Vitamin D: A Simple Guide for Parents

Introduction

Today, let's talk about Vitamin D for kids, often referred to as the sunshine vitamin. This essential nutrient plays an important role in your child's bone health, immune function, and overall growth. Let's explore its importance and how you can ensure your little one gets the Vitamin D they need.

What is Vitamin D and Why is it Important?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that the body produces in response to sunlight exposure. It plays a very important role in helping with the absorption of calcium, which is essential for developing strong bones and teeth(1). Beyond bone health, Vitamin D contributes to a robust immune system and overall well-being(2).

When to Start Ensuring Your Child is Getting Adequate Vitamin D:

From the very beginning! It's important to ensure your baby receives an adequate amount of Vitamin D for their healthy development. Since current practice advises that infants and young children avoid direct sun exposure, a daily Vitamin D supplement is recommended for all breast fed infants(3). For infants who are receiving formula, Vitamin D is usually added to the formula and therefore would not need a supplement (but always a good idea to double check the formula to make sure!).

How to get enough Vitamin D

Supplementing with Vitamin D in the amount of 10ug (400IU) per day is recommended for infants and young children who are breastfed or receiving breastmilk. After two years of age, a Vitamin D supplement is no longer recommended and instead a child can get Vitamin D from various foods such as eggs, fatty fish, cow's milk and other dairy foods, and fortified plant-based alternative beverages(3).

If you are more of a visual learning, here is an infographic!

Vitamin D is indeed an important nutrient for your child's health and development. Here is a great smoothie recipe using fortified plant-based alternative beverage, which will provide your little one some Vitamin D!