Vitamin D: Keeping your Kids Healthy!
November 12th, 2015
Picture Source: http://preventdisease.com/news/12/080812_Low-Vitamin-D-Levels-Common-In-Critically-Ill-Children.shtml
With winter and cold weather approaching fast, we know your kids are spending less time outdoors! Without getting exposure to the sun it is important for your kids to still be getting enough vitamin D. In fact, in Michigan it is very common for children to have low vitamin D levels, especially in the winter. Keep reading to find out more about vitamin D and why it is so important for your child’s health!
WHAT is Vitamin D and WHY is it so important?!
- Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for your child’s health
- Vitamin D and Calcium work together to build bones and maintain bone strength
- When in the sun our bodies produce vitamin D naturally
- Vitamin D has been shown to help maintain health and reduce symptoms for asthmatic children
- Vitamin D also helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and thinning bones
Sources of Vitamin D
Although we can get vitamin D from the sun, there are also supplements available (we recommend these, ask us for coupons at your next visit!) and a few foods that are high in vitamin D. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D is 400 IU for babies under 12 months. For kids over 1 year 600 IU is recommended.
- Fish: salmon and tuna are high in vitamin D
- Milk with fortified vitamin D: in order to get the daily serving about 32 oz. is necessary, which is hard to get kids to drink in one day
- Vitamin D liquid supplements: find these over the counter at any pharmacy; these will supply your child with the recommended daily intake easily!
If you have a newborn and are breastfeeding, it is important to start your baby on the vitamin D supplement for babies, within the first few days. Your baby WILL NOT be getting vitamin D from breast milk! Most formulas do have vitamin D in them, but you should still check that the formula and the amount they are eating daily adds up to the recommended 400 IU’s.
Risk Factors for Vitamin D Deficiency
- People with darker skin
- Babies who are only breastfed
- Limited exposure to sunlight
Think your child may have low vitamin D? Call and schedule an appointment today!
Remember, we are always here to help!
Healthy Kids = Happy Kids!
Source: http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/healthy_eating/vitamin-D.html