Vitamin D is a nutrient that is important for promoting the growth and development of young children.
As parents, we strive to provide our children with safe, adequate, and quality nutrition.
Food, after all, is fuel for life.
But sometimes some essential nutrients fall through the cracks, without us even realising it.
We had the opportunity to have a proper sit down with paediatrician Dr JoAnn Rajah from the First Step Child Specialist Clinic, to get to the bottom of vitamin D and why it’s so important for children.
Why is vitamin D important for children’s growth and development?
All parents want their children to grow up strong and healthy.
Getting enough sleep, exercising, and having a well-balanced diet are crucial to achieving this.
However, vitamin D is an often overlooked vitamin when it comes to nutrition.
While it is naturally synthesised by the skin upon exposure to sunlight, many people, including children, do not get enough sunlight exposure.
In a recent study examining 402 children in Kuala Lumpur, 35.3% of children had vitamin D deficiency, while 37.1% had vitamin D below normal values!
Most of us are aware that vitamin D plays a significant role in the absorption of essential minerals, namely calcium and phosphate.
Therefore, having adequate levels of this micronutrient is vital for the development of strong and healthy teeth and bones.
Without it, children can develop rickets, a condition characterised by weak, soft bones and skeletal deformities.
Interestingly, this vitamin is also important for muscle function.
It helps maintain muscle strength and coordination, which are crucial for the physical development and acquisition of motor skills in children.
Hence, optimal levels can improve muscle function and stability, which indirectly reduces the risks of falls and fractures.
Lately, vitamin D has been in the limelight for its importance in maintaining the immune system and enhancing the body’s defence mechanism against infections and illnesses.
Many studies have shown that having adequate levels may reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
For example, influenza and other common childhood illnesses.
In summary, vitamin D is indeed vital to helping children grow up to be strong and healthy.
Parents can help ensure adequate intake of this vitamin through sunlight exposure, dietary sources, and supplementation when necessary.
How can parents tell if their child has a vitamin D deficiency?
Most of the time, it is rather hard to tell whether a child has low vitamin D, as many do not have symptoms.
Some children may have bone or muscle pain, while others may have muscle cramps due to a lack of calcium.
In young, growing children, deficiency can lead to soft, pliable bones causing rickets.
This condition can lead to skeletal deformities such as ‘bow legs’ or ‘knock knees’, thickened wrists and ankles, and other abnormalities.
Other signs that may indicate a child has a deficiency include frequently falling sick or delayed motor skills.
If there is any suspicion that your child might be lacking in vitamin D, do see your doctor.
They can perform a simple blood test to see if they are suffering from a deficiency.
How would you advise parents on selecting the right vitamin D product for their children?
When selecting a supplement for your child, parents first need to know what the recommended daily intake of vitamin D is.
The recommended daily intake for infants 12 months of age and younger is 400 IU a day.
Meanwhile, children 1 year and older require about 600 IU a day.
Other considerations would include supplements obtained from naturally-sourced ingredients.
They should ideally be free from preservatives, additives, artificial flavours, colours, and common allergens.
Finally, having a supplement that is palatable and easy to serve would be helpful for busy parents to ensure consistency in the long term.
Motherhood Recommends Ddrops
Fortunately, there are many excellent brands and Vitamin D products on the market. Among them, we at Motherhood recommend parents to try Ddrops from Canada. With a rich 59-year legacy and globally recommended by paediatricians, it stands as a top choice for ensuring your child’s wellbeing.
Boost Your Child’s Vitamin D Intake with Ddrops
‘The sunshine vitamin in just one drop’.
That’s what Ddrops promises for all parents of children who may need a little boost in their vitamin D intake.
Based in Canada, Ddrops was founded as a way to provide nutrients for children in a safe, easy and simple way.
They specialise in vitamin D supplements, manufactured only under the best formulation and highest quality control.
Here’s why Ddrops may be perfect for your kids:
- Pure Ingredients: Ddrops is made with only two naturally-sourced ingredients—Natural Lanolin Extracted Organic D3 and Patented MCT Coconut Oil.
- Simple Formula: It contains no gelatine, no sugar, no artificial colours or flavours, and is free from preservatives and common allergens
- Easy to Use: Portable and small, the bottle is easy to carry around—your child’s daily recommended intake of vitamin D is fulfilled in only one tasteless drop
- Supported by Science: The unique Euro Ddropper technology reduces risk of choking while ensuring a precise and accurate dosage
Get Ddrops today from the Ddrops Official Store on Shopee or Lazada.
Give your child the healthy and happy childhood they deserve!
Source: Dr JoAnn Rajah from the First Step Child Specialist Clinic
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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