Vitamins for children: vitamin D for children

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Vitamins for children: vitamin D for children – full guidance for parents

Chapter 1: The Fundamentals of Vitamin D and its role in children’s health

Vitamin D, often called “solar vitamin”, plays a critical role in children’s health. It is a fat -soluble vitamin, which means that it dissolves in fats and can accumulate in the body. Unlike many other vitamins, vitamin D can be synthesized in the skin under the influence of sunlight (ultraviolet radiation B or UVB). However, this process depends on many factors, including the season, the breadth of the area, the pigmentation of the skin and the use of sunscreen.

1.1. Physiological functions of vitamin D in the child’s body:

Vitamin D performs many important functions in the children’s body covering various systems and processes:

  • The assimilation of calcium and phosphorus: The key function of vitamin D is to regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestines. It helps the body effectively absorb these minerals from food, providing them with a sufficient amount to form and maintain healthy bones and teeth. Without sufficient vitamin D, the body cannot effectively use calcium, even if it is enough in the diet.

  • Health of bones and teeth: Calcium and phosphorus are the main building blocks of bones and teeth. Vitamin D plays a decisive role in maintaining the health of these structures throughout life, especially during the period of growth and development. A sufficient amount of vitamin D contributes to the formation of strong bones and teeth, reducing the risk of rickets (in children) and osteomination (in adults).

  • Immune system: Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system. It helps regulate immune cells, ensuring their proper functioning and protection against infections. The disadvantage of vitamin D can increase the susceptibility to infections, including respiratory diseases. Studies show that vitamin D can modulate an immune response, reducing inflammation and maintaining the balance of immune reactions.

  • Muscle function: Vitamin D is important for normal muscle function. He participates in the contraction and relaxation of muscles, ensuring their strength and coordination. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, pain and increased risk of falls.

  • Cellular development: Vitamin D is involved in the process of cellular development and differentiation. It helps regulate the growth and specialization of cells, ensuring their correct functioning in various tissues and organs.

  • Regulation of blood pressure: Some studies show that vitamin D can play a role in the regulation of blood pressure. Vitamin D deficiency can be associated with an increased risk of hypertension.

  • The function of the nervous system: Vitamin D also affects the function of the nervous system. It can protect nerve cells from damage and maintain the normal transmission of nerve impulses.

1.2. Differences between vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol):

There are two main forms of vitamin D:

  • Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol): It is produced by plants and mushrooms under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Usually contained in enriched food and some vitamin additives.

  • Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): It is produced in the skin of humans and animals under the influence of sunlight. It is also contained in some products of animal origin, such as oily fish, egg yolks and liver. Vitamin D3, as a rule, is more effective in increasing the level of vitamin D in the blood than vitamin D2. Therefore, in most cases, it is recommended to take vitamin D3 as an additive.

1.3. How vitamin D turns into an active form in the body:

Vitamin D, regardless of whether it comes from food, additives or synthesized in the skin, is not an active form. He must go through two stages of transformation to become biologically active:

  • The first stage: Vitamin D is transported to the liver, where it is hydroxylated and turns into 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]also known as calciol. This is the main form of vitamin D, measured in blood tests to determine its level in the body.

  • The second stage: 25 (OH) D is transported to the kidneys, where it passes the second hydroxation and turns into 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D]also known as calcitriol. This is an active form of vitamin D, which binds to vitamin D (VDR) receptors in cells and has its biological effects.

Chapter 2: The causes and consequences of vitamin D deficiency in children

Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem among children around the world. The disadvantage of vitamin D can lead to various health problems, especially during active growth and development.

2.1. Risk factors for vitamin D in children:

Many factors can contribute to the deficiency of vitamin D in children:

  • Insufficient stay in the sun: The main source of vitamin D is the synthesis in the skin under the influence of sunlight. Children who spend little time outdoors, especially in the winter months or in regions with low solar activity, are at risk of deficiency. The use of sunscreen also reduces the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin.

  • Dark skin: Melanin, a pigment that gives the skin the color reduces the ability of the skin to synthesize vitamin D under the influence of sunlight. Children with dark skin need a greater time to stay in the sun to produce a sufficient amount of vitamin D.

  • Geographical position: In regions located far from the equator, the angle of fall of sunlight is less, which reduces the intensity of the UVB radiation necessary for the synthesis of vitamin D. Children living in northern latitudes are especially at risk of deficiency.

  • A low vitamin D diet: Vitamin D is contained in a small amount of food, such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), egg yolks and enriched products (milk, juices, flakes). Children who do not consume enough of these products may experience vitamin D. Breast milk contains little vitamin D, therefore it is often recommended to give vitamin D.

  • Obesity: Vitamin D is a fat -soluble vitamin, so it can accumulate in adipose tissue. In children with obesity, vitamin D can be “locked” in adipose tissue, which reduces its accessibility for the body.

  • Some diseases: Some diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease and liver and kidney disease, may disrupt the absorption of vitamin D or its transformation into an active form.

  • Reception of some drugs: Some drugs, such as anticonvulsants and glucocorticosteroids, can affect vitamin D.’s metabolism.

  • Breastfeeding without additives: Breast milk is perfect food for babies, but it often does not contain a sufficient amount of vitamin D to meet the needs of the child. Therefore, it is usually recommended that infants who are exclusively breastfeeding are recommended to give vitamin D.

2.2. Symptoms and consequences of vitamin D deficiency in children:

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can be different, and in some cases they can be invisible. However, a prolonged deficiency of vitamin D can lead to serious consequences for the health of the child:

  • Rakhite: Rickets is a disease of bones that occurs in children due to deficiency of vitamin D and calcium. Rachite leads to softening and deformation of bones, which can manifest itself in the form:

    • Legs curvature (O-shaped or X-shaped legs)
    • Thickening of wrists and ankles
    • Teething delays
    • Bone pain and muscles
    • Growth delays

  • Osteomulation: Osteomulation is a softening of bones that occurs in adults due to vitamin D deficiency. In children, osteomination occurs less often than rickets, but it can occur with prolonged deficiency of vitamin D.

  • Muscle weakness: Vitamin D is important for normal muscle function. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, pain and seizures.

  • Growth delay: Vitamin D is necessary for the normal growth and development of bones. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to growth retardation.

  • Increased susceptibility to infections: Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Vitamin D deficiency can increase susceptibility to infections, including respiratory diseases, such as colds and flu.

  • TF Problems: Vitamin D is important for teeth health. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a delay in teething, increased risk of caries and other problems with teeth.

  • Bad dream: Some studies connect the deficiency of vitamin D with sleep disturbances, including insomnia.

  • Increased risk of allergies: Some studies show that vitamin D deficiency can be associated with an increased risk of developing allergic diseases such as asthma and eczema.

  • Mood disorders: Some studies associate the deficiency of vitamin D with an increased risk of depression and other mood disorders.

2.3. Diagnosis of vitamin D:

The diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency is based on blood tests, which measures the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. Levels 25 (OH) D are interpreted as follows:

  • Deficiency: Less than 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/l)
  • Failure: 20-29 ng/ml (50-75 nmol/l)
  • Sufficient level: 30-100 ng/ml (75-250 nmol/l)
  • Toxicity: More than 100 ng/ml (250 nmol/l)

The doctor can also prescribe other blood tests, such as the level of calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase to assess the condition of the bones. In some cases, an X -ray of bones may be required to identify signs of rickets.

Chapter 3: Recommendations for taking vitamin D for children

Recommendations for taking vitamin D vary depending on the age, state of health and risk factors for vitamin D.

3.1. Official recommendations on the daily dose of vitamin D for children:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other medical organizations recommend the following daily doses of vitamin D for children:

  • Infants (0-12 months): 400 IU (international units) per day
  • Children (1-18 years old): 600 me per day

These recommendations are based on the need to maintain a sufficient level of vitamin D in the blood of bones, immune system and general health. However, in some cases, doctors can recommend higher doses of vitamin D, especially for children with risk factors for vitamin D deficiency, such as dark skin, obesity, some diseases or taking certain drugs.

3.2. Sources of vitamin D for children:

There are three main sources of vitamin D for children:

  • Sunlight: The skin can synthesize vitamin D under the influence of sunlight (UVB radiation). However, the amount of vitamin D, synthesized by the skin, depends on many factors, including the season, the breadth of the area, the pigmentation of the skin and the use of sunscreen. In most cases, the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin is not enough to meet the needs of the child, especially in the winter months or in regions with low solar activity.

  • Food: Vitamin D is contained in a small number of food, such as:

    • Fat fish: Salmon, tuna, scuba, sardy
    • Egg yolks:
    • Liver:
    • Enriched products: Milk, juices, flakes, yogurts importantly read the labels of products to find out the content of vitamin D. Some products can be enriched with vitamin D, but the content may vary.

  • Vitamin additives: Vitamin additives are a reliable way to provide a child with a sufficient amount of vitamin D. Vitamin D is available in various forms, including drops, chewing tablets and capsules. For babies, it is recommended to use drops of vitamin D, which are easy to give and dose.

3.3. How to give vitamin D to children:

  • Babies: It is recommended to give vitamin D in the form of drops. Drops can be added to a bottle of milk or juice, or give directly into the mouth. It is important to carefully read the instructions on the packaging in order to correctly dose vitamin D.

  • Children over 1 year old: Vitamin D can be given in the form of drops, chewing tablets or capsules. Chewing tablets and capsules often have a fruit taste, which facilitates their admission to children. It is important to make sure that the child knows how to chew and swallow tablets to avoid the risk of suffocation.

  • Regularity: It is important to give vitamin D to the child regularly, every day to maintain a sufficient level of vitamin D in the blood. If you forgot to give vitamin D one day, do not give a double dose the next day.

  • Storage: Keep vitamin D in an inaccessible place for children to avoid random administration of too much dose.

3.4. Types of vitamin additives with vitamin D for children:

There are many vitamin additives with vitamin D designed for children. When choosing an additive, it is important to pay attention to the following factors:

  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is more effective than vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). Therefore, it is recommended to choose additives containing vitamin D3.

  • Dosage: Make sure that the dosage of vitamin D in addition corresponds to the needs of your child. If you have doubts, consult your doctor.

  • Output form: Select the output form that is most convenient for your child (drops, chewing tablets, capsules).

  • Composition: Pay attention to the composition of the additive. Some additives may contain artificial dyes, flavors and preservatives that can be harmful to children. Choose additives with natural ingredients.

  • Manufacturer: Choose additives from reliable manufacturers who conduct quality control of their products.

  • Availability of certificates: Pay attention to the availability of quality certificates such as GMP (good manufacturing practice).

3.5. Vitamin D safety for children: overdose and side effects:

Vitamin D is safe vitamin, but an overdose can lead to undesirable side effects. It is important to observe the recommended doses of vitamin D and not exceed the upper permissible level of consumption.

The upper permissible level of vitamin D consumption for children:

  • Infants (0-6 months): 1000 IU per day
  • Infants (7-12 months): 1500 me per day
  • Children (1-3 years old): 2500 me per day
  • Children (4-8 years old): 3000 me per day
  • Children (9-18 years old): 4000 me per day

Symptoms of an overdose of vitamin D:

  • Nausea
  • Vomit
  • Bad appetite
  • Constipation
  • Weakness
  • Irritability
  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive thirst
  • Bone pain
  • Increased blood calcium (hypercalcemia)
  • Renal failure (in severe cases)

If you suspect that your child received an overdose of vitamin D, see a doctor immediately.

In most cases, side effects from taking vitamin D are rare if you follow the recommended doses. However, some children may have the following side effects:

  • Allergic reactions (rarely)
  • Stomach disorder (rarely)

If your child has any side effects from taking vitamin D, stop taking the additive and consult your doctor.

Chapter 4: Vitamin D and special groups of children

Some groups of children have an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency and need special attention.

4.1. Vitamin D for infants on breastfeeding:

Breast milk is perfect food for babies, but it often does not contain a sufficient amount of vitamin D to meet the needs of the child. Therefore, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends giving all babies who are exclusively breastfeeding, the addition of vitamin D at a dose of 400 IU per day, starting from the first days of life. This recommendation applies to those babies who partially receive breastfeeding if they do not receive enough vitamin D from other sources.

4.2. Vitamin D for premature children:

Premature children have an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, since they have fewer vitamin D reserves at birth and they did not have time to accumulate it in the womb. In addition, premature babies often have problems with the absorption of nutrients, including vitamin D. Recommendations for taking vitamin D for premature babies can be higher than for informed children. The doctor will determine the optimal dose of vitamin D for your premature child.

4.3. Vitamin D for children with obesity:

In children with obesity, vitamin D can be “locked” in adipose tissue, which reduces its accessibility for the body. As a result, children with obesity may require a higher dose of vitamin D to achieve a sufficient level of vitamin D in the blood. The doctor can recommend a higher dose of vitamin D for your child with obesity.

4.4. Vitamin D for children with chronic diseases:

Some chronic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease and liver and kidney diseases, may disrupt the absorption of vitamin D or its transformation into an active form. Children with these diseases may require a higher dose of vitamin D and regular monitoring of vitamin D levels in the blood. The doctor will develop an individual treatment plan for your child with a chronic disease.

4.5. Vitamin D for children adhering to a vegetarian or vegan diet:

A vegetarian or vegan diet can be poor vitamin D, since vitamin D is mainly found in animal products. Children who adhere to a vegetarian or vegan diet are recommended to take vitamin D additives or use enriched food. It is important to make sure that the additive of vitamin D is suitable for vegans (vitamin D3 should not be animal, for example, from lichens).

Chapter 5: The role of vitamin D in the prevention of diseases in children

Studies show that vitamin D can play a role in the prevention of various diseases in children.

5.1. Vitamin D and prevention of respiratory infections:

Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Vitamin D deficiency can increase susceptibility to respiratory infections, such as colds and flu. Some studies show that vitamin D intake can reduce the risk of respiratory infections in children.

5.2. Vitamin D and asthma prevention:

Astma is a chronic lung disease, which is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the respiratory tract. Some studies show that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of asthma development in children. Other studies show that vitamin D intake can improve asthma control in children.

5.3. Vitamin D and allergy prevention:

Allergies are a reaction of the immune system to substances that are usually not harmful (allergens). Some studies show that vitamin D deficiency can be associated with an increased risk of developing allergic diseases such as eczema and food allergies. Other studies show that vitamin D intake can reduce the risk of allergic diseases in children.

5.4. Vitamin D and type 1 diabetes prevention:

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys pancreatic cells that produce insulin. Some studies show that vitamin D deficiency can be associated with an increased risk of type 1 diabetes. Other studies show that the intake of vitamin D can reduce the risk of developing diabetes of the 1st type in children.

5.5. Vitamin D and prevention of autoimmune diseases:

Autoimmune diseases are diseases in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Some studies show that vitamin D deficiency can be associated with an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Other studies show that vitamin D intake can reduce the risk of developing autoimmune diseases in children.

Chapter 6: Vitamin D: Myths and Reality

There are many myths and misconceptions about vitamin D. It is important to know the facts in order to make reasonable decisions of your child’s health.

6.1. Myth: It’s enough just to be in the sun to get enough vitamin D.

Reality: The amount of vitamin D, which the skin synthesizes under the influence of sunlight, depends on many factors, including the season, the breadth of the area, the pigmentation of the skin and the use of sunscreen. In most cases, the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin is not enough to meet the needs of the child, especially in the winter months or in regions with low solar activity.

6.2. Myth: All children receive enough vitamin D from their diet.

Reality: Vitamin D is contained in a small number of food. Most children do not receive enough vitamin D only from their diet.

6.3. Myth: Vitamin D is necessary only for bone health.

Reality: Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health, but it is also important for the immune system, muscle function, cell development and other processes in the body.

6.4. Myth: Vitamin D is toxic in any doses.

Reality: Vitamin D is safe vitamin if you follow the recommended doses. An overdose of vitamin D can lead to undesirable side effects, but this is rare.

6.5. Myth: Vitamin D test is necessary for all children.

Reality: Vitamin D test is not necessary for all children. However, the test can be recommended to children with risk factors for vitamin D deficiency, such as dark skin, obesity, some diseases or taking certain drugs.

Chapter 7: Conclusion: The importance of adequate vitamin D consumption for children’s health

Vitamin D plays a vital role in the health and development of children. Ensuring adequate consumption of vitamin D using sunlight, enriched food and/or additives is crucial for the health of bones, immune system and general well -being. Consult your child regularly to determine the optimal strategy for taking vitamin D to satisfy his individual needs. Remember that prevention is better than treatment, and providing a sufficient amount of vitamin D can help your child grow healthy and happy.

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