Rickets, a disorder that most often occurs in children, causes the bones to weaken and soften, which can lead to growth problems, bone deformities and breathing problems if it is not diagnosed and treated appropriately. A vitamin D deficiency is the most common cause of the condition. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate from food and supplements. Without enough vitamin D, the body often fails to absorb the calcium needed to keep bones strong and healthy.
Vitamin D Amounts
The National Institutes of Health recommends 200 IU of vitamin D daily from birth until age 50. Some doctors believe this amount should be higher, however. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 400 IU per day for breastfed infants because breast milk contains very little vitamin D. Ask your doctor about specific amounts for your needs or your child's and do not exceed 1,000 IU daily for children under 13 or 2,000 IU for adults.
Sources of Vitamin D
The body produces vitamin D naturally when the skin absorbs ultraviolet light from the sun. Mild sun exposure is healthy for most children, but those with fairer complexions usually need sunscreen, which reduces the amount of ultraviolet rays the skin absorbs. Vitamin D is added to milk, some baby formulas, cereals and juices. It is also found naturally in egg yolks and fatty fish.
Considerations
If you or your child have a medical condition that makes it difficult for you to digest fat, vitamin D supplements may not absorb properly. You can receive vitamin D injections from your doctor if needed. Take skin tone into consideration with regard to getting vitamin D through sun exposure. People with fair skin might only need an hour or less per week, while people with darker skin might need up to three hours weekly, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Warning
Don't take vitamin D supplements if you take a cholesterol-lowering drug, corticosteroid, calcium channel blocker or digoxin for irregular heartbeats unless advised to do so by your doctor. Vitamin D can interfere with the absorption of some medications, and too much calcium can lead to toxicity in patients on digoxin.
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