It is impossible to overestimate the properties of vitamin D for the development of a child. It affects the teeth and bones, has a beneficial effect on the muscular and nervous systems, enables the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, increases immunity, soothes inflammation of the skin. Unfortunately, according to statistics, only 10% of children in Poland receive the right dose of vitamin D! Its deficiency can cause rickets, and later in life, osteoporosis. How and why should you give your baby vitamin D?
We will not find it in natural products. In the times of our grandmothers, it was believed that it was enough to breastfeed the baby and expose it to the sun so that the body could produce the right amount of vitamin D. However, nowadays it is known that it is not enough – the baby must be given the right doses from birth to prevent various complications .
Why Vitamin D?
First and foremost, the administration of vitamin D is intended to ensure the normal development of the child. Its long-term deficiency will cause the bones to weaken and break easily. According to research, prophylactic administration of this ingredient ensures stronger teeth in the future. This affects not only infancy, but throughout life – an insufficient amount of vitamin D administered in childhood contributes to an increased risk of osteoporosis, as we enter adulthood with too little bone density. Permanent teeth will also be more susceptible to caries and definitely weaker.
Drops – how and when to give?
If your baby is exclusively breastfed, you should give him vitamin D in addition. Formula-fed children do not need to, because they receive this ingredient with food.
- In order for everything to go smoothly, it is best to start taking vitamin D very early – the expectant mother takes it in the form of 400 units a day during pregnancy, and then continues to take it during the breastfeeding period. Then supplementation of the infant can be started only in the 3rd week of life.
- If the mother did not take vitamin D during pregnancy, we give it to the child on the seventh day. As already mentioned above, the exception is children who are fed formula milk, which already contains this ingredient.
Dosage for a baby and a larger child
For newborns, we give 400 units or more, and for a preschooler who spends enough time outdoors, the dose can be reduced to 200 units. Polish norm of taking vit. D has so far envisaged giving it until the age of two or three. Today, doctors consider that it is best to give this ingredient until the age of 16, i.e. throughout the entire period of intensive growth.
The most important thing is to remember that the right dose of vitamin D must be determined by a doctor. Do not give it to your child just in case, only after consulting a specialist. He will choose the best, individually tailored way to avoid deficiency problems.