• Home
• >
• Health Articles
• >
• Vitamin D for Children: Deficiency Symptoms and Treatment

Vitamin D for Children: Deficiency Symptoms and Treatment

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in many vital functions and is essential for overall health. Recent studies also highlight that vitamin D deficiency is a contributing factor to various immune diseases. However, despite being commonly referred to as a “vitamin,” it is actually a hormone produced when exposed to sunlight, particularly early in the morning.

The body obtains Vitamin D from several sources, primarily sunlight exposure, as well as certain foods and dietary supplements. And a deficiency in this vitamin can cause various health issues, particularly in children. Therefore, it is important to understand its causes, symptoms, and treatment methods to ensure healthy and proper growth. In this article, we will shed light on these aspects and provide insights to help keep your children in good health.

Benefits of Vitamin D for Children

Vitamin D is one of the most essential vitamins in the human body, playing a key role in various vital functions. These include:

• Aiding in the absorption of minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for healthy bone and teeth growth.
• Protecting children from spinal and leg deformities.
• Preventing bone diseases such as rickets and osteomalacia.
• Boosting the child’s immune system against various illnesses.
• Reducing the risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

Normal Vitamin D Levels for Children

Experts generally recommend maintaining levels between 20 and 40 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), while some suggest a range of 30 to 50 ng/mL. When conducting a Vitamin D test in any laboratory, you will notice that the values are categorized as follows:

Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency in Children

Unfortunately, Vitamin D deficiency has become common among both children and adults. This can be attributed to the following reasons:

• Exclusive reliance on breastfeeding.
• Limited exposure to sunlight, especially in the morning.
• An unbalanced diet.
• Liver or kidney diseases that prevent the body from properly processing Vitamin D.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency in Children

Although most cases may not exhibit noticeable symptoms, some children may experience the following:

• Muscle and bone pain
• Tingling sensation in the limbs
• Muscle tremors
• A history of frequent bone fractures
• Bowed legs in severe deficiency cases

Recommended Vitamin D Dosages for Children

In most cases, adequate sun exposure can be the key solution to get appropriate amounts of Vit D. Additionally, consuming a varied and healthy diet rich in Vitamin D—such as fish, red meat, fortified milk, egg yolk, and other sources—is the primary strategy for maintaining sufficient levels. However, this approach may not be suitable for infants who rely exclusively on breastfeeding or for children with severe deficiencies that cannot be corrected through diet alone.

In such cases, doctors may recommend Vitamin D supplements in specific doses depending on the child’s condition and age. Experts agree that the appropriate daily intake of Vitamin D is 400 IU for infants from birth to 12 months and 600 IU for children aged one year and older.

Remember to consult a doctor before opting for supplements, as they will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the optimal dosage of the supplement needed to treat the case. This is necessary as excessive intake of these supplements without medical supervision may lead to dangerously high levels of Vitamin D, causing toxicity.

–

Vitamins, in general, are essential nutrients that enable the body to function properly and maintain overall health. Vitamin deficiencies can lead to various issues, most of which are minor and can be resolved by increasing vitamin intake through diet and supplements. However, some deficiencies can be more severe and long-lasting; for example, a severe Vitamin D deficiency may result in permanent bone deformities.

To maintain overall health, it is essential to follow a balanced diet, stay active, and get adequate sun exposure.