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Vitamin D for children: why is it needed and how to give
The importance of vitamin D for children’s health
Vitamin D, often called “solar vitamin”, plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of children from the moment of birth and throughout the entire period of growth and development. It belongs to the group of fat -soluble vitamins necessary for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, key minerals for the formation of strong bones and teeth. The disadvantage of vitamin D can lead to serious health problems, especially in childhood, when bone tissue is actively formed.
Vitamin D functions in the child’s body
Vitamin D performs many important functions in the child’s body:
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The assimilation of calcium and phosphorus: The main function of vitamin D is to regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestines. These minerals are necessary for the formation and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Without a sufficient amount of vitamin D, the body cannot effectively absorb calcium, which leads to its deficiency and, as a result, to problems with bone tissue.
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Maintaining the health of bones and teeth: Vitamin D promotes bone mineralization, making them strong and resistant to fractures. It is also important for the health of teeth, as it is involved in the formation of enamel and prevents the development of caries. In children, vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, a disease characterized by bone deformation.
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Support for the immune system: Vitamin D plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system, helping the body fight infections. It participates in the regulation of the immune response and reduces the risk of developing autoimmune diseases. Studies show that a sufficient amount of vitamin D can reduce susceptibility to respiratory infections, such as flu and SARS.
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Cell growth regulation: Vitamin D is involved in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. It affects the expression of genes that control the growth and development of various tissues and organs. This is especially important in childhood, when the body is actively growing and developing.
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Maintenance of muscle health: Vitamin D is necessary for the normal function of muscles. It contributes to muscle contraction and prevents their weakness. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, muscle pain and increased risk of falls.
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Impact on mood and cognitive functions: Some studies show that vitamin D can affect mood and cognitive functions. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of depression and other mental disorders. There is also evidence that vitamin D can improve memory and concentration.
Sources of vitamin D for children
There are three main sources of vitamin D for children:
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Sunlight: The most natural way to produce vitamin D is a stay in the sun. Under the influence of ultraviolet rays B (UVB), vitamin D is synthesis in the skin. However, the effectiveness of the synthesis of vitamin D depends on many factors, such as the time of day, season, geographical latitude, skin color and the use of sunscreens. In the winter months and in regions with low solar activity, the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin is significantly reduced. A long stay in the sun without protection can lead to sunburn and increases the risk of skin cancer.
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Food: Some foods contain vitamin D, but in most cases its content is small. Good sources of vitamin D include oily fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), egg yolks, liver and enriched products (milk, yogurt, juices, porridge). It is important to remember that in order to obtain a sufficient amount of vitamin D, only from food products must be consumed in large quantities, which is not always possible and appropriate.
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Vitamin additives: Vitamin additives are a reliable way to provide a child with a sufficient amount of vitamin D, especially in cases where it is impossible to get it from sunlight and food. There are various forms of vitamin additives, such as drops, tablets and chewing sweets. It is important to choose additives designed specifically for children, and observe the recommended dosage.
Risk factors for vitamin D in children
Some children are at risk of vitamin D:
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Breast children: Breast milk does not contain enough vitamin D to meet the needs of the baby, especially if the mother herself experiences his deficiency. Therefore, all infants are recommended to give additives of vitamin D from the first days of life.
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Children with dark skin: Melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, reduces the ability of the skin to synthesize vitamin D under the influence of sunlight. Children with dark skin need more time to stay in the sun to develop a sufficient amount of vitamin D.
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Children living in regions with low solar activity: In regions with a short light day and frequent cloudy, the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin is significantly reduced.
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Children with a limited stay in the sun: Children who spend little time in the open air or constantly use sunscreen are at risk of vitamin D.
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Children with certain diseases: Some diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, may disrupt the absorption of vitamin D in the intestines.
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Children taking certain drugs: Some drugs, such as anticonvulsants and glucocorticosteroids, can affect vitamin D.’s metabolism.
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Children with obesity: Vitamin D is a fat -soluble vitamin, and in people with obesity it can accumulate in adipose tissue, which reduces its accessibility for the body.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in children
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in children can be different and depend on the degree of deficiency and age of the child. In the early stages, vitamin D deficiency can occur asymptomatic. As the deficiency progresses, the following symptoms may appear:
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Rakhite: Rickets are a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency in children, which is characterized by bone deformation. Symptoms of rickets may include:
- Slow growth
- Delay of teething
- Step deformation (o-shaped or x-shaped legs)
- Thickening of the bones of the wrists and ankles
- Softening of the bones of the skull (cranitabes)
- Turning stomach
- Muscle weakness
- Irritability
- Tendency to fractures
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Muscle weakness and pain: Vitamin D deficiency can lead to muscle weakness and muscle pain. Children may experience difficulties when walking, running and other physical exertion.
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Fatigue and weakness: Vitamin D deficiency can cause fatigue and weakness. Children can feel tired even after small physical exertion.
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Irritability and mood changes: Vitamin D deficiency can affect mood and cause irritability, tearfulness and mood changes.
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Development of development: In severe cases, vitamin D deficiency can lead to developmental delay.
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Increased susceptibility to infections: Vitamin D deficiency can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections.
Diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency in children
Diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency in children is based on the assessment of symptoms, risk factors and blood tests. The main indicator of vitamin D deficiency is the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] In blood serum. The optimal level 25 (OH) D for bones and overall health is 30-60 ng/ml (75-150 nmol/l).
- Deficiency: 25(OH)D < 20 нг/мл (< 50 нмоль/л)
- Failure: 25 (oh) d 20-29 ng/ml (50-74 nmol/l)
- Sufficient level: 25 (oh) d 30-60 ng/ml (75-150 nmol/l)
- Excess: 25 (OH) D> 100 ng/ml (> 250 nmol/l)
The doctor may prescribe additional studies, such as x -ray of bones, to assess the degree of deformation of bones in rickets.
Recommendations for taking vitamin D for children
Recommendations for taking vitamin D for children vary depending on the age, state of health and the availability of risk factors for vitamin D. General recommendations for taking vitamin D for children are as follows:
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Breast children (0-12 months): It is recommended to give 400 IU (10 μg) of vitamin D on the day of the first days of life, which are on breastfeeding or less than 1 liter of vitamin D of the mixture on the first days of life.
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Children over 1 year: Children over 1 year old are recommended to receive 600 IU (15 μg) of vitamin D per day. If the child receives enough vitamin D from food and sunlight, additives may not be required. However, in most cases, children are recommended to give vitamin D additives, especially in the winter months and in regions with low solar activity.
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Children with risk factors of vitamin D: Children with risk factors for vitamin D, such as dark skin, limited stay in the sun, certain diseases or taking some drugs, may require a higher dose of vitamin D. It is necessary to consult a doctor to determine the optimal dosage.
How to give vitamin D to children
There are various forms of vitamin additives intended for children:
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Drops: Drops of vitamin D are conveniently given to infants and young children. Drops can be added to milk, mixture or juice. It is important to accurately measure the dosage using a pipette or a dispenser attached to the bottle.
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Tablets: Vitamin D tablets can be given older children who can swallow the entire tablet. The tablets can be crushed and mixed with food or drink.
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Jelly Bean: Chewing sweets with vitamin D is a convenient and delicious way to provide a child with a sufficient amount of vitamin D. It is important to ensure that the child does not use too much chewing sweets, as they may contain sugar.
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Spray: Vitamin D spray is easy to dose and conveniently use for children of any age.
When choosing a vitamin additive for a child, you need to pay attention to the following factors:
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Vitamin D: There are two main forms of vitamin D: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholegalciferol). Vitamin D3 is considered more effective than vitamin D2, since it is better absorbed and persists longer in the body.
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Dosage: It is important to choose an additive with a suitable dosage of vitamin D for the age and needs of the child. It is necessary to follow the recommended dosage indicated on the packaging.
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Composition: Some vitamin additives may contain additional ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals and flavorings. It is important to choose additives with a safe and proven composition.
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Manufacturer: Choose vitamin additives from reliable manufacturers that comply with quality and safety standards.
Before taking vitamin D, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to determine the optimal dosage and exclude possible contraindications.
Overdose of vitamin D in children
An overdose of vitamin D in children is rare, but can lead to serious health problems. Symptoms of vitamin D overdose may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Irritability
- Far -hearted urination
- Dehydration
- Increased blood calcium (hypercalcemia)
- Calcium deposition in kidneys and other organs
If you suspect an overdose of vitamin D in a child, you must immediately consult a doctor.
Prevention of vitamin D deficiency in children
Prevention of vitamin D deficiency in children includes the following measures:
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The prenatal prophylaxis: Pregnant and nursing women are recommended to take vitamin D at a dose of 600-800 IU (15-20 μg) per day to provide a sufficient supply of vitamin D in a child.
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Vitamin D intake from the first days of life: It is recommended to give 400 IU (10 μg) of vitamin D on the day of the first days of life, which are on breastfeeding or less than 1 liter of vitamin D of the mixture on the first days of life.
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Sufficient stay in the sun: Children should spend enough time outdoors to ensure the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin. However, it is important to avoid a long -term stay in the sun without protection, especially during the period of maximum solar activity.
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The use of products rich in vitamin D: In the child’s diet, products rich in vitamin D should include, such as oily fish, egg yolks, liver and enriched products.
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Regular control of vitamin D: Children with risk factors for vitamin D is recommended to regularly control the level of 25 (OH) D in the blood.
Vitamin D and Covid-19 in children
During the Covid-19 pandemia, interest in the role of vitamin D increased in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Some studies show that vitamin D deficiency can be associated with an increased risk of development of the COVID-19 and a more severe course of the disease. However, further research is needed to confirm this data and determine the optimal dosage of vitamin D for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
Currently, there is no sufficient evidence for the recommendation of routine intake of high doses of vitamin D for the prevention of COVID-19 in children. However, maintaining a sufficient level of vitamin D in the body can help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of developing infectious diseases.
The importance of consulting a doctor
The information presented in this article is intended only for information purposes and should not be used for self -diagnosis and self -medication. Before taking vitamin D, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to determine the optimal dosage and exclude possible contraindications. The doctor will be able to evaluate the individual needs of the child and give recommendations on the prevention and treatment of vitamin D. deficiency.
It should be remembered that vitamin D is an important vitamin for children’s health, but its intake should be reasonable and reasonable. The uncontrolled intake of vitamin D can lead to an overdose and negative health consequences. Only a doctor can determine whether the child needs a vitamin D intake and in what dosage.