Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be stored in your child's body. According to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 70 percent of children in the United States have low levels of vitamin D. Give your child foods rich in vitamin D to prevent him from developing a deficiency. The human body can also make this vitamin by direct exposure to the sunlight.
Function
Your child needs vitamin D for normal growth and development. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium, so your child needs the vitamin to build strong bones. It also helps maintain a healthy immune system, protecting your child's body from harmful viruses and bacteria. Vitamin D also allows the nerves to carry signals between the brain and all body parts.
Recommended Allowance
The Food and Nutrition Board's Institute of Medicine has established recommended dietary allowances for vitamin D. Children who are 1 and older require 15 mcg of vitamin D daily. Too much vitamin D can be harmful, causing weight loss, weakness, nausea and vomiting. It can also lead to problems with heart rhythm and kidneys. The safe upper limits for vitamin D are 62.5 mcg for children who are 1 to 3, 75 mcg for kids who are 4 to 8, and 100 mcg for children ages 9 to 13.
Deficiency
A deficiency in vitamin D in children can lead to rickets, which causes the bones to become soft and weak. It can also lead to impaired growth and skeleton deformities. Although rickets in the United States is rare, children with liver disorders and children of African origin may develop this disease. Speak to your child's healthcare provider to see if he needs vitamin D supplements.
Dietary Sources
Vitamin D occurs naturally in a small number of foods. Tuna, sardines and cod are good fish sources, and small amounts of vitamin D are found in egg yolk, cheese and beef liver. Many foods are enriched with vitamin D, such as margarine, milk and yogurt. Choose low-fat or nonfat varieties. This vitamin is also added to malted drinks, orange juice and breakfast cereals.
References
- MedlinePlus; Vitamin D; Alison Evert, MS, RD, CDE; February 2011
- Office of Dietary Supplements; Vitamin D; June 2011
- USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference: Vitamin D
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Millions of Children Low in Vitamin D; August 2009
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University; Vitamin D; Jane Higdon, Ph.D., et al.; March 2004
- MedlinePlus; Rickets; Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA; August 2010
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