Vitamin D deficiency in children (and adults!) is very common in the UK due to diet, lifestyle, weather and our northern latitude.
It is estimated that 16% of children in the UK are deficient in vitamin D – that’s over 1 million children that have a vitamin D deficiency!
In this blog post, we will explore what is Vitamin D, the benefits of Vitamin D in children, the common causes of deficiency, how to ensure your little one gets enough Vitamin D and so much more!
So let's dive right into our Essential Vitamin D Guide for Parents!
What is Vitamin D and Why is it Important?
Vitamin D helps the absorption of calcium and is used to strengthen bones and teeth! It is an extremely important vitamin for toddlers as they go through rapid periods of growth.
The Vitamin D found in your blood is actually a hormone produced in the kidneys! Hormones are chemicals that coordinate different functions in the body by carrying messages through the blood to the organs, skin, muscles etc.
Vitamin D is made by your body via the skin’s exposure to sunlight.
We can also get vitamin D directly from supplements and a handful of different foods (more on that later).
Vitamin D does get stored by the body, but these stores can be quickly used up during the winter if levels are not maximised over the summer.
Common Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency in Children and the Risks
Prolonged deficiency in children can result in rickets - the main signs of which are skeletal abnormalities (for example bowed legs) with bone pain or tenderness and muscle weakness.
Cases of rickets amongst British children aged under five have increased in recent years, rising since 1997 – but this disease was originally eliminated in Britain during Victorian times – so why is it returning at such a high rate?
It’s important to remember we’re not seeing more cases of rickets because of neglect or poor parenting.
Several factors have all combined, contributing to children having a lower intake of vitamin D.
Let’s have a look at some of these factors:
Excessive use of sun creams for children, although promoting safety can hinder the absorption of vitamin D from sunlight.
Children opting to stay inside more, using technology for play and learning.
Cultural differences such as ones which mean children don’t spend as much time outdoors or are more covered up.
Lack of exposure to the sun in pregnant women can result in exposing the foetus to the deficiency.
These are just a few factors that can affect your little one’s intake of Vitamin D – with such a wide range of variables it’s important to ensure your child is receiving this to ensure healthy development.
How to Ensure Your Child Gets Enough Vitamin D
The simple answer is don’t rely on sunlight alone!
Ensure your child’s weekly diet includes:
Oily fish, red meat or egg yolks.
Fat spreads fortified with vitamin D.
Vegan milk alternatives fortified with vitamin D such as almond, soy or rice.
Or fortified breakfast cereals - such as Weetabix, Cornflakes, Rice Krispies and Shreddies.
Please note in the UK, cows' milk is generally not a good source of vitamin D because it is not fortified, as it is in some other countries like the USA.
Another source of vitamin D is dietary supplements! But please speak to your health visitor or GP before giving your little one any dietary supplements.
The NHS recommends that babies from birth to 1 year of age should have a daily supplement of 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year if they are:
Breastfed,
Formula-fed and are having less than 500ml of infant formula a day (as infant formula is already fortified with vitamin D).
Children aged 1 to 4 years old should be given a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year.
You can buy vitamin D supplements or vitamin drops containing vitamin D (just make sure they’re labelled for under 5s) at most pharmacies and supermarkets.
Women and children who qualify for the Healthy Start Scheme can also get free supplements containing vitamin D – click here to learn more.
Ensuring Your Child’s Healthy Development With Vitamin D
To summarise, Vitamin D plays a crucial role in your child’s growth, helping to build strong bones, teeth, and more.
With the high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in the UK, it’s important to take steps to ensure your little one is getting enough of this vital nutrient.
By combining a balanced diet rich in Vitamin D, safe sun exposure, and the recommended supplements, you can help protect your child from the risks associated with deficiency.
Remember, each child is unique so speak to your health visitor, nursery manager or GP for advice or if you have any concerns.
Additional Resources For More Info
Click here for Holland & Barrett’s Guide to Vitamin D for children and babies.
Click here to the NHS vitamins for children guide
Click here for the NHS Vegan nutrition guideline.
FAQs
How much Vitamin D does my child need daily?
Can my child get enough Vitamin D from sunlight alone?
What are the signs of Vitamin D deficiency in children?
Are there any risks associated with giving my child too much Vitamin D?
Can I rely on fortified foods alone to meet my child’s Vitamin D needs?
What should I do if my child refuses to take Vitamin D supplements?
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