Do Your Kids Need Children’s Vitamin D Supplements This Winter?

Daylight is in short supply in many parts of the country during the winter months. Because vitamin D is produced by the body when it is exposed to sunlight, many health experts believe that a vitamin D supplement is a particularly good idea when there are fewer hours of sunlight. For kids, children’s vitamin D supplements might be even more necessary because the vitamin is so essential to maintaining bone and immune system health.

Vitamin D, whether produced by sunlight or consumed in children’s vitamin D supplements, is necessary to enable the body to absorb calcium and regulate bone growth and mineralization. Deficiency of the vitamin can lead to bone deficiency, as well as an increased risk of respiratory infections, auto-immune problems, diabetes and asthma.

In a 2008 survey of infants and toddlers conducted at a Boston primary care practice, more than 10% were significantly deficient in vitamin D, and nearly half had an insufficient amount. For older children, the numbers are thought to be even higher.

Vitamin D Deficiency - A New Epidemic?
Throughout history, humans were able to get enough vitamin D through exposure to sunlight and in their diet. And, in most regions, children are still obtaining enough of the vitamin in the summer months. However, in the northern half of the country, there is often not enough sunlight from November to February to synthesize sufficient amounts of vitamin D. For children who are primary indoors, do not drink fortified milk, or don’t take children’s vitamin D supplements, the risk of being deficient is very high.

For toddlers and school age kids, 400 i.u. per day of vitamin D is the minimum recommended amount. New guidelines are now recommending up to 800 i.u. daily. This can be easily met with the best children vitamin D supplements.

Parents are wise to pay attention to this important vitamin when it comes to their kids’ growth and overall health – particularly in the winter months. By ensuring that they are getting enough vitamin D through their diet, supplements, and sunlight, they can perhaps lower the risk of a wide variety of conditions and provide the nutrients for healthy growth.