The recommended daily intake of vitamin D for toddlers over 1 year of age is 600 IU; however, approximately 70 percent of children in the United States have low blood levels vitamin D, according to Dr. Kumar and colleagues in a study published in the August 2009 issue of "Pediatrics." If your child develops any of the signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in a toddler, contact your pediatrician for further evaluation and care.
Bone Structure Abnormalities
Vitamin D is a nutrient your toddler's body needs to form strong, healthy bones and teeth. If his vitamin D levels are low, he may develop a condition called rickets. Rickets leads to a progressive softening of the bones in your child's body, which may cause him to exhibit bone structure abnormalities. You may notice that his legs appear bowed inwards or his skull may be oddly shaped. His spine may bend or curve incorrectly, leading to spinal deformities such as scoliosis or kyphosis.
Dental Issues
Insufficient levels of vitamin D may also affect your toddler's tooth development. His baby teeth may appear later than other, healthy children in his age group. He may also be more likely to develop cavities or holes in the enamel of his teeth. These symptoms may arise even if your toddler maintains good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing on a daily basis. If your child develops problems with his teeth, be sure to contact a dentist for further guidance and care.
Bone or Muscle Pain
Your toddler may complain that his body hurts due to sensations of pain that arise in his bones or muscles. Frequent body aches may limit your child's ability to move about normally. You may notice that your toddler is uninterested in running around or playing outside or that he is repeatedly fussy or irritable for no apparent reason. Sensations of pain may occur in any region of his body -- from his neck and shoulders down to his feet. Bone or muscle pain may continue to increase in severity until your toddler's vitamin D levels return to normal.
Delayed Growth
Without an adequate amount of vitamin D in his body, your toddler's bones can't grow properly. Consequently, your toddler may experience growth delays as a symptom of this deficiency. He may be shorter or weigh less than children in his age group, or he may continually have trouble meeting healthy growth milestones. If you are concerned about how quickly your child is growing, seek additional care from your physician.
Frequent Fractures
Soft bones can't hold up against the typical bumps and bruises a toddler sustains while learning to walk or running around the house. Frequent bone fractures or swelling or thickening of the wrists and ankles may also be signs your child has low vitamin D levels. If your child breaks a bone, take him to a doctor or emergency room for prompt medical care and be sure to ask your health care professional to check his blood levels of vitamin D.
Member Comments