Choosing a Vitamin D Supplement to Prevent Deficiency

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in vitamin D deficiency being reported in the United States and other countries. This deficiency can contribute to significant problems with bone strength in children. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium in our diet to build strong bones. Also referred to as rickets, vitamin D deficiency can be prevented by consuming the essential vitamin in a healthy diet and by taking a daily vitamin D supplement.

While the body can make sufficient vitamin D with just a few minutes a day of midday sun, children, who are protected by sunscreen, are often those who are deficient. Children can also obtain the vitamin D by drinking milk and orange juice that are often fortified with it. Food allergies and other dietary restrictions can also contribute to a vitamin D deficiency.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Institute of Medicine both recommend a daily intake of 400 IU per day of vitamin D during the first year of life and 600 IU for everyone over the age of one.  Other health organizations suggest even higher recommended amount up to 2,000 IU per day to prevent the painful, growth-stunting effects of rickets.

Many health experts encourage parents to give their children a vitamin D supplement as a preventative strategy even if they are getting ample sun exposure and consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet. For those children who have already acquired some level of vitamin D deficiency, a kids vitamin D supplement is almost always recommended, and typically the condition can be reversed quickly if it is diagnosed in its early stages.

Available in chewable form, a daily vitamin D supplement to children is a simple and highly effective solution for preventing a serious condition in children.