What You Need to Know About Vitamin D & Your Kids

A study conducted by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, USA, suggests that lower vitamin D levels may lead to type 2 diabetes in obese children. But whether your child is obese or not, vitamin D is still essential for his / her health.

Importance of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is primarily responsible for the absorption of calcium and phosphorous which allows the body to maintain bodily functions and healthy bones. But that’s not all! Vitamin D:

• Regulates the immune system, keeping infections / diseases like the common cold away
• Lowers the risk of developing multiple sclerosis
• Reduces recurrence of asthma symptoms
• Reduces arthritis in women
• Reduces the risk of developing cancer

It may also:

• Increase brain agility and
• Protect the body against the effects of low-level radiation exposure

Now, wouldn’t you want your kids to gain all these benefits? Of course! But how do you ensure the kiddos get adequate amounts of vitamin D?

Vitamin D Intake Requirements

According to the Office of Dietary Supplements website:

Infants (0-12 months)  - 400 IU / 10 mcg daily
Kids / Teens (1-13 years) – 600 IU / 15 mcg daily

Note: MedicalNewsToday.com says that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests the following intake for breastfed, weaned and non-breastfed babies -

• Pure or mixed fed infants – 400 IU daily of vitamin D supplements
• Weaned infants – minimum of 1,000 IU daily of vitamin D fortified milk
• Non-breastfed infants that consume less than 1,000 IU daily via fortified milk – supplements of 400 IU each day

Vitamin D Sources

1. Sunlight

A 5 to 30-minute session from 10am – 3pm twice per week is recommended. Best of all, it’s 100% free.

2. Food

Food that have high vitamin D content are: fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, halibut, codfish, tuna), shiitake & button mushrooms, oysters, caviar and fish liver oils. Food that are fortified with vitamin D are: cereals, bread, pastries, margarine, milk, as well as other dairy products.

Below is a chart from the Office of Dietary Supplements that lists other food items with vitamin D as well as how much of the vitamin they contain.

3. Supplements

Enfamil, Flinstones Multivitamins and GNC Kid’s Vitamoo are only a few dietary supplements for vitamin D available in the market. It is best to ask your pediatrician for recommendations to help get your kid the adequate vitamin D intake he / she needs.

Conclusion

Vitamin D is a crucial element in your child’s health, which is why it is important to ensure he / she receives the recommended daily dose. Whether through playing outdoors, food or other supplements, vitamin D will help reduce your child’s risk of type 2 diabetes, asthma, arthritis and cancer, and boost his / her immune system.

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