How to Ensure Proper Vitamin D in Children

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http://www.naturalnews.com/026055.html

 

 

Rickets seems like it should be a disease of the past. However, more and more

children are being found to be deficient in Vitamin D. Twelve percent of babies

and children are Vitamin D deficient and another 28% are at risk of a deficiency

according to a study for the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine.

Proper supplementation and appropriate sun exposure can ensure an adequate level

of Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is necessary to build strong bones by helping the body absorb and

effectively use calcium. Without proper levels of Vitamin D, bones can become

soft, brittle, or deformed such as in rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis.

Vitamin D deficiency in babies results in delayed development. It also plays a

role in enhancing the immune system and preventing autoimmune diseases such as

multiple sclerosis.

Vitamin D is found in very few foods so is often added to foods such as milk. In

addition the skin can naturally produce Vitamin D when exposed to UVB radiation

in sunlight. When there is not enough sunlight exposure to synthesize Vitamin D

it is essential to get it from the diet.

Breastfed babies are at risk of Vitamin D deficiency because breastmilk is

naturally low in Vitamin D. Many pediatricians recommend a Vitamin D supplement

for this reason when a baby is exclusively breastfed. Other risk factors for

deficiency include overuse of sunscreen and eating a diet low in Vitamin D or

Vitamin D fortified foods.

A study done at the Children's Hospital of Boston looked at Vitamin D levels in

children between eight months and twenty-four months old. It was found that at

least 40% of these children were not getting enough Vitamin D and that children

who were deficient showed radiographic evidence of low bone density.

Fifteen minutes of sun exposure (without sunscreen) daily is enough to ensure

adequate levels of Vitamin D. Naturally occurring Vitamin D can be found in cod

liver oil, herring, and salmon. Fortified food such as milk, cheese, and

breakfast cereals can help intake levels. Breastfed babies and others at risk of

low Vitamin D levels should supplement. It is difficult to take too much Vitamin

D but it can be toxic if very high doses are taken (50 times the Recommended

Daily Allowance).

Maintaining proper levels of Vitamin D in children is important to maintain bone

health and support their immune systems. Speak with your child's doctor about

supplementation for breastfed babies, proper diet for older children, and the

importance of sun exposure.

Sources:

Merck Manual (http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec12/ch1...)

Oregon State University, Linus ing Institute, Micronutrient Information

Center (http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocent...)

Vitamin D Deficiency Puts 40% of U.S. Infants and Toddlers At Risk,

(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dy...)

About the author

Sheryl is a kinesiologist, nutritionist and holistic practitioner.

Her website www.younglivingguide.com provides the latest research on preventing

disease, looking naturally gorgeous, and feeling emotionally and physically

fabulous.

And her latest website www.raiselibido.com offers a vast quantity of information

on how to increase sex drive and enjoy a vibrant sex life.

Love, Gabby. :0)

http://stemcellforautism.blogspot.com/

 

" I know of nobody who is purely Autistic or purely neurotypical. Even God had

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