The Importance of Vitamin D in Childhood

In a previous blog, I explored the reasons why I believe that supplements for children can be a good idea. In recent years, one supplement in particular has gained a vast amount of interest and research – that supplement is Vitamin D.

An adequate Vitamin D status is essential during childhood & adolescence. It plays a vital role in:

• Cell growth
• Skeletal structure & development
• The function of the immune system
• The proper absorption & utilisation of calcium

Adequate Vitamin D in childhood could reduce the risk of an adult developing:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Osteoporosis
• Diabetes
• Recurrent Infections
• Autoimmune Conditions

Vitamin D can be synthesised by the body on exposure to sunlight, and is also found in fatty fish, fortified foods, beef liver, cheese, egg yolk and mushrooms.

It was previously thought that deficiency of vitamin D was unlikely, however research in recent years has shown this to be an incorrect assumption.

A study was carried out on Vitamin D status amongst adolescents in Europe by the ‘Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence’ (HELENA) group. Fasting blood samples were obtained from 1006 adolescents, aged 12-17, across 9 Countries: Italy, Greece, Austria, Spain, Sweden, Hungary, France, Crete, Germany.

Vitamin D status was classified into 4 groups:

• Sufficiency / Optimal
• Insufficient
• Deficient
• Severely Deficient

The results showed:

• 39% of the children had insufficient levels
• 27% were classed as deficient
• 15% were actually severely deficient

This proved that even in sunny climates children were at risk of health concerns due to Vitamin D deficiency. In the UK, there has been a 4-fold increase in admissions to hospital with Rickets in the last 15 years. Rickets is a condition that causes the bones to become soft and weak, leading to bone deformities. This has been linked to increased time spent indoors, increased use of sunscreens and therefore a decrease in the sun exposure required for vitamin D production.

Studies suggest that Vitamin D deficiency is likely to affect at least half the UK white population, and up to 90% of the multi-ethnic population.

Consequently, NICE is recommending that Vitamin D supplements are used during pregnancy, when breast feeding, and in children aged 6 months – 4 years. The suggested dose is 400iu per day – all year round.

Natures Aid Vitamin D3 Mini Drops for infants and children provide 400iu of Vitamin D3 per 1ml.

Written By Jenny Logan DNMed. (Jenny is a Nutritional Therapist who has worked with clients in Health Foods Stores and Private Clinics for over 20 years.)