Every parent wants the very best for their child so they need to make sure their little ones eat healthy foods full of nutrients, fibres, vitamins, and minerals.
Vitamin D contains both vitamin D2 and D3, but it has been shown that D3 increases blood levels better than D2. If they don't get their daily dose of vitamins, it will show in children's general health.
The importance of vitamin D3
It is a vitamin people often forget about because they think it's enough to stay in the sun long enough to get it. While that is true in most cases, some people have a harder time getting their vitamin D that way. It all depends on their skin colour, skin type, and various other factors.
Children's skin is very sensitive to the sun so it would be advisable to give them vitamin D in the form of food or supplements.
Vitamin D is very important for the overall health of the body. It helps to control how much calcium and phosphate our body absorbs.
Calcium, which can be found in dairy products, such as milk and cheese, keeps the strength of our bones and joints. Usually, painful joints are a sign of vitamin D deficiency. In case you are vegan and you can't eat dairy or meat, there is soy, oat, or almond milk, which can provide a certain amount of vitamin D, but be aware that you can't keep your levels up from just drinking milk.
If you are feeling like you lack more energy than usual, taking vitamin D3 once a day is recommended. Another benefit is that it keeps your heart healthy. Daily intake of vitamin D decreases the chances of various heart diseases. Other than that, it lowers blood pressure, fights inflammation, and improves brain functions by preserving neurons.
Signs of low vitamin D in children
It's easier to find signs of vitamin D deficiency in kids than it is in adults. But even then, symptoms are more visible in younger children than in teenagers. When they reach adolescence, their symptoms become vaguer and vaguer.
Usually, children get bone, joint, and muscle pain. The bones can easily bend and cause problems with their legs. Children who are overweight are also more likely to suffer vitamin D loss.
The reason can also be geographical. Those who live in mostly sunny regions spend more time outdoors and get more vitamin D through their skin. But we also have to consider the fact that dark-skinned children can't get vitamin D this way and it's a better method for fair-skinned kids.
Also, vitamin loss can cause slow growth because not enough nutrients are distributed to the blood.
Why kids should take vitamin D3
Bone structure is very important when it comes to kids' health because they are still in the process of development. Also, their immune system is weaker and they need vitamin D so their body can fight viruses and infections.
One of the many symptoms of vitamin D deficiency is a form of depression, which can reach a crucial stage during adolescence. That also includes forgetfulness and trouble sleeping. Daily intake of vitamin D helps with depression and mood changes, as well as with fatigue and poor concentration.
It's also helpful when it comes to allergies and asthma. Studies have shown that women who took vitamin D supplements while pregnant were less likely to give birth to a child with asthma.
Some children with low vitamin D levels experience muscle pains because of low calcium. Low levels of calcium can sometimes cause seizures in very young babies.
Vitamin D3 supplements
Children can get their vitamin D intake through various foods, but more and more experts suggest it's better to give them vitamin D3 supplements. With supplements, there is a sure way of knowing if they are getting enough vitamins.
They are completely safe to use, with no preservatives or artificial flavours, or colouring. Usually, if they are for children, they come in the form of flavoured chewable gummies so they are easier to take and digest.
Children should start getting their vitamin D shortly after birth. For newborn babies who are still breastfed, it's recommended they get 1000-1500 IU of the vitamin every day. Those who are 1-8 years old should receive 2500-3000 IU per day.
Keep in mind that this refers to vitamin D they get from their overall foods plus supplements, not just supplements. And finally, children who are 9 years old or older should get about 4000 IU every day.
Keep these units in mind and make sure you don't give them more than you should. Too much vitamin D is just as bad for them as not enough vitamin.