Some vitamins can your child not get enough without supplementation. Vitamin D is one of these vitamins. In this article, I explain why your child may need a vitamin D supplement.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is one of 13 fat-soluble vitamins. The vitamin is mainly found in the fat of certain foods. Spending enough time outdoors also ensures that your body can absorb vitamin D. Your skin then converts sunlight into this essential vitamin.
Fat-soluble vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the tissues of our body. This is usually to a limited extent. A large stock of vitamin A can be stored in our liver. This is also the case with animals. That is why, for example, chicken liver is very rich in vitamin A.
If fat-soluble vitamins are excreted, this takes place in the bile or urine. This is also the case with vitamin D. Are you curious about what functions this important vitamin has? Then read on quickly!
Functions of Vitamin D
All vitamins have different functions in our bodies. Vitamin D has several functions, such as:It affects muscle function
. A shortage of vitamin D can cause complaints, such as muscle weakness and muscle cramps.
It ensures strong bones.
This vitamin does this together with calcium. Calcium and vitamin D has a positive influence on bone density and can limit bone loss.
Proper functioning of an immune system
Some studies show that vitamin D probably plays a role in the functioning of the immune system.
Absorption of phosphorus and calcium
Sufficient intake allows us to absorb phosphorus and calcium from food. Phosphorus and calcium ensure the strength of our teeth. Phosphorus also plays a role in the energy metabolism in our body.
Mood
A deficiency of vitamin D can cause the serotonin level in our brains to be lowered. This can hurt our mood. It can also sometimes lead to the development of depression.
What is this vitamin in?
Our main source is sunlight. Our skin produces vitamin D under the influence of sunlight.
We get a small part of our needs from our food. It is found in fatty fish, cheese, eggs, and beef. Vitamin D is also added to various foods, such as low-fat margarine, margarine, baked goods, and infant formula.
Why do children need vitamin D supplementation?
All children under the age of 4 need 10 micrograms per day.It protects children against the development of rickets. This is a deformity of the skeleton. This vitamin is also necessary for building bones and teeth.
Extra nutrients have been added to the formula and follow-on milk. If your child is not taking this, a vitamin D supplement should be taken separately.
After 4 years, this need remains the same if your child has a tinted or dark skin color. The need also remains the same if your child spends less than 30 minutes a day outdoors in daylight or wears covering clothes.
If this is not the case with your child, in principle your child no longer needs to receive vitamin D supplementation when he or she turns 4 years old.
People 70 years and older are advised to take a supplement of 20 micrograms per day. As the skin ages, vitamin D is less able to be made from sunlight.