How Necessary Is a Kid’s Vitamin D3 Supplement?

With the popularity of computers and video games, a growing number of kids rarely play outside. The result is far less sun exposure which can cause some to develop vitamin D deficiencies. While there are some vitamin-D fortified foods that can help bridge the gap, for many, kid’s vitamin D3 supplements are necessary for ensuring that vitamin D levels are being met.

Why Kids Need Vitamin D
Sunlight naturally stimulates the skin to produce vitamin D which helps the body absorb calcium, magnesium and phosphate. These minerals are necessary both for bone formation and for stimulating the immune system. Vitamin D is not only required during the growing years of childhood, it’s necessary throughout life for the absorption of calcium.

Of course, it’s necessary to balance the benefits of obtaining vitamin D through sun exposure and the risk of skin cancer. Some try to obtain sufficient amounts of the vitamin through the diet by eating nutrient-rich foods like salmon, mackerel, liver, cheese, eggs and milk products. While these foods do contain vitamin D, not all kids like them. And, some are even allergic to them.

When vitamin D levels are low, bones are at risk of becoming thin, brittle or misshapen. A vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to insulin resistance, high blood pressure and decreased immunity. It’s common for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and digestive issues to also have substantial vitamin D deficiencies. If the deficiency is not corrected, there is a greater risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases, as well as tiredness, fatigue and even depression.

The Solution of Vitamin D3 for Kids
Kids have a greater need than ever for vitamin D supplementation because of increased time indoors, as well as the greater use of sunscreen. The best way to ensure your child is obtaining a sufficient amount of the vitamin is to provide a kids vitamin D3 supplement in its bioavailable form. With Animal Parade Sugar Free Vitamin D3 chewables, kids get the nutrition they need in a convenient chewable supplement that tastes great. It’s easy to ensure kids are getting sufficient vitamin D3 with a single daily supplement that is vegetarian, gluten-free and flavored with real fruit flavor.

Kid’s Vitamin D3 Supplements Helping Children with Epilepsy

Children with epilepsy are two to three times more likely to break bones than others within their age group, according to research conducted by the Leicester Royal Infirmary’s Department of Pediatric Neurology. Prior research had shown a link between epilepsy and weakened bones in some children, but this new evidence, published in The Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences, provides more compelling proof.

The cause of the lack of bone strength is suspected to be anti-epileptic medicines that prevent the body from replacing old bone tissue with new tissue. These medications also negatively impact bone density, making bones in children more prone to fractures.

Researchers who published the findings have recommended that children who have epilepsy and are taking anti-epilepsy medications should take a supplement of vitamin d3 for kids. The authors of the published findings stated, “Low dose vitamin D supplementation is now recommended for healthy children, and it is biologically feasible that children with epilepsy may be at higher risk of clinically significant deficiency. It is important that neurologists ensure that low dose vitamin D supplementation should be prescribed in children with epilepsy.”

Epilepsy in Children
According the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, approximately 400,000 children in the United States have epilepsy, and most control seizures through medication. Because epilepsy is often a lifelong condition, children who are taking anti-seizure medications will likely need supplementation throughout their lives. With these medications linked to bone-related issues, parents of children with epilepsy should definitely discuss kids vitamin D3 supplements with their pediatrician. Along with potentially helping prevent bone breaks and fractures, vitamin D3 may also be beneficial in minimizing symptoms of other common conditions, including eczema, depression, and ADHD.

What to Look for in Kid’s Vitamin D3 Supplements
For a child to gain the benefits of a supplement of vitamin D3 for kids, it’s important to provide a well-formulated supplement that contains at least 500 IU of the vitamin. It’s also important to choose a brand that is made from the bioavailable active form of the vitamin to support optimal growth and long-term health. An option, such as Animal Parade Vitamin D3, is a good choice because of its quality and taste.

Protecting the Skin While Getting Enough Vitamin D with Kid’s Vitamin D3 Supplements

Sunlight, along with fortified milk and orange juice, is a primary source of vitamin D in children. However, with 3.5 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers and approximately 73,000 cases of melanoma diagnosed each year in the United States, protection from the sun is necessary for children. One alternative to ensuring your child obtains sufficient vitamin D is to give him or her a kid’s vitamin D3 supplement.

This time of year, there are plenty of opportunities for active kids to enjoy the great outdoors. Yet, the risk of skin cancer is real and increasing. Because of this, pediatricians and dermatologists highly recommend high-SPF sunscreens are used whenever children are exposed to natural sunlight. While sunscreens can greatly reduce the risk of skin cancer, they also prevent the body from producing sufficient vitamin D.

Children who have little exposure to the sun are at a greater risk of vitamin D deficiency. With deficiency comes the possibility of certain bone diseases, as well as a higher risk of other conditions including diabetes, certain cancers and even depression.

Consulting with your pediatrician about balancing sun protection and vitamin D is a smart idea. A simple blood test can be given to determine a deficiency. If your child has been identified as having a vitamin D deficiency, a kid’s vitamin D3 supplement may be recommended.

Choosing the Right Vitamin D3 for Kids
Not all supplements are created equal. Because of this, it’s important to carefully read the label of any kid’s vitamin D3 supplement you might purchase for your children. The best contain the bioavailable active form of the vitamin to support optimal growth and long-term health. Look for natural flavored supplements that conform to standards for purity, including California’s Proposition 65.

Simply buying the lowest price supplement on the market is not always the best strategy. Many have incorrect dosages, as well as artificial flavors and colors. With a little research, you can identify the brands that offer the best value and the best quality.

As with nearly everything in life, balance is needed in obtaining vitamin D. While sunlight is a great source of the vitamin, it is also risky. With moderation and a strategy for enabling your child to obtain sufficient vitamin D3, you can help prevent many illnesses.