Health Tips: Children’s bones can become weak due to deficiency of Vitamin D, it can affect the overall development.

Vitamin D is very important for our body. Vitamin D is also called ‘sunshine vitamin’. Which is also related to the health and development of bones. But even today this vitamin is ignored. Vitamin D is especially important for infants and children. Because Vitamin D plays an important role in the growth and development of the skeletal system.

Why is Vitamin D important?

In simple words, Vitamin D helps in absorbing and regulating phosphorus and calcium in the body. It is very important for bone health and healthy muscles. Apart from this, Vitamin D is also helpful in strengthening the immune system and production of inflammatory proteins.

low levels of vitamin d

When the level of Vitamin D in the body is low. So the glands take calcium from the bones into the blood to maintain calcium levels within normal limits. Due to which the bone density decreases and the bones become weak. The risk of bones being affected is highest due to Vitamin D deficiency. Due to deficiency of this vitamin, bones can become brittle and weak and can break easily. Due to this, a person can also become a victim of rickets. Vitamin D deficiency can affect not only the immunity of children but also their mental health. It can even cause juvenile arthritis.

Where do you get Vitamin D from?

The most important source of Vitamin D is sunlight. It is beneficial for people of all ages. When our skin is exposed to sunlight, the sun’s UVB rays attack the cholesterol in the skin cells. This leads to synthesis of Vitamin D. The amount of vitamin D produced by the body’s exposure to sunlight depends on several factors. These include weather, day, time, skin colour, clouds and air pollution etc.

Apart from sunlight, there are many sources of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is also found in red meat, liver, rainbow trout, fatty fish, egg yolk and mushroom 1 etc. Vitamin D is also found in milk, orange, pomegranate etc. Generally, all these foods are not very effective in the diet of children. Because of this, it is very difficult to get adequate amounts of nutrients regularly.

Causes of Vitamin D deficiency in children

It has been observed all over the world that Vitamin D deficiency is common in infants. Its prevalence rate has been found to range from 2.7% to 45%2. Children under 2 years of age are at higher risk of developing vitamin D deficiency. Because compared to other people they are less exposed to sunlight. Whereas the prevalence rate of Vitamin D in children aged 1 to 11 years is 15%, the prevalence rate in children and adolescents aged 3 years is 14%. Let us know when Vitamin D deficiency is found in children.

When does Vitamin D deficiency occur in children?

Darkening of children’s skin

The child stays indoors most of the time and gets less exposure to sunlight.

cover the skin completely

living in cold climates

A child who is breastfed and the mother has vitamin D deficiency.

eating vegetarian food

Diseases affecting vitamin D levels – liver disease, kidney disease and celiac disease or cystic fibrosis.

The child is taking medication that can affect vitamin D levels.

Effect of Vitamin D deficiency in children

Deficiency of Vitamin D in children can weaken their bones, which can lead to rickets. Let us tell you that having the condition of rickets can increase the chances of disability, bone pain and fractures. At the same time, deficiency of this vitamin can also reduce muscle strength and endurance. The muscles of the body work well when adequate amounts of Vitamin D are found in the body. At the same time, due to deficiency of Vitamin D in the child, the muscles can become weak, due to which he may feel difficulty in physical activities also.

At the same time, deficiency of Vitamin D can also cause irritability, delayed growth, seizures due to low calcium levels, loss of appetite, lethargy and frequent respiratory infections in the child. Vitamin D deficiency is more common in young children compared to youth and teenagers.

By following these tips there will be no Vitamin D deficiency in children.

diet

Include foods rich in Vitamin D in children’s diet. Include fortified dairy products, fatty fish and egg yolks in their diet.

spend time in the sun

Sunlight is considered the best source of Vitamin D. In such a situation, encourage the child to play outside in the sun. Let us tell you that the sun’s UVB rays are highest between 10 am and 3 pm. While a child with dark skin needs to stay in the sun for 30-35 minutes, a child with light skin needs 15 minutes. However, take sun protection measures to protect your child from sunburn.

physical activities

To promote muscle strength and power as well as the overall development of children, physical activities should be done according to their age.

calcium intake

Children and adolescents who are found to be deficient in Vitamin D should consume supplements or adequate calcium-rich foods like curd, milk, cheese etc. daily.

supplement

Supplements can also be taken to increase vitamin D levels. But keep in mind that it should be taken only on the advice of a doctor.

Doctor’s supervision is necessary

The level of Vitamin D can be found out by getting the child examined by a pediatrician. At the same time, on the advice of a doctor, it can also help in removing its deficiency immediately.

Disclaimer: The suggestions in this article are for general information. Do not take these tips and information as advice from a doctor or medical professional. In case of symptoms of any disease, definitely consult a doctor.