Vitamin D and Your Child

By in Paediatrics & Neonatology

Nov 20, 2020

Vitamin D and Your Child: Everything Parents Should Know

Vitamin D plays a vital role in your child’s overall growth, especially in the development of strong bones, healthy muscles, a robust immune system, and proper brain functioning. Although called a “vitamin,” Vitamin D actually works like a pro-hormone, meaning the body can produce it with the help of sunlight.

Why Vitamin D Is Important

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate, essential minerals that support:

• Strong bones and teeth
• Healthy muscle function
• Better immunity
• Brain and nervous system support
• Regulated insulin levels
• Healthy lung and cardiovascular function

How the Body Gets Vitamin D

Unlike most vitamins that must be obtained through food, Vitamin D can be produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight. This makes sunlight the most natural and reliable source.

However, children may be at risk of deficiency if they:

• Stay indoors most of the time
• Live in areas with limited sunlight
• Wear full-body clothing due to cultural or religious practices
• Use sunscreen excessively
• Have darker skin (melanin reduces Vitamin D absorption)
• Have medical conditions limiting sun exposure

Food Sources of Vitamin D

While very few foods naturally contain Vitamin D, some good sources include:

• Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel)
• Egg yolk
• Cheese
• Beef liver
• Red meat
• Mushrooms
• Fortified milk, oils, and cereals

Important:
Breast milk naturally contains only 30–40 IU/L, which is not enough for infants. However, if lactating mothers take Vitamin D supplements, the Vitamin D level in breast milk can improve.

Vitamin D Requirements in Children

If sunlight exposure is adequate, the body can produce enough Vitamin D. But when sunlight is insufficient, dietary supplements become necessary.

Recommended Daily Intake

• Infants (0–12 months): 400 IU/day
• Children (1–18 years): 600 IU/day
• Teenagers: 600 IU/day

Supplementation Needs

• Exclusively breastfed infants need 400 IU/day until 1 year of age.
• Formula-fed babies consuming less than 1 liter of formula/day also need supplementation.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Children

In India, 50–90% of children are deficient. This is due to low dietary calcium, darker skin tone, and reduced outdoor activity.

Common Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Bone or back pain
• Frequent illness (weak immunity)
• Poor wound healing
• Hair loss
• Muscle pain
• Low mood or irritability

Severe Deficiency May Lead To

• Hypocalcemic seizures
• Tetany (muscle spasms)
• Rickets (soft, weak bones)

Red-Flag Symptoms Requiring Urgent Medical Care

• Bowed legs in toddlers
• Knock knees
• Soft skull in infants
• Delayed growth
• Prominent bone deformities

Vitamin D Levels — Interpretation

• Deficient: <10 ng/mL
• Insufficient: 10–20 ng/mL
• Optimal: 20–60 ng/mL
• High: 60–90 ng/mL
• Toxic: >90 ng/mL

Children should have their Vitamin D levels checked periodically, especially if symptoms persist.

Treatment for Vitamin D Deficiency

Therapeutic regimens commonly include:

• Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
  • 2000 IU/day OR
  • 60,000 IU weekly for 8 weeks
• Calcium supplementation for bone strength

Note: Total Vitamin D intake over time is more important than how frequently it is taken.

After correction, maintain with:
400–800 IU/day

Vitamin D Overdose: What Parents Must Know

Too much Vitamin D can increase blood calcium levels and cause serious complications such as kidney stones or heart rhythm disturbances.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Toxicity

• Vomiting
• Poor appetite
• Constipation
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness
• Excessive thirst & urination
• Kidney-related problems

Always use Vitamin D supplements strictly under medical guidance.

⭐ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Vitamin D important for children?

Vitamin D supports bone growth, immunity, muscle strength, and brain development. Without it, children are at risk of bone deformities and poor growth.

2. How can I naturally increase my child’s Vitamin D levels?

Safe exposure to morning sunlight (10–20 minutes, arms and legs exposed) is the best way. Additionally, include Vitamin D-rich foods such as eggs, fortified milk, and fatty fish.

3. Does my breastfed baby need Vitamin D supplements?

Yes. Breast milk alone does not provide enough Vitamin D, so breastfed babies need 400 IU/day supplementation.

4. What are the early signs of Vitamin D deficiency in children?

Common symptoms include fatigue, irritability, frequent infections, poor growth, bone pain, and delayed milestones.

5. At what Vitamin D level does treatment become necessary?

Levels below 20 ng/mL require treatment. Levels below 10 ng/mL indicate deficiency needing immediate medical attention.

6. Can too much sunlight cause excess Vitamin D?

No. The body self-regulates Vitamin D production from sunlight. Overexposure may cause sunburn, but not Vitamin D overdose.

7. Can Vitamin D deficiency cause rickets?

Yes. Severe and prolonged deficiency leads to rickets, causing soft bones, bowed legs, and skeletal deformities.

8. Is Vitamin D supplementation safe for children?

Yes, when taken in recommended doses. Excessive or unsupervised use can lead to Vitamin D toxicity.