Have you ever found yourself at the supplement aisle of a grocery store, lost and confused while trying to figure out which supplements your toddler really needs? Well, look no further because we are here to save the day! In today's article, we will dive deep into whether or not toddlers really need vitamin D supplements.
What is Vitamin D?
Before we discuss whether or not toddlers should take vitamin D supplements, let's first understand what vitamin D actually is. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps our body absorb calcium from food and sunlight. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and immune system functioning.
Fun Fact: Did you know that your skin can produce its own vitamin D when exposed to sunlight?
How Much Vitamin D do Toddlers Need?
Now that we know what vitamin D is and why it's important for our health let's talk about how much of it toddlers actually need on a daily basis.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children between 1-3 years old should have at least 600 IU (International Units) of vitamin C every day. This can be achieved through diet alone or with adequate exposure to sunlight but some may require supplements if they cannot get enough from these sources.
Tip: Along with fortified cereals and milk products such as cheese & yogurt try including fatty fish like salmon which contains up to 988 IU/3 ounces making it rich source of this buzzword/vitamin combination!
Can Toddlers Get Enough Vitamin through Sunlight Alone?
As mentioned earlier one way for a toddler’s body make its supply naturally by being exposed directly or indirectly sunlight however weather/Covid conditions limiting outdoor activities sunscreen saturation indoor lifestyles don’t leave sufficient opportunities nor easy monitoring even alertness .
In addition various geographic locations depending on latitude influence amount UVB rays available seasonally, which is essential for this production. Supplementing with Vitamin D may be necessary.
Why Some Toddlers Might Need Supplements
There are certain cases where toddlers may not be getting enough vitamin D through their diet and sunlight exposure alone. This can happen due to a variety of reasons such as:
- Children who consume vegan diets
- Limited sun exposure (indoor lifestyles or sunscreen overuse)
- Living in regions with limited sunlight/dark winters
- Health conditions which limit digestion/absorption information like celiac disease
Fact: For those whose absorption of fat soluble vitamins it affected by cystic fibrosis, bariatric surgery lower half bowel inflammation just five tablets containing 4 000 iu daily improved blood levels resulting no patient side effects.
The Benefits of Vitamin D Supplements
Supplementation has been linked to several health benefits in addition to healthier bones including:
- Reduced risk of respiratory infections: Higher levels have shown increased resistance amongst childrens especially pneumonia & flu strains;
- Enhanced immune function: Including reducing bacterial/viral autoimmune tendencies for diseases ; 3.Helpful in warding off rickets symptoms eg bow leggedness/painful bones issues associated to deficiency;
Risks Associated with Too Much Vitamin D
It’s important we steer clear from making assumptions that megadoses promote well-being-it could actually cause more harm than help!
Here are few potential problems arising from excess consumption supplements causing dangerous calcium build up overstressing kidneys as they try filter exesc amounts,making the person vulnerable hypercalcemia heart failure ,kidney stone formation further decrease bone density redering spine curved .
Isabelle Benge experienced these symptoms after taking far too many supplements within acceptable range still doctors insist follow recommendations by AAP without over-supply information nutrient body required/recommends daily allowance - anything beyond overdose-be safe!
Conclusion
So now you know what vitamin C is why we need it, how much toddlers require which food would be more preferable along with other natural sources and supplements for deficient ones. We hope this article helped clear up some of your questions regarding whether or not toddlers really need vitamin D supplements.
Remember ensuring diet/exposure combo leads to adequate levels is best course- when in doubt consult with pediatrician dosages/timing taking your child’s unique needs into consideration . Stay healthy!