Vitamin D, also known as the Sunshine Vitamin, is one of the most essential nutrients for toddlers because it helps in building strong bones. It is hardly available in most of the foods. Vitamin D is generated by the body when the skin is exposed to UVB rays.
Vitamin D is found only in foods like fatty fish and fish oils. These are not given to toddlers often. You can discuss with your pediatrician regarding some alternative sources of Vitamin D.
Key Roles of Vitamin D
- Absorption of calcium from the foods
- Keeps your child’s bones and teeth strong
- Supports the health of the immune system, brain, and nervous system.
How much Vitamin D is enough
- All kids would mostly be recommended a Vitamin D supplement by the doctor because breast milk and other foods may not provide for the required content.
- Kids with medical problems like obesity, fractures, bone pain will need more vitamin as compared to others. Your health care provider can talk to you about whether your child needs a vitamin D supplement.
Vitamin Deficiency
- Rickets – Rickets is caused due to vitamin D deficiency and is a condition where the toddler’s bones are soft and poorly built.
- There may be an increased risk of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, allergies and asthma because of lack of Vitamin D.
