Vitamin D Deficiency in Children

Did you know Vitamin D deficiency increases very rapidly during covid time in children?

Did you know most of the vitamin D is produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight because it is difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone?

Did you know Together, calcium and vitamin D help to build bones and keep them healthy?

How can I make sure my child is getting enough vitamin D?

Welcome parents! Did you know that Vitamin D is crucial for your baby’s bone development, growth, and overall health? This nutrient helps maintain normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, which is essential for your little one’s growth. Infants receive Vitamin D through breastfeeding or formula, but deficiency can lead to rickets and other health issues. To protect your child from osteoporosis, hypertension, cancer, and autoimmune diseases later in life, it’s vital to ensure they get enough Vitamin D.

Let’s discover that Vitamin D is important for children!

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is essential for building healthy bones, bone healing after injury or surgery, and absorbing calcium from food. It also supports heart health, fights infection, and is not a vitamin but a hormone. The body can produce it, but if not enough is made from sunlight, it can be obtained from food or supplements.

Vitamin D plays a vital role in preventing and treating rickets and regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. It also helps form and grow bones and boosts the immune system.

RDA of vitamin D for children – 400 IU (10 μg)

Where does vitamin D come from?

  • Sun:

Our bodies produce Vitamin D when we are exposed to sunlight, but most people spend a lot of time indoors. It’s important to protect your baby skin to avoid skin cancer and damage from too much sun exposure.

  • Food Sources:

Foods that contain Vitamin D include fatty fish, liver, eggs, and fish oil. Some foods, such as milk, yogurt, infant formula, juices, and cereals, are fortified with Vitamin D.

  • Supplement:

To ensure sufficient Vitamin D intake, children may need to take a multivitamin or a Vitamin D supplement. Consult your child’s pediatrician for recommendations on the right one. Vitamin D supplements are available over-the-counter in various forms such as capsules, liquids, and chewable tablets.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Signs and Symptoms

Vitamin D deficiency and its symptoms in children are

  • Skeletal deformities such as Rickets, which can cause ‘bow legs’ or ‘knock knees’ and hinder growth.

Vitamin D deficiency can cause other various problems in children, including:

  • Pain or tenderness in bones, especially in the lower extremities.
  • Problems with immunity, leading to an increased risk of infections.
  • Impaired growth and delayed development.
  • Calcium imbalances, such as tetany, cardiomyopathy, seizures, and dental deformities.
  • Increased risk of bone fractures and asthma.

Children at risk

Certain children are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, including:

  • Those with dark skin tones.
  • Children who stay indoors or wear clothes that cover most of their skin.
  • Premature babies.
  • Breastfeeding infants whose mothers are vitamin D deficient and/or have dark skin.
  • Children with conditions that affect vitamin D absorption or control, such as liver or kidney disease, digestive problems, and certain medications.

Vitamin D treatment

  • Vitamin D supplements can be taken daily in low doses or less frequently in high doses. Consult a doctor to avoid taking too much, which can cause problems.
  • There are many types of vitamin D tablets and blends available, and some are very potent. It’s important to ensure that vitamin D levels remain normal after treatment.
  • Children at risk for vitamin D deficiency may need lifelong supplements and sufficient sun exposure.
  • Children with low vitamin D levels need adequate calcium in their diet, such as two to three servings of dairy products per day.
  • Bring your child’s medications to doctor visits for review.
  • Aim for regular sun exposure, 10 to 30 minutes of noontime sunlight several times a week, with darker-skinned individuals needing a little more.

Key points to remember

  • Children need vitamin D for bone growth and development, primarily obtained from sunlight and some food sources.
  • Lack of sun exposure, dark skin, certain medical conditions, and prolonged breastfeeding by vitamin D deficient mothers can increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency in children.
  • Talk to a doctor if you suspect your child has a vitamin D deficiency.

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