Why vitamin D is important for children and what are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in children?

Vitamin D is one of the best nutrients your baby needs and as a new mom, you should be aware of this.

What Is the Importance of Vitamin D?

Vitamin D Plays A major Role In

• Fighting infections and strengthening the immune system

• Promoting brain development

• Maintaining healthy bones

• Making sure the heart, muscles, and brain work efficiently

• Helping the respiratory system, and

• Has anti-cancer effects

Also, Vitamin D helps in regulating the levels of calcium and phosphorous and in the mineralization of bones.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency In Babies

• General irritability or fussiness

• Soft skull

• Delayed Achievements of Milestones

• Bone Deformities

• Poor Growth

• Tooth Decay

• Weak Immune System

Who Are at Risk?

There are some instances where children are likely to suffer from a deficiency of vitamin D.

• Your child's body is not able to make sufficient vitamin D

• Those who mostly stay indoors have darker skin, or who cover the skin mostly, and whose mothers suffer from a deficiency of vitamin D

• Who are breastfed for a long time

• Lack of vitamin D in the diet

Major Diseases Due To Vitamin D Deficiency In Children

1. Rickets

2. Cardiomyopathy

3. Other Diseases: Cancer, heart diseases, infectious disorders, autoimmune diseases, and diabetics.

Pregnancy and Vitamin D Deficiency

The quantity of Vitamin D stores in the pregnant woman body has much impact on the fetus and, so, you should take vitamin D supplements throughout your pregnancy. Moreover, women who are obese are more prone to Vitamin D deficiency as compared to others.

Food Sources Of Vitamin D

• Cod liver oil

• Oily fish (such as purchase, herring, sardines, tuna, trout, mackerel, and salmon)

• Infant formula milk

• Fortified foods

• Eggs

• Cheese

• Orange juice

Talk to your baby's healthcare provider to find the best vitamin D supplements for your child.