Vitamin D is one of those whose deficiencies are a common problem in Poland, regardless of age and gender. This fat-soluble ingredient is particularly important in the proper development of children, as it affects, among others, bone resistance and mineralization. Why is it worth supplementing vitamin D and in what doses?
The role of vitamin D
Vitamin D, or calcitriol (1,25 (OH) 2D), is one of the hormonally active fat-soluble ingredients. Its action is multi-level, and it is of great importance in maintaining the proper calcium and phosphate metabolism. Vitamin D is crucial in the prevention of many skeletal diseases, including osteoporosis, rickets and osteopenia.
Unfortunately, data show that vitamin D deficiency is found in 90% of adults, regardless of age and gender [1]. Therefore, it is worth providing it in the form of a supplement, and not only during periods of insufficient exposure to solar radiation, which is known to be necessary in the synthesis of this vitamin in the human body.
Vitamin D for children should be the basic element of the layette – specialists recommend supplementing it throughout the year. The results of scientific research have shown that systematic delivery of adequate amounts of this nutrient in the first years of life is important for at least 3 reasons. Vitamin D3:
- supports bone mineralization, including teeth,
- ensures proper absorption of calcium and phosphorus,
- supports the proper functioning of the immune system, thanks to which it can reduce the risk of bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
Vitamin D sources
The main sources of vitamin D3 are primarily the natural synthesis in the skin under the influence of solar radiation and, to a much lesser extent, the diet. Most of this chemical is produced in the skin, or more precisely in the epidermal keratinocytes, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation (UVB). When the sun’s rays of a certain wavelength fall on the skin’s surface, pre-vitamin D3 is converted into vitamin D3, and then the hormonally active form of vitamin D. Thus, from 80% to even 100% of the demand for this ingredient can be covered.
The conditions necessary for the production of this vitamin in Poland occur from May to September, between 10:00 a.m. and 15:00 p.m. However, it is worth remembering that it is necessary to discover a sufficiently large body surface and refrain from using creams with UVB filters. Additionally, in our latitude, cutaneous synthesis is not very effective, even in spring and summer. Especially in the case of infants and young children, in whom direct exposure to the sun is not recommended by pediatricians.
Vitamin D is found naturally in very few foods. It is mainly fish, incl. salmon, trout, halibut, tuna, carp, sole, sardine, herring and mackerel. In the case of the youngest, modified milk can also be a source of it. Vitamin D supplementation is especially important in infants and young children. Why? To answer this question, it is enough to recall the previously described functions of this component for bones and immunity and consider how intensively the child’s skeletal and immune systems develop during this period, and how extremely susceptible to all kinds of infections are the youngest.
Vitamin D supplementation
Vitamin D dosage guidelines for newborns, toddlers, and toddlers change every few years. According to the current recommendations of the Expert Team (composed of national consultants and members of scientific societies), based on the latest available literature data [2], it is recommended to take specific daily doses of this compound. And thus :
- newborns and infants up to the end of the 6th month – 400 IU / day from the first day of life, regardless of the feeding method,
- infants from 6 to 12 months – 400-600 IU / day (which depends on the amount of vitamin D taken with food),
- children aged 1-10 years – in this case, two variants were allowed. The recommended dose is from 600 to 1000 UI / day, depending on body weight and the content of this vitamin in the daily diet. The situation is different only in the period from May to September in toddlers who stay in the sun for at least 15 minutes (assuming exposed forearms and lower legs not protected with sunscreen) – in this case vitamin D supplementation is recommended, but not necessary.
- adolescents between 11 and 18 years of age – in this age group the situation is similar to that of children aged 1-10. The recommended dose of vitamin D is slightly higher and ranges from 800 to 2000 UI / day.
In case of doubts and questions related to supplementation, it is worth consulting a trusted pediatrician.
NANCARE VITAMIN D – NANCARE VITAMIN D – can help to provide a child with the right amount of vitamin D every day. The product does not contain sugar, sweeteners, flavors, gluten or lactose. It has a neutral taste, which makes it easy to take even by the most demanding children. The liquid form of the supplement means that the parent can easily adjust the dose of vitamin D to the needs of the child – there is 1 IU of this ingredient in 200 drop. One package of NANCARE VITAMIN D is up to 50 servings of the vitamin.
NANCARE VITAMIN D is only one of the products included in the NANCARE range of dietary supplements, which also includes: NANCARE FLORA-PRO and NANCARE FLORA-SUPPORT probiotics, as well as the GOS / FOS fiber composition – NANCARE FLORA-EQUILIBRIUM. All of them were created to support development and help respond to the needs of the youngest. Each of the products contains important, safe ingredients for children that can support the body’s needs or help in the event of gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea or constipation. As with any supplement, also in this case, it is worth consulting a health care specialist before starting the use of the product.
To sum up – the supply of vitamin D must be taken care of. Daily. Everyone.
Important information
A healthy mother’s diet during pregnancy and after childbirth helps to store the nutrients necessary for the proper course of pregnancy, prepares for the lactation period and helps to maintain it. Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby when it is born. Mother’s milk provides him with a perfectly balanced diet and protects him against diseases. If you choose to breastfeed, make sure your diet is healthy and well-balanced.
If you choose not to breastfeed, remember that this decision is hard to reverse. The use of formula milk has social and financial implications that you should consider. Additionally, starting partial bottle-feeding will reduce the amount of milk you produce. It is important for your baby’s health that formula is always prepared, used and stored in accordance with the information on the packaging. Before deciding whether to feed your toddler, talk to your doctor or midwife. The advice of specialists will help you properly prepare for breastfeeding and maintain lactation.
The dietary supplement cannot be used as a substitute for breast milk, a varied and balanced child’s diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily allowance. Consult a physician before use. Store out of the reach of small children. A varied and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle are important for health.
The article was written in cooperation with the Nestlé Baby & Me educational program.