20important%20for

CDC. (2018, December 3). Vitamin D . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/vitamins-minerals/vitamin-d.html

The Benefits of Vitamin D for Children – Foundationhealthpartners. (n.d.). Www.foundationhealth.org. https://www.foundationhealth.org/our_community/fhp_healthbreak/the_benefits_of_vitamin_d_for_children

Jones, T. (2019, December 19). 7 Healthy Foods That Are High in Vitamin D. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-foods-high-in-vitamin-d#fortified-foods

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