Vitamin D for children: why is it needed and how to give

The importance of vitamin D for child health

Vitamin D plays a critical role in the development and health of children from birth. It acts as a hormone, affecting many physiological processes. Its main function is to regulate the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, two minerals necessary for strong bones and teeth. The disadvantage of vitamin D can lead to serious health problems, including rickets, weakening of immunity and an increased risk of developing chronic diseases in the future.

Key functions of vitamin D in the children’s body:

Strengthening bones and teeth: Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption from the intestines, which ensures the adequate intake of this mineral into bone tissue. This is especially important during the period of active growth and development of the skeleton in childhood. Without enough vitamin D, bones can become soft and deformed, which leads to rickets. Vitamin D is also necessary for the formation of a strong enamel of the teeth, protecting them from caries.
Support for the immune system: Vitamin D plays an important role in the modulation of the immune system, helping the body fight infections. It activates immune cells, such as macrophages and T-lymphocytes that protect against viruses and bacteria. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, such as colds and flu, as well as with a more severe course of these diseases.
Regulation of cellular growth and development: Vitamin D is involved in the regulation of the cell cycle and differentiation of cells. This is important for the normal growth and development of all organs and tissues, including the brain, heart and muscles. Studies show that vitamin D can play a role in the prevention of certain types of cancer in the future.
Support for health of the nervous system: Vitamin D affects the development and functioning of the nervous system. It is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, substances that transmit signals between nerve cells. Vitamin D deficiency can be associated with mood disorders, fatigue and problems with cognitive functions.
Regulation of blood sugar: Vitamin D can affect the sensitivity of cells to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. The deficiency of vitamin D can increase the risk of insulin resistance and, as a result, type 2 diabetes mellitus in the future.
Health of the cardiovascular system: Studies show that vitamin D can play a role in maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system. It helps regulate blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease.

Risks of vitamin D deficiency in children

Vitamin D deficiency in children is a common problem, especially in regions with limited sunlight. The lack of vitamin D can lead to serious health consequences, including:

Rakhite: This is a disease, which is characterized by softening and deformation of bones. Rachite manifests itself in the form of curvature of the legs (O-shaped or X-shaped legs), thickening of wrists and ankles, delayed teething and general weakness.
Osteomulation: This is softening of bones that occurs in older children and adults. Osteomulation can cause bone pain, muscle weakness and increased risk of fractures.
Growth delay: Vitamin D is necessary for the normal growth and development of the skeleton. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a slowdown in growth and low growth in the future.
Muscle weakness: Vitamin D plays a role in muscle functioning. The disadvantage of vitamin D can cause muscle weakness, fatigue and increased susceptibility to injuries.
Weak immunity: Vitamin D is necessary for the normal operation of the immune system. Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of infections, such as respiratory infections, otitis media and pneumonia.
Increased risk of developing chronic diseases: Studies show that vitamin D deficiency can be associated with an increased risk of developing chronic diseases in the future, such as type 1 diabetes, autoimmune diseases (for example, multiple sclerosis) and some types of cancer.
Motor development delay: Vitamin D deficiency can affect the development of motor skills in children, leading to a delay in the development of skills, such as crawling, sitting and walking.

Risk factors for vitamin D in children

Some children are more at risk of developing vitamin D than others. Risk factors include:

Dark skin color: Melanin, the pigment that gives the skin the color absorbs ultraviolet rays necessary for the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin. Children with dark skin need more time being in the sun to produce a sufficient amount of vitamin D.
Accommodation in regions with limited sunlight: In the northern latitudes and in regions with polluted air, where sunlight is limited, the risk of vitamin D above. Especially in the winter months, when the sun is low above the horizon, and children spend more time in the room.
Limited Sun stay: Children who spend little time in the open air, especially on sunny days, are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. The use of sunscreen also reduces the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin.
Breastfeeding without vitamin D additives: Breast milk is perfect food for babies, but it usually does not contain vitamin D. babies on breast feeding, it is recommended to give additives of vitamin D.
Some diseases: Some diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, celiac disease and Crohn’s disease, may disrupt the absorption of vitamin D from the intestines. Children with these diseases need higher doses of vitamin D.
Obesity: Vitamin D is a fat -soluble vitamin, and it can be absorbed in the fat tissue. In children with obesity, the level of vitamin D in the blood can be lower than in children with normal weight.
Nedness: Premature children often have low vitamin D reserves, since they do not have time to get enough vitamin D from their mother during the last months of pregnancy.

Sources of vitamin D for children

There are three main sources of vitamin D for children:

Sunlight: The skin synthesizes vitamin D under the influence of ultraviolet rays B (UVB) sunlight. However, the amount of vitamin D, which can be synthesized, depends on many factors such as the time of year, time of day, breadth, cloudiness, air pollution and skin color. It is recommended that the children receive a sufficient amount of sunlight, but solar burns must be avoided. As a rule, there are enough 10-15 minutes of the sun per day to ensure sufficient synthesis of vitamin D. However, this may not be enough in the winter months or for children with dark skin.
Food: Some foods contain vitamin D, but in small quantities. Good sources of vitamin D include fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), egg yolks, beef liver and mushrooms grown under ultraviolet light. Many foods, such as milk, yogurt, flakes and orange juice, are enriched with vitamin D. However, even if the child eats a variety of and healthy food, he may need additional intake of vitamin D.
Vitamin D supplements: Vitamin D additives are a reliable way to ensure the sufficient intake of vitamin D to the body. Vitamin D additives are available in various forms, such as drops, tablets and chewing sweets. The most common form of vitamin D in additions is vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is more effective than vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol).

Recommended doses of vitamin D for children

Recommended doses of vitamin D for children vary depending on age and other factors. Recommendations for dosage, as a rule, are given in international units (IU).

Infants (0-12 months): It is recommended to give 400 IU vitamin D to all babies on breastfeeding or receiving less than 1 liter of vitamin D of the mixture per day, starting from the first days of life. This is necessary to prevent vitamin D deficiency and ensure the normal development of bones.
Children (1-18 years old): Children and adolescents are recommended to receive 600 IU vitamin D per day. This can be obtained from food, sunlight or additives. Children with risk factors for vitamin D deficiency, such as dark skin, limited stay in the sun or some diseases, may require a higher dose.

Important: Before giving the child the additives of vitamin D, it is necessary to consult a doctor. The doctor can evaluate the risk of vitamin D deficiency in a child and recommend an optimal dose. Do not exceed the recommended dose of vitamin D, as this can lead to hypervitaminosis D.

How to give vitamin D to children

It is easy for children to give vitamin D if you follow a few simple rules:

Select the right form of vitamin D: Vitamin D is available in various forms, such as drops, tablets and chewing sweets. For babies and young children, it is best to use drops, as they are easy to dose and give. For older children, you can use tablets or chewing sweets.
Follow the packaging instructions: It is important to carefully read the instructions on the packaging of vitamin D and follow the recommended dose. The child should not be given more vitamin D than indicated in the instructions, as this can lead to hypervitaminosis D.
Give vitamin D regularly: Vitamin D should be given to the child daily to ensure the constant intake of vitamin D into the body. You can choose a convenient time for taking vitamin D, for example, during meals or before bedtime.
Mix vitamin D with food or drink (for drops): If you use drops of vitamin D, they can be mixed with a small amount of food or drink to facilitate the reception. Drops can be added to milk, juice or mashed potatoes.
Keep vitamin D in an inaccessible place for children: Vitamin D should be stored in an inaccessible place for children to prevent accidental use. An overdose of vitamin D can be dangerous to the health of the child.

Signs of hypervitaminosis D in children

Hypervitaminosis D occurs with excessive intake of vitamin D to the body. Although hypervitaminosis D is rare, it can be dangerous to the health of the child. Symptoms of hypervitaminosis D include:

Nausea and vomiting: Excess vitamin D can cause nausea and vomiting.
Loss of appetite: Children with hypervitaminosis D can lose appetite and refuse to eat.
Constipation: Excess vitamin D can cause constipation.
Weakness: Hypervitaminosis D can cause muscle weakness and fatigue.
Irritability: Children with hypervitaminosis D can be irritable and moody.
Frequent urination: Excess vitamin D can lead to frequent urination.
Dehydration: Hypervitaminosis D can lead to dehydration.
Calcification of soft tissues: In severe cases, hypervitaminosis D can lead to calcification of soft tissues, such as kidneys and heart.

If you suspect that your child has hypervitaminosis d, see a doctor immediately.

Vitamin D analysis in children

Vitamin D analysis allows you to determine the level of vitamin D in the blood. This analysis can be useful for children with risk factors for vitamin D or symptoms that can be associated with a lack of vitamin D.

Vitamin D analysis is usually carried out by taking a blood sample from a vein. Before passing the analysis, special preparation is not required. The doctor can evaluate the results of the analysis and determine whether the child needs an additional intake of vitamin D.

The optimal level of vitamin D in the blood for children is 30-50 ng/ml (75-125 nmol/l). The level of vitamin D is below 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/l) is considered a deficiency of vitamin D.

Vitamin D and Covid-19 in children

Studies show that vitamin D can play a role in the prevention and treatment of Covid-19. Vitamin D supports the immune system and can help reduce the risk of infection of the COVID-19 and the severe course of the disease.

Children with vitamin D deficiency are recommended to take vitamin D additives to maintain the immune system. However, vitamin D is not a replacement for vaccination and other preventive measures against the Covid-19.

Tips for providing a sufficient amount of vitamin D for children

Regularly take the child for walking in the fresh air: Try to take the child for walking in the fresh air at least 10-15 minutes a day, especially on sunny days. Do not forget about precautions from sunburn.
Include products rich in vitamin D in the child’s diet: Include oily fish, egg yolks and other products rich in vitamin D. in the child’s diet.
Consider the possibility of taking vitamin D additives: If the child has risk factors for vitamin D deficiency, consult your doctor about the need to receive vitamin D.
Visit the doctor regularly: Regularly visit a doctor for preventive examinations and consultations on child health, including vitamin D.

Following these tips, you can help provide a sufficient amount of vitamin D for your child and support his health and development.