Make Sure Your Kids Get Enought Vitamin D

Thursday, April 16, 2009 by Leslie Ellis
Lately there has been an increase in the number of children being diagnosed with rickets, a disease caused by vitamin d deficiency.  This used to be a disease of the past especially after milk became fortified with vitamin D, however, twelve percent of babies and children are Vitamin D deficient and another 28% are at risk of a deficiency according to a study for the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. Proper vitamin d supplements for children and appropriate sun exposure can ensure an adequate level of Vitamin D.

Strong Bones & Immune System
Vitamin D is necessary to build strong bones by helping the body absorb and effectively use calcium. Without proper levels of Vitamin D, bones can become soft, brittle, or deformed such as in rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis. Vitamin D deficiency in babies results in delayed development. It also plays a role in enhancing the immune system and preventing autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Maintaining proper levels of Vitamin D in children is important to maintain bone health and support their immune systems.  It is difficult to get enough from just diet alone, as their are few foods with vitamin D, let alone whether your kids will eat them or not - sardines, salmon, tuna?  Milk is fortified with 100 IU per serving but that would mean drinking a lot of milk every day.

How much do they need?
The RDA for children and teens was recently raised from 200 IU to 400 IU per day.  However, many experts are recommending more than that to reach optimal blood levels of vitamin D.  Check with your child's pediatrician to see how much your child needs.  They may be especially at risk if they are exclusively breastfed (the mother should take a higher dosage of vitamin D3 to ensure the baby gets enough), darker skin especially African-Americans and Hispanics, and children who wear sunscreen all the time.

Vitamin D Supplements
Liquid vitamin D supplements for children are a wonderful, easy and safe way to make sure your child gets the right amount of vitamin D needed each day.  You can purchase it at Walgreens and online at Drugstore.com, Vitacost.com, and Target.com.


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