Vitamins for healthy teeth and bones in children

Vitamins for healthy teeth and bones in children: Complete leadership

The role of vitamins and minerals in the development of bones and teeth

Healthy bones and teeth are the basis of the general health and well -being of the child. They provide the structure, support and protection necessary for growth, development and active life. Proper nutrition, rich in certain vitamins and minerals, plays a decisive role in the formation and maintenance of strong bones and teeth from a very young age. The lack of these nutrients can lead to serious problems, such as rickets, growth retardation, caries and weakened bones subject to fractures.

Vitamin D: solar vitamin for strong bones

Vitamin D is often called “solar vitamin”, since it is produced in the skin under the influence of sunlight. However, obtaining a sufficient amount of vitamin D only from sunlight can be difficult, especially in the winter months or for children who spend a lot of time in the room.

  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays a key role in the assimilation of calcium and phosphorus from food. These two minerals are the main building blocks of bones and teeth. Vitamin D helps to maintain the necessary level of calcium in the blood, which contributes to the mineralization of bones and teeth, making them strong and resistant to damage. It is also important for the correct functioning of the immune system and the neuromuscular system.

  • The consequences of vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D deficiency in children can lead to rickets, a disease characterized by softening of bones. Racititis can cause bone deformation, growth retardation, muscle weakness and increased susceptibility to fractures. In older children and adolescents, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomination, condition, similar to rickets, but manifested after the completion of growth. Vitamin D deficiency can also increase the risk of caries, since it affects the mineralization of the teeth.

  • Sources of vitamin D: The best source of vitamin D is sunlight. However, the time required to obtain a sufficient amount of vitamin D from the Sun depends on many factors, including the time of year, time of day, geographical position, skin color and the use of sunscreen. It is recommended to take vitamin D from food and additives, especially in regions with insufficient sunlight.

    • Products rich in vitamin D: Bold fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), egg yolk, enriched products (milk, yogurt, breakfast flakes).
    • Vitamin D supplements: Vitamin D is available in the form of drops, tablets and capsules. The pediatrician can recommend a dose of vitamin D, corresponding to the age and needs of the child.
  • Recommended daily dose of vitamin D: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies and children take 400 IU (international units) of vitamin D daily, starting from the first days of life. Children over 1 year old and adolescents are recommended to take 600 IU vitamin D daily.

Vitamin A: Important for growth and development

Vitamin A is a fat -soluble vitamin necessary for growth and development, vision, immune function and maintaining the health of the skin and mucous membranes.

  • Vitamin A functions: Vitamin A plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. It contributes to the growth and differentiation of osteoblasts (cells that form the bone) and odontoblasts (cells that form dentin tooths). Vitamin and also participates in bone remodeling, a process in which the old bone tissue is replaced by a new one.

  • The consequences of vitamin A deficiency: Vitamin A deficiency can lead to a slowdown in bone growth, increased susceptibility to infections and vision problems. The disadvantage of vitamin and can also affect the development of teeth, increasing the risk of caries and email problems.

  • Sources of vitamin A: Vitamin A is contained in the products of animal and plant origin.

    • Animal products rich in vitamin A: Liver, fish oil, eggs, dairy products.
    • Plant products rich in beta-carotene (predecessor of vitamin A): Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, cabbage.
  • Recommended daily dose of vitamin A: The recommended daily dose of vitamin A depends on the age of the child. The pediatrician can recommend a dose corresponding to the age and needs of the child.

Vitamin C: Antioxidant for the health of the gums and bones

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water -soluble vitamin necessary for the growth and restoration of tissues in the entire body. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  • Vitamin C functions: Vitamin C plays an important role in the synthesis of collagen, protein, which is the main component of connective tissue, including bones, teeth, gums and skin. Collagen provides the structure and strength of these fabrics. Vitamin C also promotes wound healing and strengthens the immune system.

  • The consequences of vitamin C deficiency: Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, disease characterized by bleeding gums, teeth loss, joint pain and wound healing. The disadvantage of vitamin C can also weaken the bones and increase the risk of fractures.

  • Sources of vitamin C: Vitamin C is contained in many fruits and vegetables.

    • Products rich in vitamin C: Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits), strawberries, kiwi, pepper, broccoli, tomatoes.
  • Recommended daily dose of vitamin C: The recommended daily dose of vitamin C depends on the age of the child. The pediatrician can recommend a dose corresponding to the age and needs of the child.

Vitamin K: Important for blood coagulation and bone health

Vitamin K is a fat -soluble vitamin necessary for blood coagulation and bone health.

  • Vitamin K functions: Vitamin K plays an important role in carboxylation of osteocalcin, protein, which is contained in bones and is necessary for bone mineralization. Vitamin K is also involved in the synthesis of other proteins that are necessary for the health of bones.

  • The consequences of vitamin K deficiency: Vitamin K deficiency can lead to increased risk of bleeding and bone weakening.

  • Sources of vitamin K: Vitamin K is contained in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, cabbage and broccoli, as well as in some vegetable oils and fermented products.

  • Recommended daily dose of vitamin K: The recommended daily dose of vitamin K depends on the age of the child. Typically, children get enough vitamin K from their diet, but the pediatrician can recommend additives in certain cases.

Calcium: the main building block of bones and teeth

Calcium is the most common mineral in the human body. It makes up the main part of the bones and teeth, providing them with strength and structure.

  • Calcium functions: Calcium is necessary for the mineralization of bones and teeth, a process in which calcium and phosphorus are deposited in bone tissue and dentin tooths, making them solid and resistant to damage. Calcium also plays an important role in transmitting nerve impulses, muscle contraction and blood coagulation.

  • The consequences of calcium deficiency: Calcium deficiency can lead to rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults. Rachite is characterized by softening of bones, bone deformation, growth retardation and muscle weakness. Osteoporosis is characterized by a decrease in bone density, which increases the risk of fractures. Calcium deficiency can also affect the development of teeth, increasing the risk of caries development and enamel problems.

  • Calcium sources: The best sources of calcium are dairy products.

    • Calcium products: Milk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, enriched plant drinks (soy milk, almond milk, oatmeal), green leafy vegetables (cabbage, broccoli), fish with bones (sardines, salmon).
  • Recommended daily dose of calcium: The recommended daily dose of calcium depends on the age of the child.

    • Infants (0-6 months): 200 mg
    • Infants (7-12 months): 260 mg
    • Children (1-3 years old): 700 mg
    • Children (4-8 years old): 1000 mg
    • Children (9-18 years old): 1300 mg

Phosphorus: calcium partner in the formation of bones and teeth

Phosphorus is the second most common mineral in the human body. He works closely with calcium in the formation and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth.

  • Phosphorus functions: Phosphorus is necessary for the mineralization of bones and teeth. It also plays an important role in energy metabolism, functioning of cells and genetic information (DNA and RNA).

  • The consequences of phosphorus deficiency: Phosphorus deficiency is rare, since it is found in many foods. However, the lack of phosphorus can lead to weakening of bones, muscle weakness and problems with energy exchange.

  • Sources of phosphorus: Phosphorus is contained in many foods.

    • Products rich in phosphorus: Dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains.
  • Recommended daily dose of phosphorus: The recommended daily dose of phosphorus depends on the age of the child.

    • Infants (0-6 months): 100 mg
    • Infants (7-12 months): 275 mg
    • Children (1-3 years old): 460 mg
    • Children (4-8 years old): 500 mg
    • Children (9-18 years old): 1250 mg

Ftor: Defender enamel of teeth

Phthor is a mineral that strengthens the enamel of the teeth and makes them more resistant to the effects of acids produced by bacteria in the oral cavity.

  • Fluorine functions: The fluorine is built into the structure of the enamel of the teeth, forming fluoripate, which is more resistant to acidic effects than hydroxyapatitis (the main component of enamel). Phthor also promotes enamel remineralization, restoring damaged areas.

  • The consequences of fluorine deficiency: The shortage of fluorine increases the risk of caries.

  • Fluorine sources: The main source of fluorine is fluorine water. Forts are also contained in toothpaste and rinsers for the oral cavity containing fluorine.

  • Recommended fluorine consumption: Recommended fluorine consumption depends on the age of the child. A dentist or pediatrician can recommend a dose of fluorine corresponding to the age and needs of the child.

Magnesium: An important mineral for bone health

Magnesium is an important mineral that is involved in many processes in the body, including bone formation, the functioning of muscles and nerves, as well as the regulation of blood sugar.

  • Magnesium functions: Magnesium is necessary for the mineralization of bones and maintaining their structure. It also participates in the activation of vitamin D, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium.

  • The consequences of magnesium deficiency: Magnesium deficiency can lead to weakening of bones, muscle cramps, fatigue and heart problems.

  • Sources of magnesium: Magnesium is found in many foods.

    • Products rich in magnesium: Green sheet vegetables (spinach, cabbage), nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grain products, avocados.
  • Recommended daily dose of magnesium: The recommended daily dose of magnesium depends on the age of the child.

    • Infants (0-6 months): 30 mg
    • Infants (7-12 months): 75 mg
    • Children (1-3 years old): 80 mg
    • Children (4-8 years old): 130 mg
    • Children (9-13 years old): 240 mg
    • Teenagers (14-18 years old): 410 mg (for boys), 360 mg (for girls)

The importance of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle

Reception of vitamins and minerals is an important part of maintaining the health of bones and teeth in children, but a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are no less important.

  • Balanced nutrition: The child’s diet should be varied and include products from all food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, protein and dairy products.
  • Sugar consumption restriction: Excessive sugar consumption contributes to the development of caries.
  • Regular physical exercises: Exercise, especially those that are associated with the load on the bones (running, jumping, walking), contribute to the strengthening of bones.
  • Proper oral hygiene: Regular tooth brushing twice a day using a toothpaste containing fluorine, and the use of toothbrushes help prevent the development of caries and gum diseases.
  • Regular visits to the dentist: Regular visits to the dentist (at least twice a year) allow you to identify and treat problems with teeth at an early stage.

Consultation with a doctor

Before giving a child any vitamin or mineral additives, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician or a children’s dentist. The doctor can evaluate the needs of the child and recommend a dose corresponding to his age, state of health and lifestyle. Self -medication can be dangerous and lead to undesirable side effects.

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